Monster (Japanese film)

[MassageForLife]

Omg what a film.

I've put Japanese film in the title to differentiate it from the film about Aileen Wournoss starring Charlize Theron.

This is one I need to watch again, because the way it was structured (which is really clever) has left me still piecing bits together.

I went to see it with a friend, which I would recommend, as getting someone else's perspective on it can help piece some bits together. I connected some things that she hadn't and vice versa.

It's a really clever film about how events can be perceived. I'm not going to say any more, as I don't want to give any spoilers. But I highly recommend it.

I'm not sure why Perfect Days got into the oscar nominations for best international film rather than Monster. I enjoyed Perfect Days, but it doesn't have that impact that Monster has, imo.

Thanks for the thread - I'm going to see it on Monday

That wasn't much of a contribution, I know 🤣

Best contribution so far 😁

Looking forward to hearing what you think once you've seen it!

I really enjoyed it! I liked that it was ambiguous right up to and including the ending, and I thought the score especially was amazing.

Seeing parts of the same story told from different people's POV made it hard to keep up sometimes (it was my second film of the day) but I would definitely watch it again and I agree that it would have been a better Oscars pick than Perfect Days.

Just been to see it and agree it was engaging and strangely uplifting . I thought it was not dissimilar to Anatomy of a Fall as it was a take on perspectives and as such thought it was better executed.

It was also interesting to get a glimpse into "normal" Japanese lives, and I particularly enjoyed the fact that the main characters apartment was slightly messy and the boys room is the most realistic one I have ever seen.

I’ve just seen this. Agree having seen both Perfect Days and this one that Monster was superior but they were both amazing in different ways. So painful to see it all through the mothers eyes but then realising there can be so much going on in your child’s world of which you are not aware.

I just looked it up on wiki as it seemed interesting in a Rashomon kind of way.
Monster (2023 film) - Wikipedia
It sounds very good indeed.
Thank you for recommending.
Also RIP Ryuichi Sakamoto apparently, this was his last soundtrack composition.

I enjoyed both too, but Perfect Days felt a bit insubstantial; I don't think Wim Wenders would phone one in as such, but while it was lovely to look at I'm not sure I'd watch it again.

I think Monster would be one that was different every time you saw it

Easily the best film I’ve seen all year so far. Slow and considered but totally gripping and brilliant performances from all the cast. Sakamoto soundtrack a bonus