I consider this film to be the greatest tribute to Kurasawa’s *Rashomon* that I have encountered. While others have attempted a similar approach—perhaps influenced by the bonsai rule of three—the results have always felt underwhelming. However, this film, Kore-Eda's work? Even Kurasawa himself would likely applaud it. It elevates the master’s technique to an entirely new plane. Yuji Sakamoto and Kore-Eda have prod…

I don’t often enjoy movies centered around kids, but I have to acknowledge an exceptionally good showing from the young Hinata Hiiragi as the timid and isolated "Hoshikawa." We'll get to him shortly; initially, the film unfolds across three sections, like a fire consuming the heart of a city tower block. The initial part introduces us to “Minato” (Soya Kurukawa), an intelligent and affable boy living with his single …

It’s easy to assume our perspective gives us a reliable understanding of what's true, isn’t it? But what happens when someone else who saw the same thing has an entirely different take on it? Can both viewpoints really be accurate? Or is it possible that we all miss parts of the picture and can’t possibly know everything about any situation? That’s essentially what director Kore-eda Hirokazu explores in his new film,…

It’s interesting to consider *Monster* within Kore-eda’s film work—something I intend to explore further eventually. As with his other movies, it offers an intimate portrayal of a person, their reasons for acting as they do, and the impact those actions have on others. The movie is complex; it presents the same narrative through different viewpoints, giving the audience the complete picture rather than fragments. …

Monster marks another film from Kore-eda’s work, which I intend to explore further eventually. As with his other movies, it offers a very intimate portrayal of someone, their reasons for acting as they do, and how those actions impact the people in their lives. The movie is complex; it presents the same narrative through different viewpoints, offering the complete picture rather than just fragments. I generally pr…