Is "Monster" Kore-eda's "Rashomon?" (Film Review)
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- Опубликовано: 17 окт 2024
- Director Kore-eda Hirokazu is back with his first Japanese-language film in five years with Monster, written by Sakamoto Yuji - a rumination on our limited perception of the lives of others. It's also a movie that seems to channel a bit of Kurosawa Akira's Rashomon. Our film review for Monster (Kaibutsu), here.
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i feel like the monster in this movie is LOVE, because Minatos mom has lost her husband, Mr.Hori lost his girlfriend and his job which he both dearly loved, the principal lost her granddaughter and her husband who is in prison, Yori doesnt have his mom and his father is abusive, and Minato likes Yori (which we know because he tells the principal that he likes someone, but has to lie in order to protect them, meaning he is scared of his feelings for another boy, and is trying to figure them out), and Minato always diverts the students attention to himself when his peers start to bully Yori, also i would like to point out that when Minato was waiting for Yori in the tunnel, he was holding a Primrose flower (previously mentioned to him by Yori), and for those who dont know Primrose symbollizes young love, first love, and if you give it to someone you are basically telling them that you cant live without them bc it also means 'i cant live without you', also the part when Minato goes to Yoris house and Yori tells him "i'm normal now" and Minato says "you've always been normal" broke me
Not necessarily love in general. My interpretation was that the term monster was about love between the same sex. Since it can be a taboo. Also the reason why the dad called his son sick. Well, that seemed to make sense for me.
I think the comments about that the film is about ‘who is the monster?’ is kinda wrong. Sure the question can be asked since in the first half a lot of questions arise, but that definitely wasnt the main point of the film 😅
Guilty until proven innocent mindset
The modern Salem witch trails
What I noticed in the film also is that not one rumour said in the film was the truth
i personally think the monster here is us (audiences) since we jugde these characters too soon before knowing their stories
The child actors did sucb an amazing job portraying such a powerful message. Their acting is so so good, especially the boy who's slightly taller.
I think the other boy had harder role, but I agree they did an amazing job.
@@azen1627 to think that this is Kurokawa Soya's (the taller one) debut role, like it's his debut but he's already so good 😭
@@aalizzwell873 for real?! debut? but in MyDramaList website he got other works....hmm ?
The reason Minato doesn't share with her mom is bc his mom wishes " him to be married & hve his own family" & Minato with slight cues telling her mom "Not to be worried if he's gone" & "I can't b like dad"
its also about rumours and how we tend to think the worst most of the time when things looks bad.... the monster is us, the audiences who judge from very little informations we had from the characters
that make sense bc for the most part of the movie i was just looking for that "monster" but in the end there is no one to blame
Agreed and they took this up to an inception level when told from hori's viewpoint. He was thinking the worst of minato while everyone else was thinking the worst of hin
😊
@@bhonekyalsinlin5060 what about the father of yori?
@@stanbunny1250 he is indeed the Real Monster to make all this happened
this movie hit harddd, the way the movies ending was open ended, the ending was wonderful and depressing at the same time because on one hand we don't know if they're still alive or what but on the other hand, there's a sort of reassurance that at least they're both free and they're both happy with themselves, also the way that throughout the film, you're left to wonder who or what is the monster in this film? Every single tiny detail about this film was so good, I can't help but think about it 😭
yes...what if the monster is our MINDS
it wasn't an open ending, he and the actors stated multiple times that the ending was symbolic and that the characters are alive.
@@yyy6488I also feel like them dying would defeat the message at the end saying ‘happiness isn't happiness if only a few can achieve it', I mean you could say they found happiness after death, but that would imply the characters can only be happy outside of the real world, after death; To me the point was you can still find happiness even if the world is cruel towards you, by dying they would be removing themselves from the world, making that message useless.
oh man, that ending... When I realized the (probably) true nature of the ending scene of Monster, it feels so depressing. I feel somewhat skeptical of the Rashomon effect as the theme of this film. On one side (the mother and the teachers), it does feel like the film toying with how we label "monster" on other people; but on the other side (the 2nd kid's father and the 2 kids), it feels very objectively obvious that who is the real monster here.
