CANNES, France: Japanese director Hirokazu Koreeda’s new film, “Monster,” was screened at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday.

The film, which is in competition for this year’s Palme d’Or, met a standing ovation from the audience at the French festival.

“It was a very good screening,” Koreeda said following the applause. “I want to tell all my team members who could not come about it.”

“Monster” depicts the ripples caused by trouble between elementary school boys from the perspectives of the children, a parent and a teacher.

A woman who viewed the film said that she was struck by the sensitive portrayal of the complicated feelings held by the boys.

“The faces of people who saw the film were bright,” Koreeda told reporters after the screening.

“I was overwhelmed by the thunderous applause,” said Sakura Ando, who played a mother in the film.

“I felt from my heart that I was lucky to be an actor,” Eita Nagayama, who played the role of teacher, said.

A total of 21 works are in competition for the Palme d’Or. Awards will be given out May 27.

Koreeda previously won the top award in 2018 with “Shoplifters.” It is the second straight year that he submitted a film for competition, following his South Korean film “Broker” last year.

JIJI Press