It's easy to compare Monster to Rashōmon — both are Japanese films that deal with the truth according to perspective. But there is a fine, and important distinction, between them: where Rashōmon examines the same scenario through multiple re-tellings and thereby creating four different truths, Monster questions the value of truth itself.
In Kore-eda Hirokazu's latest film, the acclaimed director continues his exploration of truth and family with Minato (Kurokawa Sōya), a young boy on the edge of adolescence. Returning home from school one day, a distraught Minato claims his teacher, Mr. Hori (Nagayama Eita), has bullied and physically assaulted him. When Minato's mother (Andō Sakura) confronts the school's administration, she is met with hollow apologies.
As the film unfolds, Monster reveals the truth of Minato and Hori's situation through multiple character perspectives, but ultimately betrays the mystery-thriller breadcrumbs it initially lays. By the film's end, a delicate story of affirmation and resilience emerges, with each character uniquely fractured.
Kore-eda has once again shown himself to be a master of thought-provoking deception. He challenges audiences to go beyond distinguishing between right from wrong, and explore the intentions of our judgment and those we vilify. Within the movie's three-part structure, Kore-eda seamlessly enters and exits genres while maintaining the heart of the story at all times.
The relationship between Minato and his classmate Eri (Hiiragi Hinata) shows the raw sensitivity and restraint with which the director handles his young actors. Through the dynamics of their friendship, our hearts break and mend, with Hiiragi in particular playing to our emotions with great innocence.
After two films shot overseas, the director's homecoming is a triumphant celebration of his storytelling talents and thoughtfulness. A formidable addition to his esteemed filmography, Monster leaves us hopeful under devastating circumstances.
(Photon Films)In Kore-eda Hirokazu's latest film, the acclaimed director continues his exploration of truth and family with Minato (Kurokawa Sōya), a young boy on the edge of adolescence. Returning home from school one day, a distraught Minato claims his teacher, Mr. Hori (Nagayama Eita), has bullied and physically assaulted him. When Minato's mother (Andō Sakura) confronts the school's administration, she is met with hollow apologies.
As the film unfolds, Monster reveals the truth of Minato and Hori's situation through multiple character perspectives, but ultimately betrays the mystery-thriller breadcrumbs it initially lays. By the film's end, a delicate story of affirmation and resilience emerges, with each character uniquely fractured.
Kore-eda has once again shown himself to be a master of thought-provoking deception. He challenges audiences to go beyond distinguishing between right from wrong, and explore the intentions of our judgment and those we vilify. Within the movie's three-part structure, Kore-eda seamlessly enters and exits genres while maintaining the heart of the story at all times.
The relationship between Minato and his classmate Eri (Hiiragi Hinata) shows the raw sensitivity and restraint with which the director handles his young actors. Through the dynamics of their friendship, our hearts break and mend, with Hiiragi in particular playing to our emotions with great innocence.
After two films shot overseas, the director's homecoming is a triumphant celebration of his storytelling talents and thoughtfulness. A formidable addition to his esteemed filmography, Monster leaves us hopeful under devastating circumstances.
