Monster is a fascinating and complex film with shifting perspectives. The film gradually reveals the truths behind the main characters’ actions as it retells the same events from their various perspectives. First it’s told from Saori’s point of view, the widowed mother who tries to figure out why her young son Minato has been acting so strangely, eventually learning that a teacher at school struck him. Then the film branches out to view these events from the point of view of the teacher in question, Mr. Hori. Finally, we see things from the boy Minato’s perspective as he navigates his blossoming feelings for his friend, the bullied and abused Yori.

“As you’d expect from Kore-eda, it’s all told with the utmost detail and care, and a gentle score from the late Ryuichi Sakamoto only adds to the overarching air of thoughtfulness and empathy.”  David Calhoun, Time Out

Japanese with English subtitles          2 hours and 6 minutes             March 13, 2024 4:00 and 7:00