Monster (Kaibutsu) Review | Look closer, Feel Deeper | Monster Movie Review

Monster (Kaibutsu): 

A Masterclass in Perspective and Profundity

Monster (Kaibutsu), directed by the sublime Hirokazu Kore-eda with a hauntingly beautiful score by the late, great Ryuichi Sakamoto, isn't just a film you watch, it's a profound journey you embark on.

This cinematic gem, penned by the talented Yuji Sakamoto (who snagged a Best Screenplay award at Cannes for it), dares to challenge your assumptions and leave you questioning the very nature of truth. It's truly a unique experience that latches onto you and doesn't let go, making it easy to see why it could become one's favorite Japanese film.

The Unfolding Riddle: A Narrative of Shifting Truths

The film initially sets a deliberately slow pace, unfolding in a quiet Japanese town, which might test your patience, much like it did for you in the first half. We first see events through the eyes of Saori Mugino (played by the fantastic Sakura Andō), a single mother convinced her son, Minato (Soya Kurokawa), is being bullied by his teacher, Mr. Hori (Eita Nagayama). Her protective instincts kick into overdrive, leading to a confrontation with the school that results in Mr. Hori's dismissal. It's a powerful look at a mother's fierce devotion, yet it also sets the stage for a grand misunderstanding.

Then, the narrative cleverly flips, inviting us into Mr. Hori's perspective, and that's when the monster you thought you saw begins to change shape. Suddenly, Hori isn't the villain, Minato might actually be the one bullying another student, Yori Hoshikawa (Hinata Hiiragi). We witness the devastating impact of rumors and false judgments as Mr. Hori faces harassment and career ruin based on half-truths. It's a stark, compelling depiction of how easily reputations are shattered and how public opinion can condemn someone before the full picture is revealed.

A Mirror to the soul

But just when you think you've got it figured out, the film masterfully shifts again, bringing us into Yori's world. This final perspective unveils the heartbreaking reality: Minato and Yori aren't adversaries at all. They're close friends, navigating their developing feelings for each other in a world that isn't always kind to differences. Minato's actions, initially seen as aggression or rebellion, are revealed as attempts to help Yori, who suffers bullying from other boys and endures the harsh verbal abuse of his alcoholic father, Kokata. Minato’s inability to confide in his mother, and his seemingly wrong actions towards Mr. Hori, become tragically clear as he struggles with shame and the fear of rejection for his unspoken truth, deeply influenced by external judgments like Yori's father's cruel words. This is where the film truly shines, highlighting the immense pressure young boys can face when grappling with their identities and emotions.

Themes That Resonate Deeply

"Monster" doesn't just tell a story; it delves deep into several poignant themes. It critiques the easy acceptance of misconceptions and rumors, showing how quickly they can escalate and warp perceptions. The film suggests that people often seek an external monster to explain their discomfort or confusion, rather than understanding the complex internal emotional developments within themselves and others. All characters, from the anxious principal to the protective mother, are painted with flaws, emphasizing that everyone plays a part in the unfolding drama. Ultimately, the movie critiques the societal idea of happiness being exclusive to those who conform, powerfully asserting that true happiness is found in authentic connection and acceptance, especially exemplified by Minato and Yori's bond. It's a poignant and incredibly relevant film for our times, gently yet firmly touching upon the LGBTQ+ topic and the hidden struggles young individuals endure.

The Elusive, Yet Hopeful, Embrace of the Ending

Despite any initial perception of slowness, the film's deliberate pacing is ultimately justified by its compelling and ambiguous ending. After escaping a typhoon and their difficult circumstances, Minato and Yori are seen running freely and laughing. Is it an ideal, imagined freedom? Are they truly alive and running into a brighter future, or is it a poignant, idealized farewell in the face of tragedy? The film leaves this beautifully unclarified, allowing you, the viewer, to ponder the meaning of their newfound liberation. It's a brilliant narrative choice that ensures the film stays with you, inviting reflection long after the credits roll.

The Verdict

Monster is a compelling, thought-provoking cinematic experience that masterfully uses shifting perspectives to reveal layers of truth and human vulnerability. It's a film that bravely tackles societal pressures, the impact of judgment, and the profound beauty of unconventional bonds.

Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda

Screenwriter: Yuji Sakamoto

Music: Ryuichi Sakamoto

Main Cast: Sakura Andō, Eita Nagayama, Soya Kurokawa, Hinata Hiiragi, Yuko Tanaka

Based on something? No, it is an original screenplay.

Where to watch it in India online: You can catch this powerful film on MUBI and Amazon Prime Video (for rent or purchase).

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