Monster (2023)

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Director: Hirokazu Koreeda

Writer: Yuji Sakamoto

Stars: Sakura Ando, Eita Nagayama, Soya Kurokawa, Hinata Hiiragi, Akihiro Kakuta, Mitsuki Takahata, Shido Nakamura, Yuko Tanaka



A mother (Sakura Ando) is convinced by her son’s (Soya Kurosawa) disturbing behavior that he is being abused by a teacher at his school.



 When she confronts them, the staff seems defensive and the teacher himself (Eita Nagayama) seems highly suspicious. 



This is our entry into a deeply compassionate story that invites us to think the worst of characters before circling around with more context that changes our perspective.

 


This is another masterpiece from Hirokazu Kore-eda. 



The structure of shifting perspectives builds to a powerful conclusion. 



“Who’s the monster?” is a question that hangs over this film. 



One possible answer: Maybe no one is a monster once we know enough about them. 



This film is also a very touching coming-of-age story with beautiful performances from two very young actors (Kurosawa and Hinata Hiiragi). 



I saw this on an airplane—not the most immersive setting for watching a film—but I was completely transported by it. 



I look forward to seeing it again in more appropriate circumstances one day.














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