Kore-eda Hirokazu (Shoplifters, Broker) touches us like no other with his beautiful, sensitive family dramas. Monster, which won two prizes at Cannes in 2023, follows a slightly dark path that nevertheless strikes a sensitive chord. A thrilling film about the young Minato who doesn't seem to be doing so well, his single mother and his teacher at school. Through the masterful use of multiple perspectives (the "Human Voices" festival theme) Kore-eda slowly reveals what is really going on. An this is accompanied by one of the the latest soundtracks by Ryuichi Sakamoto!

With her enthusiasm and humour, Lidewijde Paris ping-ponged with the audience about meanings, interpretations and emotions. She provided some viewing tips ahead of time so that after the screening, she could discuss the story and how it is told step-by-step with the audience. What symbolism was on view and how should you interpret the film's title? Is there a tipping point in the story? How does the film steer the viewer's emotions? She pointed out, where appropriate, literary tricks, and gave examples from famous novels.