Monster (怪物 (Kaibutsu)) (2023)

[BijouMan]

Well Go USA has provided final details for its upcoming Blu-ray release of Hirokazu Koreeda's Monster (2023), starring Sakura Andô, Eita Nagayama, and Mitsuki Takahata. The release is scheduled to arrive on the market on April 9.

[usagicassidy]

This movie was such a wonderful experience that really rewards you spending your time with it. My god, the way the story is delivered, and the passionate relationships between the characters is so sincere. This is a story about a single mom, her young troubled son, and an unconventional teacher - and that's all you should know about this movie before watching it for yourself.

Of every movie I saw in 2023, this is the one that really moved me. At the denouement of the film, my chest was tight and i was literally sobbing. I had to sit through the credits just unmoving before I could go out into the light. Incredibly written, wonderfully acted (the young castmembers in particular shocked me), simply but beautifully shot, I highly recommend this film to anyone and everyone.

As for the Blu-Ray, preordered mine on GRUV (currently has the lowest price I've seen). Am a bit bummed it doesn't also come with a digital code (was going to give to my friend who hasn't seen it) and no special features, even though apparently they do exist on the Japanese version. It's cool that this includes an English dub for accessibility reasons I suppose, but obviously I don't expect really anyone here to watch it in anything other than Japanese. Barebones release but it's SUCH a good movie at such a low price point $15 that it's really worth getting.

I have never seen a Kore-eda film until this one, and I have heard from a lot of people that loved this film still put it a step below something like Shoplifters, which I will have to see. But from the subject matter and how closely it resonated with me, I have a hard time thinking what I would love even more than this. Also as a bittersweet note, if you don't know, this is the legendary Ryuichi Sakamoto's final score. A really lovely coda to his work.

[mmarczi]

Originally Posted by usagicassidy

I have never seen a Kore-eda film until this one, and I have heard from a lot of people that loved this film still put it a step below something like Shoplifters, which I will have to see. But from the subject matter and how closely it resonated with me, I have a hard time thinking what I would love even more than this. Also as a bittersweet note, if you don't know, this is the legendary Ryuichi Sakamoto's final score. A really lovely coda to his work.

I haven't seen Monster yet but Kore-eda is one of my favorite living directors and I've seen the majority of his films. Shoplifters is obviously his most popular, and it deserves its reputation, but I also highly recommend Still Walking, Nobody Knows, and Maborosi (which is rather different from his primary style, but fascinating). One of his quirkier movies is Air Doll, which I also feel is excellent if you can accept the premise of a sex doll coming to life. It's dealt with entirely seriously to delve into subjects such as loneliness and alienation. I do really need to get on to watching some of the few I haven't seen yet, particularly After Life. I thought Broker wasn't his strongest film, but it's still better than what most other directors are doing. I still gave it 4 out of 5 stars, for perspective, and it doesn't hurt to feature Song Kang-ho.

[enzolt]

Is there a 4k?

[Simon_LDT]

Originally Posted by usagicassidy

I have never seen a Kore-eda film until this one, and I have heard from a lot of people that loved this film still put it a step below something like Shoplifters, which I will have to see. But from the subject matter and how closely it resonated with me, I have a hard time thinking what I would love even more than this. Also as a bittersweet note, if you don't know, this is the legendary Ryuichi Sakamoto's final score. A really lovely coda to his work.

I'm yet to see Monster but have seen all other Koreeda films. My absolute favourites are from the Arrow Video Family Values set (I Wish, Like Father, Like Son and After the Storm). Those 3 are just stunning dramas with a lot of heart and feature some fantastic acting from young kids (something I find across a lot of Asian films compared to Hollywood).

Nobody Knows is superb as well and the main cast is all young kids who do a fine job, plus it's based on a true story if I remember correctly.

The only Koreeda films I've struggled with are 'The Truth', 'Maborosi' and 'After Life'. I find those a bit too arty or just not engaging enough. Thats just me though, I much prefer his normal family dramas.

[BluProofie]

Terrific film.

[UHDLoverForever]

Originally Posted by enzolt

Is there a 4k?

No, but be patient. I bet it will come at some point, sooner or later. Maybe by Criterion.

[An4h0ny]

Just got this in the mail. Really looking forward to it.

Had a 20% coupon on Amazon

Mine came with a slip.

[NeilZ]

Kore Eda is an absolute ace director. Funnily enough I'm not a fan of Shoplifters but just in general aside from the movie with the French actors of which I forget the title every single one of his films are worth watching, and this one is peak Kore Eda in my view.

I just love how open it is to many interpretations throughout while constantly making you guessing. I think different people can see the same film and come out with different views of the events and the feelings of the characters and yet all be right at the same time. It's probably going to end up being regarded as a modern masterpiece.