Since “Parasite” won the Oscar for Best Picture in 2020, Asian productions have gained more visibility at awards and festivals of all kinds. Last year, one of these impressive films was “Monster,” which is currently among the most-watched movies on Netflix worldwide.
This Japanese psychological dramatic mystery thriller had its world premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2023, where it competed for the Palme d’Or and was honored with the Queer Palm and the Best Screenplay award.
Both critics and the public have praised it for its screenplay, direction, acting, editing, and musical score. It has appeared on many top ten lists of the year’s best films.
‘Monster’ ranks Top 6 on Netflix worldwide
In 2023, Monster shocked audiences worldwide. Thus, it’s no surprise to see it occupying the Top 6 on Netflix globally.
Surprisingly, it has managed to dethrone “Smile” in viewership, despite this being one of the most successful horror titles on the platform. At this moment, it’s in a neck-and-neck competition with “Kevin Hart: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor” for the fifth spot.
The story revolves around young Minato, who begins acting oddly, causing his mother to become deeply concerned about his behavior. Realizing that a teacher is involved, she angrily confronts the school to find out what’s happening. However, as the narrative unfolds from the perspectives of the mother, teacher, and child, the full truth is gradually revealed.
Most of all, the film was widely praised for its careful approach to themes regarding homophobic discrimination. Kore-eda Hirokazu, the director, said that this and other LGBT topics in “Monster” were very much intended, as they were written directly into the plot from the time the script was written.
This is his 30th work as a filmmaker, with his most recognized ones being “Shoplifters,” “Nobody Knows,” and “Like Father, Like Son”. According to Roger Ebert, “his films embrace the mystery of life and encourage us to think about why we are here, and what makes us truly happy.”
