I assisted the PR team for this masterpiece at TIFF, which meant I spent two full days watching Kore-eda give interviews to various outlets. One reporter closed by asking him "what is a monster?". "Someone who looks for monsters", replied Kore-eda. It was such a privilege being there. I'll treasure it forever.
My favorite film of 2023. I think the idea of rebirth, which was discussed here and there in the film, comes together beautifully in the final few minutes. Cried buckets and I was happy for these kids.
Here in France it's called Innocence, which gives it a kinda different feeling going in to see it than a film called Monster!! I love how deeply profound it is without "feeling" like it's trying to be!! I'm looking forward to catching it again a second time before it finishes it's run, not only 'cause it will be quite a different experience, but to see how many details I missed the first time!!
japan should have submitted this over perfect days. they could have given anatomy of a fall a competition. this is so well written and so poignant, especially that ending. although i like anatomy of a fall, for me this is waaaaay better.
Anatomy wasn't submitted either, so that logic of whether or not Japan had submitted it over (the slightly better) Perfect Days doesn't really play out.
@@Blitzer1234 Yeah, but OP was talking about competition in the International category ("submitted"), where Anatomy wasn't eligible in the first place. So no real "competition" could've come from whether or not Japan submitted Monster. That's my point.
I wasn't emotionally prepared for the last third either. I saw this a month ago and still haven't recovered. So glad you both finally got to see this and Fallen Leaves, two of last year's best movies. There's still one movie left though that you both haven't reviewed - any chance an about dry grasses review is coming?
Haven't seen this film yet, but very intrigued by your review and people's comments, also reading about Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda. I have just ordered 2 DVDs from Amazon of Monster and Shoplifters.
Thanks for this review! Also wanted to applaud the subtle but effective acting from the child actors soya kurosawa and hinata hiragi!!! without giving anything away they both did such an admirable job in portraying their characters and their motives/emotions and i loved how they both clearly put in a lot of research and thought before taking on these roles!
Sadly, a lot of Japanese movies have very small showing windows. Not sure if because of lack of audience or something with the Japanese distribution agreements? Many movies from India have at least a week or two.
Please do a spoiler discussion. I saw this movie a few weeks ago just because of reading people’s comments from The Boy and the Heron. It is an interesting movie, but I think I need to see again for all the details and perspectives. But after each story, you are like, “oh, that makes sense…”. The different perspectives do not seem forced. Good writing.
I have a question which remains unanswered. Who actually killed the principals grand daughter? The principals husband who is jailed or the principal herself as per the rumours? i wish there was a fourth vantage point shown from the view of the principal.
Great review! I cannot wait to watch it. Note: Monster will be available for purchase on February 27, 2024 for those who cannot find it in a local theater.
Thank you for enthusiastic reviews; my film society is screening this tonite; since I'm prez, i do the intros--the Ben Mankiewicz of the north of superior film association; lol....but thanks for your hints--don't wanna do any spoiler alerts.....
Definitely gets better on a rewatch. Top-shelf Kore-eda, even if I don't necessarily disagree with Japan's decision to submit Perfect Days instead. (Hell, even Hamaguchi's new film I found to be the best of Japan's insane crop last year!)
Hamaguchi's film has not released yet so it might be submitted next year. Yeah, Japan had a lot of great movies last year, Kyrie's Song, Shadow of Fire, Moon, Abnormal Desire, Blue Giant to name a few.
@@SeekingFilm They probably will, though Miyake's All About the Dawn looks pretty great too. But Hamaguchi's now probably the top director in Japan. Domestically in Japan there looks to be some good competition coming out for him this year, though.
How about reviewing rare 70s films like Blue Collar, Charley Varrick, Cotton comes to Harlem, Dirty Mary Crazy Larry, Dollars, Excalibur, Go tell the Spartans, Horror Express, House of Games, Invasion of the Body Snatchers 1978, Klute, Manhunt 1986, Prince of the City, Q and A, Race with the Devil, Sorcerer, The Yakuza, The Anderson tapes, The day of the Jackal, The friends of Eddie Coyle, The legend of Hell House, The taking of Pelham 123, The wicker man, Uptown Saturday Night, Wrong is Right,
Most psychologist would agree that young straight boys can have feeling/crushes to other straight boys. Yes they like each other but that doesn't mean they are gay. The movie shows the two boys were looking for BROTHERLY connections since both of the are only childs. Very provoking and suggestive movie indeed.
