Movie Review: Monster (Kaibutsu)

 

Michael's Movie Grade: A-

A moving and thought-provoking movie from Japan. 

In this film, two young boys sing, "Who's the monster?" The answer is actually no character in this movie. This film starts with what is seemingly a very simple story. One with clear cut characters we can root for or root against. However we soon learn that we cannot trust or first impressions about anybody. This is enhanced when we learn that this film will be told in a Rashomon (1950) style. This is to say we see this same story from three different perspectives. This is done masterfully here. Each perspective gives us more information than we previously had. Because of this Each telling of the story completely changes How we view each character and each plot point. Yet this is done in a way that is for the most part very easy to follow. There may be a few plot points, you might miss, but you will understand everything you need to so that you will be invested in the film. Also unlike some movies that have tried the same thing, this film never once feels repetitive but instead every moment brings something new to the table. The way this story is told also helps to make you stop and think about how little we may actually know or understand about things that are happening right in front of us. It also drives home the fact that we never truly know or understand someone else's perspective even when we are both together through a hard time. Because of this the film might have us leave trying to see something that happened in our own lives through someone else's eyes and how no two people perceive the same thing in the same way. Also because of this idea, this is truly an unpredictable film, that constantly leaves you surpised at each plot twist. Though this is not a typical mystery or suspense film, it keeps you guessing and glued to your seat the same way as the best of those movies. The movie also benefits from complex characters and wonderful acting performances that truly make everything we see feel real.

This is simply a must see.