The ending's ambiguity - while leaving solid clues as to the true nature of the climax - certainly left me a bit depressed as well.
I can't wait to see it again as the ending was not clear enough for me, or I am just not sure that my deductions were good enough.
My favorite quote was the principal's advice to the boy near the end. :)
the way Kore-eda chose to tell the ending, you can have two takeaways from it (that being depressing, or a more optimistic one) and you'd be equally right about either one, which is why I love it so much because it makes for such an interesting discussion!
@@noahoskow4551 The ending isn't ambiguous at all. Look at the environment around them at the end and there is little left to interpretation.
@@SweetZombiJesusin an interview, Kore-Edas approach to the ending is actually a stylistic choice that deviated from the script. He shot it in that way to show character growth rather than an indication of their outcome (trying to be vague to not spoil). Personally, how I now see the ending is a little different from when I first watched it. That being it's not something for us to interpret even if it seems obvious. But rather to just enjoy the moment both characters are experiencing:')
4:22 the gate on that railway is no longer there, theyre finally free
this is what made me sure of what actually happened
End of the line.
Plus I think monster is such a fitting title considering how it keeps shifting across so many characters through the script. Well done, it is.
I saw it today at Kyoto and what a masterpiece... Watch it. I only want one thing: go back to the cinema to watch it again.
It's the sort of movie that definitely rewards watching more than once.
@@noahoskow4551 Sure!
I watched it here in Rio de Janeiro today and a lot of people are talking about this amazing movie in Brazil. Unforgettable. and remarkable.
Glad it's getting positive buzz in Brazil!
Is 'Monster' Japan's answer to 'Close?' Both are high level films with some shared themes. It says a lot that 'Monster' packs a comparable emotional punch with actually a far less tragic story. What takes 'Monster' to a higher level, I think, is the teacher's performance. His actions in his own defense had me on the verge of fainting. Also, I wonder if he was selectively cast because of his weird smile, or that smile was next-level facial acting. Through no fault of his own, the teacher looks almost deformed and monstrous when he smiles sincerely. The story of the kids is astonishingly beautiful, sad, and resonant, as it was in 'Close.' But Eita Nagayama's performance as Hori sensei is the 'secret sauce' that puts 'Monster' into the stratosphere of high art.
Shoplifters was alright.
Much better film as like father like son.
My personal favourite is after life followed by mabarosi ( mostly, because when I first say it my friend was battling with depression and took my two days being in a dark place myself to bring myself out in order to help someone else. In that time, I got a phone call that he had taken his own life.)
Koreeda's films to me aren't just films, it's almost like someone from another realm is trying to send us a message about life.
The movie reminded me of my friendship with a Chinese American friend while we were in seventh grade. He stopped talking to me for a while. Maybe we were too close for the other students? Later he talked to me again. I ended up skipping school too avoid a teacher and I went too far and I stole from stores. I got into trouble. I wonder if I wouldn't have done that if he had kept talking to me?
I'm pretty slow with this kind of film editing, not necessarily to the extent of Eternal Sunshine but still this requires multiple viewings to piece together the puzzle. It's a good film nonetheless. The ending is positive i believe, the ambiguity is probably unintended, Koreeda generally avoids cliched "you the viewers decide how it ends" stuff.
Hey 皆, managed to catch this film not too long ago and I've been considering some of its themes ever since. Monster is definelty the sort of movie that stays with you, and felt worthy of a review on here. Hope some of you get the chance to see it when it releases more widely - would love to hear what others have to say about it!
I was introduced to the movie "Monster" because of the actress Sakura Ando's role in "Godzilla Minus One". Someone mentioned that she was also in "Monster", which is directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, the same director of the heart-wrenching movie "Nobody Knows". Although I am interested in watching "Monster", I am hesitant because of the emotional impact that Kore-eda's movies usually have on me.
It is a fairly devastating movie, as Kore-eda's films often are. It offers an escape from that devastation and has moments of beauty that make it worth it, but if you've found his movies too affecting in the past, this one won't be very different, sadly.
its sad as hell, i struggle to even recommend it to ppl bc its just depressing. but thats kinda why its amazing
Fantastic review Noah. I for one finished watching your exploration of several Japanese films with a strong desire to watch them.
