Heralded Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda did not win the top Palme d’Or prize at the Cannes Film Festival this year—that was in 2018 for “Shoplifters.” But for one, Kore-edais a Palme d’Or winner, not something most filmmakers in the world can say; for two, any time he delivers a film at Cannes, it’s in competition, and this year, with his follow-up “Monster,” the film was honored with the Queer Palm as well as the Best Screenplay award; nothing to sneeze at.
“Monster” stars Sakura Andō as a mother who confronts a teacher after noticing disturbing changes in her son’s behavior. The film was also the last musical project by the renowned composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, who died two months before its release (the film is dedicated to his memory).
The film also stars Nagayama Eita, Kurokawa Soya, Hiiragi Hinata, and Tanaka Yuko. Here’s the official synopsis:
When her young son Minato starts to behave strangely, his mother feels that there is something wrong. Discovering that a teacher is responsible, she storms into the school, demanding to know what’s going on. But as the story unfolds through the eyes of the mother, teacher, and child, the truth gradually emerges.
Well Go USA Entertainment, which specializes in a lot of critically acclaimed Asian cinema, will release “Monster” in New York On November 22 and in Los Angeles on December 1, with the drama and mystery expanding to additional markets in December. It was highly acclaimed at Cannes, and our critic loved it (read our review). Watch the first official U.S. trailer below.
