Monster Movie Review: Hirokazu Kore-eda’s ‘Monster’ Is A Spice And Chill In Reciting A Thriller

K-Drama has diversified and recently the most popular entertainment to stream upon. This story plot focuses around a single mother who strongly desires about answers from her troubled son’s school teacher after the boy starts acting strange. Due to the change in his day to day behaviour and keeping himself weirdly caged into his own thoughts, she suspects he is being bullied by the teacher, but the latter has a contradicting story, and both their theories seem much further from the exact reality.  In “Monster,” directed by the acclaimed Hirokazu Kore-eda, the master storyteller behind hits like “Shoplifters” and “Like Father, Like Son,” we are drawn into a gripping tale centered around a single mother, Saori (Sakura Ando), and her troubled son, Minato (Soya Kurokawa). As Saori delves into her son’s sudden behavioral changes, suspecting bullying from his teacher, Hori (Eita Nagayama), Kore-eda weaves a narrative that keeps us guessing until the very end. 

With a narrative that unfolds like a meticulously crafted puzzle, Kore-eda challenges us to question our perceptions of truth and labels. The film’s third act is where all pieces come together, leaving us pondering over our collective conscience and our tendency to hastily judge others. Kore-eda’s skillful direction allows for multiple interpretations, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexity of human relationships and the mysteries that lie beneath the surface.

Ryuto Kondo’s cinematography captures the emotional depth of the story, while Ryuichi Sakamoto’s haunting score adds to the film’s atmosphere. At its core, “Monster” is a tender exploration of the bond between a mother and her son, yet it transcends its genre, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.

Therefore, in “Monster,” Kore-eda reaffirms his position as a visionary filmmaker, delivering yet another cinematic masterpiece that challenges and captivates in equal measure. This is filmmaking at its finest, resonating long after the credits have rolled and is surely deserving to be listed in your watch list.