J-Film | Monster

Presented by the Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan and Japan Commerce Association of Washington D.C.

Our next J-Film is Monster, the award-winning drama that unfolds from multiple perspectives.

Kore-eda Hirokazu is amongst Japan's most celebrated contemporary filmmakers, winning the Palme d’Or for Shoplifters (2018) and a Cannes Film Festival Jury Prize for Like Father, Like Son (2013). This winning streak continued with Kore-eda's latest feature film which won the 2023 Cannes’ Best Screenplay and received international praise.

This film, Monster, opens with Saori (ANDO Sakura) investigating her son Minato's (KUROKAWA Soya) strange behavior and a troubling incident at his school. As her investigation progresses, Minato's teacher (NAGAYAMA Eita) offers a conflicting perspective on the incident, challenging Saori and the audience. Through multiple perspectives, Kore-eda creates a layered mystery that asks: who is the real monster?

With a haunting score by the late maestro SAKAMOTO Ryuichi and brilliant performances from its cast, Monster is a film you will not forget!

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required for security purposes. Program begins at 6:30PM. Doors open 30 minutes prior. No admittance after 7:00 PM or once seating is full. Registered guests will be seated on a first come, first served basis. Please note that seating is limited and registration does not guarantee guests a seat.

Host or Publisher Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan