Movies

A 97%-Rated Netflix Chart Climber Is a Must-Watch for Asian Thrillers Fans

A 97%-Rated Netflix Chart Climber Is a Must-Watch for Asian Thrillers Fans
Image credit: Well Go USA Entertainment

It’s high time to give a Japanese one a try!

The last decade has seen the success of Asian titles conquering not only the hearts of millions of viewers around the world, but also the streaming charts and international awards. These include such impeccable thrillers as Burning (2018), Parasite (2019) and Decision to Leave (2022), with all of them making noise at the Cannes Film Festival.

Despite the fact that most of the acclaimed Asian thrillers are South Korean, last year’s movie broke this Cannes’ tendency, as it was created by the Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda. His recent work is now climbing Netflix ’s chart, and here’s why.

Its plot revolves around a mother who notices her son behaving strangely: all of a sudden, he cuts his hair or comes home with only one shoe on. Then she decides to meet his teacher, assuming he’s responsible for it, however, as they confront and as the story gradually unfolds through their eyes, they begin to understand the horrifying truth.

We learn about the events that happened to the boy three different times: told by himself, by his mother and by the teacher. The most experienced cinema lovers will recognize here reimagining of the concept used in Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon (1950).

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The cult historical drama shows various people who describe how a samurai was killed in a forest and how different the story can be perceived from their own perspectives and interests. The 2023 thriller follows in the footsteps of Kurosawa’s masterpiece, making the story even more mysterious and the turns it takes even more unexpected.

Overall, the movie received widespread critical acclaim, and it’s proved by its near-perfect 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes. It is praised for its captivating screenplay and direction, as well as for its music, written by Ryuichi Sakamoto as his final score.

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Titled Monster, it will amaze you with its storytelling, meditative Asian cinematography and perfectly timed twists.

“Went in blind, thought it was a horror movie! Didnt expect to finish the movie with my heart broken,” says Redditor @h0ldkaylad0wn.

Indeed, it quite differs from thriller movies we’re used to, as it’s full of philosophy and the depiction of personal dramas, just like Steven Yeun’s Burning.

Check out Monster, as it’s available for watching on Netflix.