Rating: ★★★★☆
We recently had the opportunity to watch “Monster” at the New Zealand International Film Festival, directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda , a Japanese film that delves into the complexities of human relationships. The story revolves around a mother who confronts her son’s teacher after noticing a change in his behavior at home.
Before watching the film, We had enjoyed the director’s previous work, “Shoplifters,” which set my expectations high. While some critics felt “Monster” fell short compared to its predecessor, we were genuinely impressed by the movie. The storytelling approach was ingenious, presenting multiple perspectives and weaving a nonlinear narrative that gradually reveals crucial pieces of information, culminating in a touching and profound ending.
The film portrays an intriguing friendship that isn’t overtly stated but is beautifully developed. Initially, I disliked most of the characters, finding them flawed and somewhat unlikeable. However, as the film progressed and revealed different perspectives, my perception of them changed, showcasing the moral complexity of human nature. This exploration of the human condition, intricately intertwined with the characters’ intimacy, made “Monster” stand out as a truly remarkable film.
The director’s skillful editing ensured that the nonlinear storytelling didn’t confuse the audience. The visuals were impressive, with natural lighting adding an authentic touch to the film, blending seamlessly with the well-chosen locations that contributed to the story’s clarity. The somber score, predominantly featuring trumpets and piano, perfectly complemented the movie’s mood and allowed the audience to empathize and understand the characters better.
As for the performances, the child actors in “Monster” were exceptional, delivering naturalistic portrayals that felt genuine and unforced. The director’s ability to create an environment that allowed these young talents to shine on screen was evident, making this one of the film’s strengths.
“Monster” is a thought-provoking and emotionally engaging film. While it may not receive extensive Oscar nominations due to the challenges foreign films often face, it certainly deserves recognition in categories like screenplay and directing. The child actors’ performances were praiseworthy, making them stand out as some of the best in the industry.
We rate “Monster” 8 out of 10.
Disclaimer: This film review has been summarized with the assistance of an AI language model.
Subscribe to the MovieGainz Email Newsletter and never miss out on our content including before-release movie reviews. Click here for all podcast version of reviews and our show: Let’s B-Reel.