Thanks! Hope you get the chance to!
Amazing video!! And Kore-eda is one of my fav directors so this film is definitely on my to-watch list!
Thanks, Sachi! If I knew you were into Kore-eda I would've invited you to join! Watching Monster has actually inspired me to go back and watch/re-watch his other films - on After Life right now.
Came out in theatres here in Hawai’i. Wish I had gone when it showed during Honolulu International Film Fest. Had a couple behind me going through the gambit of ‘Grrr that guys a monster!’ ‘No wait, he’s such a good guy’ ‘I hate that lady!’ ‘She’s so understanding and kind’ it was a treat.
It's a happy ending for me, cause they're finally reborn (as in carefree) without a care of the world.
Love this movie so much! I can't wait for your full review :)
Magnificent film and excellent review as my mind was on Rashomon throughout the viewing❤
Thanks for an awesome video!
watched it last night,,.,. the ending scene still breaks me to tears. .. T^T
You need to come back with a spoiler review, please!!🙏🏼
Thank you. You have rekindled my interest in japanese cinema.
if Almond by Won Pyung Sohn will have a movie I want him to direct it
I loved it. 😂 Agree on this movie benefits from going blind.
This title really intrigued me for a movie as it reminded me of another story that shares the same title. Naoki Urasawa's Monster, and that anime/manga I found to be one of the best stories I've experienced. And I saw many people comment about this film getting a little into the 'monsters' of society, and that is a question and big plot point to Urasawa's story as well, so I knew I'd find it interesting.
I'm curious if anyone else found comparisons between the 2 stories. Definitely are differences, but the first episode of N.U monster shows Tenma being 'forced' to abide a corrupt hospital, which I found a similarity with the school corruption in the film. The film also being about 2 kids, where trauma and abuse exist in their lives due to bad parents/caretakers is also shown in both titles. I think there's other small details that can connect both shared titles as well, but don't want to spoil, and instead just recommend Naoki Urasawa's Monster for anyone looking for a story that has some similar themes.
I'm curious if there is any connection at all between the 2 titles in the making of the story, or maybe just the name Monster is likely to have some similar societal questions when tackled well, like both stories were. But of course Naoki's story is a different story for sure, but it being a favorite anime/manga of mine, I couldn't help but to be intrigued when I saw a movie of the same name, and wanted to look to compare the 2.
Don't think that they are related, monster is one of my favorite animes, and urasawa's work are the ones that introduced me to Mangas, through 20th century boys storyline was a bit more effective In a story line's perspective, monster will truly stay close to my heart.
Kor-eda reintroduced me to japanese films, Ive been watching asian films like kikujiro,platform, Kim di duk's films for a long time, but maborosi led me to revisit those country like, breezy asian films I always preferred over everything else, monster too makes you feel so many things in a 2 hour runtime, it feels frightening, sad, loving and bittersweet and thats what a true film does.
@@PILGRIMYeah I think likely it’s just some coincidences from exploring similar themes related to the word Monster.
Idk i am not gonna think about this so much but i relate to yoris pain at school i was scared to watch it because of that
It took me to watch the movie twice because I didn't seen any kore edas work , but after watching this , understanding the dark tone of the movie had increased the likeness towards the Japanese movies ,if someone is reading this can anyone suggest me some more Japanese movie
The real monster is the society. Its very sad and depressing to see what kind of people we are. People, especially young people are unable to express who they are due to the unnecessary beliefs cultivated by our society.
If this was made in the US, people will be crying woke, their heads will explode watching a movie about gay children
Soo true
This movie is a masterpiece....
Can any one explain the ending are the child are dead on last part scene of movie because they are mountain landslide ?
Yes, because they ran past the blockade which was shown earlier.
I just saw it at a film festival, it's definitely a must-see movie. I eeally loved it.
My roommate only saw a couple seconds of this movie and asked why that guy has a woman's head in his fish tank.
