Monster (Kaibutsu)
After a mother (Ando Sakura) discovers that a teacher’s bullying is behind her young son’s sudden strange behavior, she storms into his school demanding an explanation. Continually left without satisfactory answers—and with an increasingly distressed child—she furiously escalates her concerns to the school board and the media. As the story unfolds through the multilayered perspectives of mother, teacher, and child, the truth gradually emerges.
This complex drama was awarded Best Screenplay and the Queer Palm at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival and features the final film score by legendary composer Ryuichi Sakamato, to whom Monster is dedicated.
For Mature Audiences
Underwriting for the Film Department is provided by Tenaris, The June Leaf and Robert Frank Foundation, and the Vaughn Foundation.
Generous funding is provided by The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea; Nina and Michael Zilkha; Lois Chiles; Foundation for Independent Media Arts; Franci Neely; Carrin Patman and Jim Derrick; Ms. Laurence Unger; L'Alliance Française de Houston; and ILEX Foundation.
Monster (Kaibutsu)
Directed by Kore-eda Hirokazu
(Japan, 2023, 126 minutes, in Japanese with English subtitles)
Brown Auditorium Theater, Digital