Monster is a coming of age drama set in Japan by director Hirokazu Koreeda
Saori Mugino notices her son Minato is acting strangely. When she’s told Minato is getting bullied by a teacher, she reports it to the school principal. When the school does little to address the situation, Saori grows frustrated. However, there’s a more complicated story here than Saori is privy to – with the full picture revealed as the film revisits the same events from two more perspectives…
Following films made in France and Korea, Hirokazu Koreeda (Shoplifters) returns to Japan for this compassionate exploration of childhood turmoil. Monster’s more heart-wrenching scenes are offset by tender, lovingly-realised moments of kindness and hope. The film also features the poignant final score from the esteemed composer Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Festivals
Cannes Film Festival 2023
Dublin International Film Festival 2024
Awards
Cannes Film Festival 2023 – Best Screenplay (Yuji Sakamoto)
Japan Academy Film Prize 2024 – Best Actress (Sakura Ando), Newcomer of the Year (Sōya Kurokawa and Hinata Hiiragi)
Reviews
“The film offers us hope, not despair… This is a film created with a great moral intelligence and humanity” ★★★★
– Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
“Clarity gradually arrives and the film, like all Kore-eda’s best work, submerges itself in heartfelt humanism and quiet understanding”★★★★
– Kevin Maher, The Times
