Member Mondays

Member Mondays: Monster

Kaibutsu

Finding inspiration in the poetry of the everyday, Hirokazu Kore-eda’s thoroughly engrossing tale celebrates the enchanting power of childhood friendship.

Members Mondays are exclusive screenings for our Members. Non Members will not be able to book.

  • Director

    Hirokazu Kore-eda

  • With

    Sakura Ando, Eita Nagayama, Soya Kurokawa, Hinata Hiiragi

  • Japan 2023. 126min

  • Digital

  • Certificate

    12A

  • With English subtitles

The latest film by Hirokazu Kore-eda sees the Cannes Palme d’Or-winner (Shoplifters) return to his native Japan with a wondrously and heartbreakingly humanistic tale that is much needed in these times. The reputation of schoolteacher Mr Hori is questioned when a local fire triggers the circulation of scandalous rumours. Meanwhile, single mother Saori despairs when her son Minato, a student in Mr Hori’s class, comes home from school injured and visibly disturbed, yet unable to share what has happened to him. Not all is as it seems, but to reveal more would be to spoil the compelling drama and mystery of Kore-eda’s evolving, non-linear portrait of community, friendship and family. Beautifully crafted and featuring sublime performances (particularly from young Soya Kurokawa and Hinata Hiiragi), Monster is an emotionally rich experience, with intelligent layers that keep unravelling and surprising, right up to the very last frame.