‘Monster’: one powerful film that deserves to be seen by Filipino audience

The much-anticipated Japanese film from critically acclaimed filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, ‘Monster,’ has finally landed in the Philippines through the help of the Atayde family (Sylvia Sanchez, Ria Atayde, Gela Atayde) and their dear family friend Lorna Tolentino, through the production company Nathan Studios (the same label that brought us notable works like ‘Cattleya Killer,’ ‘Misis Piggy,’ and ‘Topakk.’

Adding to the excitement, ‘Monster’ had its star-studded red carpet premiere in the Philippines on October 3 at SM Megamall Cinema. The event was graced by a constellation of renowned artists and celebrities, including Amy Austria, Ara Mina, Bayani Agbayani, Mon Confiado, Dominic Ochoa, Isabel Rivas, Ynez Veneracion. This premiere marked a momentous occasion for the film, which had already gained recognition for its award-winning screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival.

Here are some photos from the red carpet premiere of ‘Monster’ in the Philippines.

The drama film is a slow-burn and passionate look at a mother-and-son tale which a devastating twist. Here’s the synopsis of the film.

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 mother, teacher and child, the truth gradually emerges.

If you’re a fan of Hirokazu Kore-eda, and have watched his films like Shoplifters and Broker, you would know that this is his style — taking things gentle and slow until something explodes to shock and move you. In ‘Monster,’ Kore-eda works his best as a director and a writer just like in his previous works with wow factor in storytelling that is simple yet powerful. Not to mention, its music composed by the late Ryuichi Sakamoto, is an impactful tribute to the artist’s remarkable talent.

With its variety of themes on familial lover coming of age, the imbalance of lies and truths, and the scary consequences of our wrongdoings, ‘Monster’ shows different versions of truth and lets the audience be part of what’s happening on the screen as well.

Just like what the Ataydes and Ms. LT addressed during the short program of the premiere night, there’s more to come from Nathan Studios in as far as acquiring and releasing foreign films worth seeing by the Filipino audiences. ‘Monster’ is just the start of more interesting, exciting, and high-octane titles that will bring diverse and meaningful stories to the forefront of entertainment.

From Nathan Studios comes ‘Monster,’ showing in Philippine theaters beginning on October 11.