Asia Cine-Club: Monster (怪物) (2023)

What looks like a troubling incident between a young schoolboy and his teacher unravels into something far more complex as Monster shifts between perspectives, challenging assumptions and slowly revealing hidden truths. Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, with a screenplay by Yuji Sakamoto and a final score from the late Ryuichi Sakamoto, the film won Best Screenplay at Cannes for its compassionate look at childhood, family, bullying, identity and the limits of perception. It's another example of Kore-eda's gift for finding profound emotional truth in ordinary lives, and stands as one of the most celebrated Japanese films in recent memory. Variety called it a moving and masterfully constructed drama, while The New Yorker named it Kore-eda's finest film in years. Free entry & popcorn — arrive early for sofa, bed, or beanbag seating.