Monster: A Gripping Psychological Thriller with Depth
Title: Monster
Original Title: モンスター (Monsutā)
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.73
IMDb Rating: 8.3
Director: Masayuki Kojima
Writer: Yasuko Kobayashi
Studio: Madhouse
Format: Anime (TV Series)
Episodes: 74
Premiered: Spring 2004
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Psychological, Thriller
Trailer:
Story(Spoiler Free):
Monster takes you on an intense psychological trip with Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a bright young neurosurgeon. Faced with a moral dilemma, Dr. Tenma violates orders and decides to operate on a gravely injured child instead of a powerful politician. This decision has unintended consequences, resulting in the reintroduction of a violent creature named Johan Liebert into society.
Haunted by his choice, Dr. Tenma abandons his distinguished career and goes out to redeem his error. He becomes a fugitive, pursuing Johan across Europe, determined to arrest him before he can claim more innocent lives.
As Dr. Tenma delves deeper into Johan’s past, he uncovers a labyrinth of deceit, manipulation, and a darkness that lurks within the human psyche. He encounters a cast of intriguing individuals along the way—aa detective driven by a personal vendetta, a former East German operative with hidden reasons, and a woman seeking answers about her brother’s disappearance.
Monster is a slow-burn thriller that tackles the complexity of morality, the nature of good and evil, and the consequences of our actions. It’s not a standard action-packed anime; instead, it depends on suspense, psychological investigation, and thought-provoking ideas.
Review:
Monster stands out as a unique animation, presenting a sophisticated narrative that dives into the darkest parts of the human psyche. Here’s a breakdown of its essential aspects:
Story:
The main idea of a doctor following after a creature he accidentally created is intriguing. The plot unfolds slowly, establishing suspense and enabling viewers to examine the characters’ reasons. It explores topics of morality, accountability, and the nature of good and evil in a sophisticated way.The leisurely pacing can be a problem for viewers anticipating fast-paced action. The lack of classic heroes and villains can leave some viewers craving clear-cut lines.
Animation and sound:
While not spectacular, the animation style well serves the tale, focusing on character expressions and generating a feeling of mood. The use of light and shadow adds dimension to a scene. The soundtrack is modest but strong, bringing suspense and emotional weight to important moments.The animation quality could seem archaic for viewers accustomed to modern aesthetics. However, it keeps a certain charm that matches the series’ tone.
Voice Acting:
Both the Japanese and English casts provide great performances that bring the characters to life. The voice acting captures the complicated emotions and motivations of the characters, making them feel real and approachable.There aren’t any glaring weaknesses in the voice acting department.
Overall Review:
Monsters aren’t for everyone. It’s a slow-burn, thought-provoking anime that rewards patient viewers. The plot is wonderfully created, the characters are rich and intriguing, and the topics it explores are ageless. The animation and sound design effectively enhance the narrative, while the voice acting adds another dimension of depth.
However, the plodding pacing and lack of clear-cut heroes and antagonists might not appeal to all readers.