Monster

About Monster

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• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

Monster is a psychological thriller anime series based on the manga of the same name written and illustrated by Naoki Urasawa. The adaptation was produced by Madhouse and directed by Masayuki Kojima. The series aired in 2004 and consists of 74 episodes.

The story revolves around Dr. Kenzō Tenma, a brilliant surgeon living in Düsseldorf, Germany. Tenma encounters a young boy named Johan Liebert, who is the lone survivor of a massacre. Tenma saves Johan's life, but soon realizes that Johan is no ordinary child.

As the series progresses, Tenma finds himself embroiled in a conspiracy and a cat-and-mouse game with Johan, who is revealed to be a sociopath and a serial killer. Tenma must face moral dilemmas and make difficult choices as he tries to stop Johan's reign of terror.

Making / Production

Monster was adapted from Naoki Urasawa's manga by Madhouse, a renowned animation studio in Japan. The series was directed by Masayuki Kojima, who successfully captured the intense and dark atmosphere of the original manga.

The animation style of Monster is realistic, with detailed character designs and backgrounds. The dark and gritty aesthetic adds to the suspenseful nature of the story, creating a visually engaging experience for viewers.

Actors

• Dr. Kenzō Tenma - Voiced by Hidenobu Kiuchi: Kiuchi portrays Tenma's determination and internal struggles masterfully, bringing depth and authenticity to the character.
• Johan Liebert - Voiced by Tsutomu Isobe: Isobe delivers a chilling performance as Johan, capturing his manipulative nature and sinister charisma.
• Inspector Heinrich Lunge - Voiced by Kiyoyuki Yanada: Yanada gives Lunge a cold and calculating voice, perfectly portraying the relentless detective's pursuit of truth.
• Anna Liebert - Voiced by Aya Hirano: Hirano brings vulnerability and strength to Anna's character, enhancing the emotional impact of her story.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Monster is often praised for its intricate storytelling and well-developed characters.
• The anime adaptation faithfully follows the manga, staying true to its dark and gritty atmosphere.
• Naoki Urasawa, the creator of the manga, was heavily involved in the production of the anime.
• Monster explores deep themes such as morality, identity, and the consequences of one's actions.
• The series has gained a cult following and is considered a classic in the psychological thriller genre.

Awards

Monster received critical acclaim and won several awards, including:

• Excellence Prize at the 2005 Japan Media Arts Festival
• Best Television Series at the 2005 Tokyo International Anime Fair
• Best Drama at the 2005 Tokyo Anime Award

Quotes

• "In this world, there are things you can only do alone, and things you can only do with somebody else. It's important to combine the two in just the right amount." - Dr. Kenzō Tenma
• "The weak can't survive... just like the weak can't endure solitude." - Johan Liebert
• "As long as desires and hatred exist, someone like me will always be around. I am the embodiment of humanity's dark side." - Johan Liebert

Music

The musical score for Monster was composed by Kuniaki Haishima. The soundtrack features haunting melodies and atmospheric tracks that enhance the tension and suspense throughout the series.

Soundtrack

• "Main Theme" - The iconic opening theme of Monster that sets the mysterious and thrilling tone of the series.
• "MONSTER" - A powerful and intense track that plays during climactic moments.
• "Message" - A melancholic and haunting piece that captures the emotional depth of the story.