The influence of such a long-standing career is visible in the various accolades and nominations received from industry organizations. Often cited for a disciplined work ethic and consistent performance quality, the body of work produced continues to be a point of reference for fans of the genre.

On the art-house side, Shoplifters (2018), Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Palme d’Or winner, is the ultimate deconstruction of the blended family. A group of outcasts—none biologically related—live as a family, stealing to survive. The "blend" here is voluntary, fragile, and ultimately illegal. The film asks: Is a family built on chosen bonds and shared secrets less real than one built on blood? The answer is devastatingly ambiguous. The step-relationships in Shoplifters are more tender and functional than most biological ones, yet they are shattered by a society that refuses to recognize their validity.