Monster – Movie Review & Ending Explained

Minato is an elementary school student in the fifth grade. His father passed away. He lives with his mother, a single parent who runs a laundromat. They have a close relationship. Each morning, Saori ensures her son leaves home safely on his way to school. Then, she works for the whole day and returns during the evening. Saori's customers sometimes share neighbourhood gossip with her. There's a recent rumour that her son's teacher, Mr. Hori, was seen with a bar hostess.

Lately, Saori has observed signs of unusual behaviour from her child. Minato gave himself a haircut at home, claiming his long hairstyle is against school rules. She tries asking for more information, but he seems reluctant to answer. In addition, Saori discovers her son's water bottle is filled with dirt. He explains it was used for a science experiment. Once again, Minato acts evasively and won't address her concerns. Saori also noticed one of his shoes has gone missing. These puzzling incidents begin to trouble her.

One night, Saori worries when her child hasn't returned home after school. She calls the other families to discover his whereabouts. Surprisingly, she finds him inside an abandoned train tunnel, mumbling about monsters. On their way home, Minato injures himself and must receive medical attention. So far, Saori has avoided interrogating her son out of respect for his privacy. Yet, these recent events are baffling and upsetting. She wants to know what Minato is hiding from her.

Minato apologizes to his mom for what happened. She starts asking questions. Alarmingly, he informs her there's something strange with him. He is a monster whose brain has been switched with a pig's. Saori is startled by the response. She demands to know where these thoughts came from. Her first guess is Kamata, one of the troublemaking students in his class. Minato runs away and doesn't want to reply. This time, Saori won't back down. She presses him for answers.

Minato describes horrific events that occurred in the classroom. Saori feels outraged by her son's traumatic experiences. She arrives at the school, demanding to meet with the authorities. The principal is an aloof woman who doesn't seem interested in the complaints. She only takes notes and barely reacts to the scandalous allegations. Her indifference enrages Saori, who escalates the accusations. She meets with the other teachers, yet they nervously dodge her line of questioning. Saori won't let the matter rest until someone accepts accountability.

Monster is a brilliant movie with a sophisticated story, powerful performances, and thought-provoking messages. My review is incredibly positive, and I'm not alone in my appreciation. Backed by critical acclaim, it even made Barack Obama's annual list of favourite films! The director, Hirokazu Koreeda, also boasts a lifelong career of festival awards. These impressive credentials speak for themselves. Monster is a successful cinematic work that has inspired many viewers worldwide. And yes, it lives up to all the hype!

This story begins from the mother's point of view. Poor Saori worries about what is happening to her child. The filmmaker guides us through a concerned parent's turmoil, highlighting her confusion and frustration. Fear stands out the most prominently. Beyond feeling unsettled by Minato's strange antics, we are terrified due to Saori's helplessness. The more she investigates, the less she understands her son's troubles. Monster has created an eerie mystery with heightened emotions, notably dread, doubt, and desperation. The movie's compelling first arc keeps viewers on edge.

Monster shifts to the teacher's perspective. Unlike the mom, Mr. Hori sees the school situation differently, adding complexity to the narrative. The movie experiments with perception and demonstrates how each character has a partial version of reality. In my opinion, the second arc isn't as engaging. The film is prone to dramatization with a few contrived moments. Nonetheless, the story remains intricately crafted and uses clever metaphors to convey its ideas. It offers insightful commentary about professional reputations, public scrutiny, and power dynamics.

The movie's third arc reveals the missing puzzle pieces and clarifies past events. You'll finally know the real story behind Minato's experiences. Notably, these scenes showcase the sensitive performances of the young leads. Yori's actor (Hinata Hiiragi) brings an innocent charm, while his costar (Souya Kurokawa) emotes with delicate expressions. Likewise, the adult cast gives mature and nuanced performances. In addition, the film features striking visuals. The cinematographer transports viewers to a child's wonderland with gorgeous landscapes and enchanting imagery.

Monster isn't a romantic drama. There may be a childhood crush, but the plot doesn't revolve around falling in love. With that said, the movie appeals to gay cinema enthusiasts. Its meaningful themes resonate profoundly with LGBTQ+ audiences. The film captures the mental strain of hiding a secret, the pressure of fitting in, and the anguish of rejecting your identity. Those who have endured the same struggles may recognize many parallels, like a mirror to your adolescent trauma. The poignant story about inner demons will tug at your heartstrings, regardless of sexuality.

From angsty exchanges to downtrodden characters, Monster is a bleak movie. Most of the story feeds into your pessimism, making you dread the worst-case scenarios. Despite the distressing journey, the film reminds us not to lose hope. The closing scenes are motivational, shining a figurative light at the end of a dark tunnel. I adore the empowering messages from the exhilarating ending. Overall, Monster is intriguing, intelligent, and emotionally impactful. I agree with President Obama's endorsement. This cinematic masterpiece belongs on my list of favourites.