In Monster, Hirokazu Kore-eda employs Rashomon techniques. Saori Mugino, (Sakura Andô), a loving single mother values the life of her pre-teen son Minato Mugino (Soya Kurokawa) over anything. So, her interpretation of the behavior of Minato’s teacher Hori (Eita Nagayama) is valid. Hari is not an original in his nature. Neither the principal nor the other staff is open to the issue. Concealed apologies smoke the air. Minato and Hoshikawa (Hinata Hiiragi), the boys enjoy a deeper bond in their private world. Director of Shoplifters, Kore-eda is not straight with his audience.

Minato’s strange behavior at home is in prime focus in the beginning. Everywhere, characters shift their realities making us feel he/she is the real culprit. They evolve slowly with the structure of the plot. Hari in Minato and Hoshikawa’s (Hinata Hiiragi) words, is a harassing school teacher. Though Minato never shows his real emotion to his mother or anyone, the innocent face of Hoshikawa, a socially bullied kid at his school throws a believable vibe. The subtle sexism expressed in his moments with Minato is a trait of Kore-eda. It’s like you get it, yet not defined. Both kids seem very natural and intriguing in their characters. There’s a clear mystery surrounding them. Monster is too elusive to frame them.

Hori’s internal tussles with the projections hiding truths make him desolate. Makiko Fushimi (Yuko Tanaka)’s principal is dealing with her inner chaos in a different style. Commendable acting. When she advises Minato happiness should be for everyone and just blow away sorrows- I was thinking, there’s something profound about Japanese schooling. Kore-eda uses such nuances effectively in the contexts but things are never one-sided.

At a slow pace, Monster takes turns with its brooding characters to unravel themselves. No particular order. Yuji Sakamoto’s script prompts you to be with the one you felt more justifiable. That could be your take. Another might have a different perspective. The ambiguous but beautiful end of this film endorses it further.

Does anybody have an understanding of that building on fire? I haven’t yet.