DVD Corner

Monster Blu-ray Review

“Monster” is another gem from Hirokazu Kore-eda. 

Hirokazu Kore-eda follows up “Broker” with a psychological drama titled “Monster.” The story takes a “Rashomon” style approach by showing different character perspectives. The Yuji Sakomoto scripted tale begins from the POV of Saori Mugino- a widowed single mother who is protective over her son Minato. Saori suspects that Minato’s teacher Mr. Hori may be physically abusing him. When she confronts the school staff, they act weirdly about the situation. Mr. Hori claims that Minato is allegedly bullying a student (Hoshikawa Yori). The 2nd POV comes from Mr. Hori. We learn about what he really did and saw and how his reputation was ruined by the alleged abuse accusations. The film closes out with the third POV of Minato. The quiet Minato, as it turns out, is secretly friends with Hoshikawa outside of school. Hoshikawa is bullied at school and is treated miserably by his father at home. After school, Minato and Hoshikawa hang out together frequently on an abandoned train. Through the 3 perspectives the picture becomes clear as to what the truth really is.

Best known for the superb “Shoplifters,” Hirokazu Kore-eda’s “Monster” stands tall as one of the filmmaker’s best works to date. The notion that we never really know what is going on inside someone’s head is explored in great depth here as the mystery story delves into the lives of a group of interconnected characters. Thematically the story also tackles the concepts of secrets, perceptions, lies, rebirth, and loss. All of the characters are hiding something here. Only through each perspective do we discover the truth (although the film does have an open-ended ending).

“Monster” also works as an examination of childhood and adulthood. We get the coming-of-age perspective of Minato and Hoshikawa and we get the perspective of struggling adults like Mr. Hori, the school Principal (Makiko Fushimi) and Saori. The contrast of those two worlds gave the story an even greater depth.

The performances are excellent across the board with Sakura Ando (Saori), Eita Nagayama (Mr. Hori), Sōya Kurokawa, and Hinata Hiiragi (Hoshikawa Yori) elevating already stellar material. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? Ryuto Kondo’s cinematography dazzles in hi-def.

Audio Tracks: Japanese and English DTS-HD MA 5.1 and Japanese and English Stereo. How do they sound? Viewers have numerous audio options here with the Japanese 5.1 track (the best option), the English dub (passable), and English and Japanese Stereo tracks (both quality).

The only extras are trailers for “Monster,” “Eye For An Eye: The Blind Swordsman,” “The Childe,” and “One-Percent Warrior.”

April 8, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Hirokazu Kore-eda, Monster (2023) Movie, Monster Blu-ray Review