I found this movie quite disappointing. They try to make the movie into a mystery thriller, but it ends up being a pretty basic movie. Super anti-climactic. There's no payoff. It's shot really well though. Performances are great, but I don't think the movie is written all that well
I assisted the PR team for this masterpiece at TIFF, which meant I spent two full days watching Kore-eda give interviews to various outlets. One reporter closed by asking him "what is a monster?".
"Someone who looks for monsters", replied Kore-eda.
It was such a privilege being there. I'll treasure it forever.
Oh wow! What a cool experience.
Glad y'all reviewed this. I'm honestly surprised this movie hasn't been in Oscar's conversation for foreign language film.
Japan didn't submit it. They picked Perfect Days instead, which is shortlisted.
I mean, I think Monster should absolutely get a best screenplay nomination.
Not necessary to be an foreign language film nomination
My favorite film of 2023. I think the idea of rebirth, which was discussed here and there in the film, comes together beautifully in the final few minutes. Cried buckets and I was happy for these kids.
I made an edit of the film on my channel focused on the theme of rebirth. I hope you enjoy it!
Kore-eda is an absolute genius. Maybe my favorite filmmaker working today.
Absolutely adored this movie. One of my favorites from 2023 for sure. So glad to hear you both liked it as well!
Here in France it's called Innocence, which gives it a kinda different feeling going in to see it than a film called Monster!! I love how deeply profound it is without "feeling" like it's trying to be!! I'm looking forward to catching it again a second time before it finishes it's run, not only 'cause it will be quite a different experience, but to see how many details I missed the first time!!
This is in my top 10 of last year. Thriller-esque and yet broke me by the end
japan should have submitted this over perfect days. they could have given anatomy of a fall a competition. this is so well written and so poignant, especially that ending. although i like anatomy of a fall, for me this is waaaaay better.
Anatomy wasn't submitted either, so that logic of whether or not Japan had submitted it over (the slightly better) Perfect Days doesn't really play out.
Huh? Anatomy even won an Oscar. @@SeekingFilm
@@Blitzer1234 Yeah, but OP was talking about competition in the International category ("submitted"), where Anatomy wasn't eligible in the first place. So no real "competition" could've come from whether or not Japan submitted Monster. That's my point.
I wasn't emotionally prepared for the last third either. I saw this a month ago and still haven't recovered.
So glad you both finally got to see this and Fallen Leaves, two of last year's best movies. There's still one movie left though that you both haven't reviewed - any chance an about dry grasses review is coming?
Ooh, maybe!
Haven't seen this film yet, but very intrigued by your review and people's comments, also reading about Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda. I have just ordered 2 DVDs from Amazon of Monster and Shoplifters.
The actor that played the teacher deserves more attention, easily the best performance of 2023.
Thanks for this review! Also wanted to applaud the subtle but effective acting from the child actors soya kurosawa and hinata hiragi!!! without giving anything away they both did such an admirable job in portraying their characters and their motives/emotions and i loved how they both clearly put in a lot of research and thought before taking on these roles!
They were both so good, you're right. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!
Thank you for reviewing this movie! This was at a theater near me for like one day and I missed it.
Oh man! Hopefully streaming soon.
Sadly, a lot of Japanese movies have very small showing windows. Not sure if because of lack of audience or something with the Japanese distribution agreements? Many movies from India have at least a week or two.
Yes, my favorite film of 2023! So glad you reviewed.
The whole movie is fantastic but the third act is on another level
Wait what!! I had no idea you had a channel. What the flick was my favorite TH-cam channel ever.
Thank you! Yes, we've been here for a little over five years. Glad you found us.
Please do a spoiler discussion.
I saw this movie a few weeks ago just because of reading people’s comments from The Boy and the Heron.
