This psychological mystery/exploration of growing up from one of Japan’s major filmmakers offers superb acting and an intriguing storyline that seems darker than it ends up being.

A young boy’s mother feels that there is something wrong with him; that he is acting weirdly. Suspecting 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 mother, teacher, headmistress and child, the truth gradually emerges. Monster plays with narrative and perspective, leading us from simple judgements through to a complex understanding, and the corrosive effects of shame on children. The word ‘monster’ itself is potentially misleading – while suspenseful, this is anything but a horror film. The complex narrative technique is just one component of a film that is full of humanity, insight, imagination, and emotional resonance. Palace Films