Review of Monster

Monster is, arguably, the magnum opus of mangaka Urasawa Naoki. Even from the first few episodes, the viewer starts to see exactly why the show is this highly acclaimed. The author portrays what is, essentially, a game of cat and mouse, but ties in multiple narratives that all contribute to the plot in their own way. While the first third of the show is a slow burn, it is one which is certainly worth sitting through. The first episode sets up the scenario really well; we follow a morally driven protagonist in a world rather deprived of morality. He is the fabled "perfect worker" : Hefollows directives from higher-ups, performs well as a neurosurgeon, stays humble, and has a relatively good work-life balance. Life seems to be going perfectly for Dr. Kenzo Tenma, whose talent is applied to saving the lives of all patients irrespective of status : or that's what it seems. His morality is put to the question by the simple grievance of a widow, a widow who became such only because Tenma was absent on orders.

The obedient worker is now morally confused, considering just one question : Are all humans created equal?

Tenma has a certain outlook, evidently different from that of those around him, for he has known the feeling of ostracisation, the feeling of being forgotten. He believes that all humans are created equal, and this very thought leads him down the path to doing the "right thing". However, he is punished for doing so. Suddenly, because of one morally-charged decision, he faces a large, personal, pushback : his engagement is called off, he is demoted from his high-ranking job, and is shunned by the very people who used to look up to him. He is very frustrated, rightfully so, but expresses this frustation at the wrong place and time.

Soon, through a series of mysterious events, he rises back to power, but is eventually haunted by the horrors of his, and others', past. Tenma is made to go against his own principles in the pursuit of the greater good. The anxiety-inducing atmosphere is never ruined by unnecessary dialogue : every action, every dialogue, and every plot point is planned. The numerous events all tie into each other and culminate in a masterfully written ending, clearing, in its wake, every doubt the viewer may have. Little to no plot points are left unturned in this story so terrifyingly realistic.

Monster provides a deep insight into what makes a person : their morality, their beliefs, their actions, their relationships. We see the deepest depths of loneliness and the highest highs of joy that humans experience. We see that the challenges we face in life all lead us to the same, certain destination of death. We see the deceptive nature of humans in pursuit of their own ambition, and the refusal to see the obvious for the sake of preserving ego. We see the monstrosity of extreme pessimism, and the fate that every experience of ours leads to. It is not just a show, but one that explores the intricate facets of the human experience.

While it may not appeal to everybody, the art style is amazing, and we see the phenotypic differences between characters that are supposed to be of different nationalities. Though it was made in 2004, it holds up against many animation projects being made today. Music is never used in the wrong place, and it complements the scenes more than making them. Voice acting is in a similar vein : each line is said naturally and appropriately.

If nothing else, consider watching it just for its masterful narrative. What MADHOUSE and the show's crew have made is nothing short of a masterpiece.