Monster(怪物) Japanese Film Thoughts(2023)

 

   Monster is a 2023 film that was directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda(Shoplifters, Broker) and was written originally by Yuji Sakamoto. The film was the last one musical conductor Ryuichi Sakamoto worked on before his death and the film is dedicated to his memory. Soya Kurokawa, Sakura Ando,(Godzilla Minus One) Eita Nagayama, and, Hinata Hiiragi star in the psychological drama. Many critics praised the film's direction with most people placing it as one of the best of last year. 

    A single mother becomes alarmed after finding out that her son is being bullied by his teacher. She is even more shocked when she finds that her son is being called a bully of another classmate.... Who is at fault? Who is this other classmate?

     Monster is a film that allows you to pull back all the layers. There are many layers to this film that come from the emotional drama in each character. Some characters are the center of the story however, other characters also add such depth to events. This took me off guard when experiencing the detail in each character. The film starts with one perspective which is the mother. Then it moves to another perspective and another viewpoint. One scene was shown in the same view but in a brand new light through various eyes. The mystery slowly unfolds as you witness certain character's view. I wasn't prepared for the attention to background detail for characters such as the principle. My heart connected to all the characters as true emotions are revealed and the film's message starts to hit me hard. Situations like that one that the kids were involved in make me sad. A solution like the one that the plot ended at was liberating, yet full of a deep sadness. 

    The child cast carried the film. Such a subject matter can be hard to blend into. These young actors took on the challenge though. The Teacher and Mother come in a close second as best performances. They play supporting cast very well. That principle's monotone face stayed in my head after the film was over. 

      

     LGBTQ supporters will respect this film as a piece of art. Other people will appreciate this story being told from the perspective of children. These are problems that children have and hopefully this film will highlight something that some people might not have been aware of.