Monster

The careers of master filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda and master composer Ryuichi Sakamoto intersect with the former's latest film, and the latter's final film score.

When her young son Minato starts to behave strangely, Saori (Sakura Andô) feels that there is something wrong. Discovering that a teacher is responsible, she storms into the school demanding to know what’s going on. But as the story unfolds through the eyes of mother, teacher and child, the truth gradually emerges.

Curator's Note

An apartment building burning quietly but chaotically in a small Japanese city within the confines of a small and ordered grid of streets becomes an omen for the sudden upheaval in the lives of a mother, her son and his teacher. Something is wrong, and when all signs point to unchecked corporal punishment in the school, all parties are drawn into a battle for answers and justice.

Mysteries, questions and factual gaps pepper the film which unfurls in a Rashamon-esque retelling from multiple perspectives shedding light, taking it away again and reminding audiences that no one person can be the sole bearer of truth.

Monster premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival where it screened in competition. The film marks the final film score by Ryuichi Sakamoto who sadly passed away before the film was released.

Reece Goodwin, Curator (Film & TV)