Monster

aka: Kaibutsu
Japan 2023, 126 minutes
Dir. Kore-eda Hirokazu
In Japanese with English subtitles
Rating: [M]
Genres: Foreign Cinema, Drama

Topics: Parenthood, Problem Child.

“Hirokazu Kore-eda riffs on ‘Rashomon’ in a poignant melodrama about rushing to judgment”~Indiewire

Aroview: When a schoolboy starts to behave strangely, his mother feels that there is something wrong. Discovering that a teacher is responsible, she storms into the school demanding to know what's going on. But as the story unfolds through the eyes of mother, teacher and child, the truth gradually emerges.

Much like Kore-eda's other dramas MONSTER shines in the quiet moments when there are no adults onscreen. This director has an astounding ability to capture engaging and grounded performances from young children.

NZ International Film Festival 2023