It is an interesting movie, but I think I need to see again for all the details and perspectives. But after each story, you are like, “oh, that makes sense…”. The different perspectives do not seem forced. Good writing.
Ooh! I hadn't heard of this. Thanks!
just watched 4 times in the last 5 days.... not sure for how long I will continue thinking about this movie. Truly a masterpiece
Kore-eda is such a genius and diverse filmaker, he can crush your heart and in the next film he can hug your soul. Loved this movie.
So well said!
It's streaming on mubi in Turkey.
I have a question which remains unanswered. Who actually killed the principals grand daughter? The principals husband who is jailed or the principal herself as per the rumours? i wish there was a fourth vantage point shown from the view of the principal.
Doesn't matter. That is the point. Could have been anyone. But he went to jail for it because that was the best case scenario for everyone involved.
Great review! I cannot wait to watch it. Note: Monster will be available for purchase on February 27, 2024 for those who cannot find it in a local theater.
Good to know, thank you!
Will look out for this. Not out in London until mid March!
Yes, please do!
Awesome film! The Rashomon effect definitely kept me guessing.
I’m now looking forward to Perfect Days.
He uses that structure very effectively here.
Another one for the must watch list. Thanks!
Amazing, I just watched it hours before y'all posted this review. Spoiler talk about the ending? Please.
We're psychic!
Thank you for enthusiastic reviews; my film society is screening this tonite; since I'm prez, i do the intros--the Ben Mankiewicz of the north of superior film association; lol....but thanks for your hints--don't wanna do any spoiler alerts.....
Great, go get 'em, Marty!
2023 was a great year for Japanese "monster" movies.
Definitely gets better on a rewatch. Top-shelf Kore-eda, even if I don't necessarily disagree with Japan's decision to submit Perfect Days instead. (Hell, even Hamaguchi's new film I found to be the best of Japan's insane crop last year!)
Hamaguchi's film has not released yet so it might be submitted next year. Yeah, Japan had a lot of great movies last year, Kyrie's Song, Shadow of Fire, Moon, Abnormal Desire, Blue Giant to name a few.
@@ssssssstssssssss Right, here's hoping they do submit it next year.
@@SeekingFilm They probably will, though Miyake's All About the Dawn looks pretty great too. But Hamaguchi's now probably the top director in Japan. Domestically in Japan there looks to be some good competition coming out for him this year, though.
Yeall does anybody knows where to watch?
Prime video
Loved this film!
How about reviewing rare 70s films like Blue Collar, Charley Varrick, Cotton comes to Harlem, Dirty Mary Crazy Larry, Dollars, Excalibur, Go tell the Spartans, Horror Express, House of Games, Invasion of the Body Snatchers 1978, Klute, Manhunt 1986, Prince of the City, Q and A, Race with the Devil, Sorcerer, The Yakuza, The Anderson tapes, The day of the Jackal, The friends of Eddie Coyle, The legend of Hell House, The taking of Pelham 123, The wicker man, Uptown Saturday Night, Wrong is Right,
Wonderful film! Spoiler review?
I hope y'all get to review Perfect Days!
Could you review About Dry Grasses?
Sounds like an interesting film, now if I can only get myself to watch a subtitled movie, lol.
Please please do spoiler review of this one :)
Love this film
100% agree
Schools. The teacher's lounge and now this. Gotta find them when they show up here.
Yes please do!
Review The Kitchen please
The Kitchen is awesome! Would love to catch up with it.
🎶 I'm friends with the monster
That's under my bed 🎶
Review Riceboy Sleeps
Please review r.m.n
No number?
Perhaps watch the whole video :)
Most psychologist would agree that young straight boys can have feeling/crushes to other straight boys. Yes they like each other but that doesn't mean they are gay. The movie shows the two boys were looking for BROTHERLY connections since both of the are only childs. Very provoking and suggestive movie indeed.
I found this movie quite disappointing. They try to make the movie into a mystery thriller, but it ends up being a pretty basic movie. Super anti-climactic. There's no payoff. It's shot really well though. Performances are great, but I don't think the movie is written all that well