Monster

Kore-eda Hirokazu‘s film Monster premiered in competition at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, winning best screenplay (for Yuji Sakamoto). A critically acclaimed Japanese master, Kore-eda previously won Cannes’ Palme d’Or with Shoplifters (2018) and returned to the competition last year with Broker, which earned best actor (for Song Kang-ho).

Scored by late Oscar-winning composer Sakamoto Ryuichi (The Last Emperor) and lensed by Kondo Ryoto (Shoplifters), Monster tells the story of a widowed mother who notices that her young son has begun exhibiting strange behavior. When she brings her concerns to the staff at his school, she discovers that a teacher is responsible and demands an explanation. Told through the multilayered perspectives of mother, teacher, and child, the film gradually unveils the truth, which proves much more complex than anyone expects.

PG-13; 126 minutes; Japanese with English subtitles

Magnolia at the Modern is an ongoing series featuring critically acclaimed films. Tickets are $10; $8 for Friend-level Modern members; $7 for Associate-level Modern members and above. The Sunday noon showtime is half price. Click here to purchase tickets online. Learn more for information about the special benefits of joining Reel People, a membership add-on for film enthusiasts. 

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