Monster

Saori é uma viúva que cria o seu filho único, o Minato. Ela começa a perceber que ele está tendo um comportamento estranho e apresenta machucados. Ao interrogá-lo, ela descobre que isso poderia ter sido feito por um professor novo no colégio, o Sr. Hori. A partir daí, ela tenta descobrir o que aconteceu com seu filho, levando em conta três pontos de vista: o dela, o do professor e o do seu filho. Hirozaku Kore-eda constrói aqui uma obra de arte. O roteiro monta a sua história sobre esses três pontos de vistas, que não são conflitantes, mas complementares. E tudo é muito bem feito, onde um ponto levantado em determinada história, é explicada na outra. Além de Rashomon, o filme me lembrou de Close e A Caça. Mas, mesmo assim é muito original. Talvez a principal questão levantada no filme, além do bullying escolar, que pelo visto é um problema mundial, seja a versão de uma história que cada pessoa tem. Aqui só entendemos a história completa depois que vemos os três pontos de vistas, pois se ficarmos com apenas um deles, teremos uma história bem diversa da verdadeira. O elenco é primoroso, com destaque a Sakura Ando, que a faz a mãe, desesperada para ter uma resposta e encara uma parede de corporativismo, ao mesmo tempo em que é julgada por ser mãe solteira, e Soya Kurokawa, que faz o Minato e tem que passar todas aquele conflito de emoções e julgamento das outras pessoas. Mas todo o elenco está muito bem. Um filme para pensarmos nessa questão de encontrar a história verdadeira e não apenas pontos de vistas que nos agradem ou incompletos.

Told in a triptych, this is a touching tale of two boys trying to make sense of their worlds and their feelings. The structure is clever, letting you see things unfold, then fold back in on themselves, just to unfold again like some emotional origami. It's an opportunity to re-examine your assumptions, something you usually don't get to do mid-stream like this. The young actors are very good. And the final shot is quietly moving. It’s a simple story at its core, but told through these shifting perspectives and shaped by what we bring to it as viewers, it ends up feeling way bigger. It’s slow, yes -- methodical, like it's politely asking you to slow down too -- but it will give back to you in the measure you give to it.

incredible. great storytelling, constantly shifting perspectives, leading up to a poignant reveal. highly recommend.

A simple movie with complex story. Unfolding answer to curiosity.

A new fave The skill required to tell such a simple story in such a grand and interesting manner is one to be admired. Each character feels very real and sympathetic, along with that the very down to earth set design. The chemistry between each actor was amazing as well; It never really felt as if even one was forced into the storyline. They each held and represented their own purpose in the narrative. The cinematography also greatly enhancing the films attributes. As much appreciation as I have for this film now, I hope to find even more for it in the future!

Lately, Asian cinema has been surprising me a lot, especially low-budget films. It’s exhausting to search for something truly worthwhile among hundreds of soulless releases, where the only apparent goal of those who make them is just profit. Nothing genuine seems to emerge from most recent films. Amid this sea of generic productions, an enlightened soul tweeted about Monster (2023), and I decided to watch it. I have no regrets. The film is transcendental, breathtaking, beautiful, and deeply moving. Easily one of the best I’ve ever seen in my life. Its narrative has so many layers that I could talk about it for hours, and it still wouldn’t be enough. I feel like, even after absorbing every detail, something might have escaped me—there’s always more to discover. Monster is a rare masterpiece. As for the plot, I won’t reveal anything. I watched it without knowing a single thing about it, and I left the session completely fulfilled. To preserve your experience, just watch it. Simply watch it!

Blown away... as the story unfolds there were several confusions, opening up and fitting together up in the most unexpected ways to leave me still bewondered yet asking...

Just magnificent. I laughed, I cried legitimate tears, I was enthralled the entire way through. And best of all: when it misleads you, it does so in a totally fair way that allows more astute viewers to pick up on some clues that others might not. It’s a very different experience the second time through watching it, but profound in a different way. This is the kind of movie that can actually change people’s beliefs about certain things. Not many movies have that potential.

Dang! I cried a lot. LIKE A LOT. Yori deserves my love and head pat. Minato and Yori are good kids. I hope my kiddos are happy after ever. I hope this Movie can give out season 2 of Minato-Yori's Teens.

Amazing plot, and definitely leaves you thinking not just about taking care of your kid(s) but also how easily everything can be distorted by either lies and/or assumptions we never get to validate.