In the end, Monster reveals that the true monsters are not external figures but often misunderstandings and misconceptions that distort our perceptions. Throughout the film, characters grapple with false accusations, rumors, and prejudice, which lead to tragic consequences. Hori is unfairly blamed for the injuries inflicted on Minato, while rumors about him and Saori damage her reputation and mental state. The school authorities, driven by their desire to protect the institution, inadvertently worsen the situation by rushing to judgments without proper investigation. Meanwhile, Minato and Yori’s friendship is kept secret because of societal pressures that equate closeness between boys with weakness or effeminacy, underscoring how fragile and distorted perceptions of masculinity can prevent genuine understanding and connection.
When we shift perspectives to Yori, it becomes clear that Minato and Yori’s bond was genuine and caring, built in secret because of fears of judgment. The film’s climax shows that the boys have found solace and happiness in their friendship, despite all the misunderstandings around them. The final scenes, filled with light and laughter, symbolize a renewal—a moment where the characters realize that their fears and prejudices were based on false monsters. In Kore-eda’s poetic style, the film closes on a note of innocence and hope, illustrating that compassion and truth can ultimately dispel the darkness created by misconceptions. The story ultimately suggests that true monsters—those born of misunderstandings—are what threaten our capacity for kindness and connection if left unchecked.
At the end of Monster, it becomes clear that the real monsters are not external figures but the misunderstandings and prejudices that distort how we see others. Throughout the film, characters fall victim to rumors, false accusations, and societal judgments that lead to tragic outcomes. Hori, the teacher, is unjustly blamed for the injuries and behavioral issues of Minato, while Saori’s reputation suffers due to unfounded rumors about her and her son. The school authorities, eager to protect their image, rush to judge Hori without thorough investigation, making the situation worse. Meanwhile, Minato and Yori’s friendship is kept secret because societal stereotypes associate closeness between boys with weakness or effeminacy, revealing how fragile and damaging perceptions of masculinity can be.
When the story shifts to Yori’s perspective, we learn that Minato and Yori’s bond was authentic and nurturing. The boys’ friendship, kept hidden out of fear of ridicule, is a symbol of genuine connection amid the chaos of misunderstanding. The final scenes depict the two boys happily playing together, unburdened by the fears that once haunted them—a moment of innocence and hope. Kore-eda’s poetic style emphasizes that these “monsters”—the falsehoods and prejudices—are ultimately illusions that can be dispelled through compassion and truth. The ending suggests that it is our own misconceptions that pose the greatest threat to kindness and human connection, but there is always room for redemption and understanding when we choose empathy over suspicion.
In the end, Monster shows us that the true monsters are not external threats but the misunderstandings, rumors, and prejudices that distort reality. The characters are caught in a web of false accusations—Hori is wrongly blamed for Minato’s injuries, Saori’s reputation is damaged by rumors, and the school’s rush to judgment only worsens the chaos. Minato and Yori’s friendship remains secret because of societal stereotypes that associate emotional closeness between boys with weakness, exposing how harmful stereotypes about masculinity can hinder genuine connection.
When the story is told from Yori’s perspective, it becomes evident that their friendship was sincere and caring, hidden out of fear rather than malice. In the final moments, the two boys, unburdened by their fears, run and laugh freely, symbolizing hope and innocence. Kore-eda’s subtle and poetic storytelling ends with a powerful reminder that the true monsters—the misunderstandings and prejudices—are illusions that can be overcome with empathy and understanding. Ultimately, the film suggests that kindness and truth are the best shields against the darkness created by false perceptions, leaving us with a message of hope that genuine human connection can triumph over ignorance.