Just saw this beautiful movie today in Dutch cinema. I would like the opinion from someone who is way more fluent in Japanese than I. よかった (Yokatta) was translated as "fine" at the end of the movie, which really rubbed me the wrong way. I've never seen よかった been used for something that is jus 'fine', however, I could be wrong, so I would like to know from others if that word can be used as such.
i dont know much about the Japanese language, but from my limited anime and j-drama knowledge, yokatta means "I'm glad" or "that's a relief" along those lines. "Fine" def does not capture the essence of the kids' last dialogue. And me personally, i believe they're alive. What's ur take?
Ryuichi Sakamoto 🥰🥰🥰
How do I watch this???
As of yet, it's only had a small festival release outside of Japan. Here in Japan, it's still in theaters; for areas elsewhere, its distribution rights have already been sold, so it should start being shown in other countries in not too long.
Where to watch this?
That depends on where you are! It's currently in some theaters in the United States. Here in Japan, the blu-ray comes out in late February, afterwhich it'll be more readily available.
I saw it at an AMC in North Carolina. I was surprised they were playing it. Very good film.
Watch this today in London
Can you tell me the reason behind the name monster and it's significance in the movie
The film presents a series of perspectives regarding ongoing issues between adults and children, and children and their peers, that constantly re-frame the question of who might be the "monster" in the film's narrative. The movie's trailers also ask "who is the monster?" (「怪物は誰だ」), making the examination of this question one of the main issues presented by the film.
So did they really die?
Yuji Sakamoto, the script writer visualized a more pessimistic ending while Koreeda Hirokazu visualizes one of hope. Hence, I believe, the ending is open. It's upto the viewers to believe what they chose to regarding minato and yori's future. The main poster of the two covered in mud looking at the camera was actually supposed to be the last frame/shot of the film before it was changed to the two running around!
So did they survive? or not?
they survived
@@hyeinslover are you sure?
They both died on the landslide in the train itself.At the end u can see the boys running with happyface that is their souls .
The ending is up for your interpretation. Its open in the sense it can be happy depending how you look at it or sad once again depending how you look at it
It was a very subtle LGBTQ movie.
Does the ending mean that they both died and got to be free?
it's open ending. the director said they survived but he also said it's okay if the audience thinking they died happily , so it's up to you.
the director said he himself and the production crew never really thought of death per se when they were filming the last scenes. He said in his eyes it was more positive. I'd like to believe they are not dead
Didnt think about capitalism as not allowing parent or teachers to really see whats happening.
Abandoned areas (hidden areas)
i blamed teacher first..
omg can someone tell me the ending please i had to leave bc my bladder was killing me
they died during the big storm at their hideout... it was their choice.
They can be alive or dead i think the film wants to make our own ending base on how we interpret it
@@DaleyDaledirector said they didn't die
@@chosenone6702 source?
@@shxirou more evidence points towards them being dead than being alive. i don't know why people are reaching. They are happy in the the last scene and together. if they stayed... they will be seperated and the abusive dad is prob gonna do worse.
Are they dead or alive😭? (I really hope their alive!!)
They lived. It’s quite pathetic to think if they died even though they talked of rebirth. Honestly dumbasf. That bright light May symbolize heaven but I think it’s freedom. People feel alive once they’ve experienced near dead, in a way they had the storm be a simulator, like a catalyst right ? They lived and found resolve.
@@metadaniel ahhh I totally agree with uu, thank uu
Is this a bl?
it about liking someone (we can it's bl cause they're boys) but it has more story on it and lessons
a bl is when a m/m romance is the whole point of the plot, minato lied about getting abused by his teacher because he liked yori, as he said to the principal: “im not sure, but i like someone. i cant tell anyone, so i lie.”
that was kinda part of the plot, but there were other things too. so maybe it’s a bl, maybe a queer movie, whatever it is its great.
It's more of a mystery meets psychological thriller with queer elements to it.
(Now that I say that, maybe psychological thriller is a bit dramatic. But it's pretty close, lol.)
wow a movie about queer children, how stunning and brave; it really takes balls to spread lgbt propaganda these days, what a hero made this movie i wonder wow
you are such good people spreading lgbt among children, really....
dude, if you don't like it get out, nobody is forcing you to watch, plus, the movie is +14, it's not even for children. Get a grip on real life
You know you're the problem when you are the only person talking about this dude 🧍🏻
What propoganda??