Monster
Synopsis
Dr. Kenzou Tenma, an elite neurosurgeon recently engaged to his hospital director's daughter, is well on his way to ascending the hospital hierarchy. That is until one night, a seemingly small event changes Dr. Tenma's life forever. While preparing to perform surgery on someone, he gets a call from the hospital director telling him to switch patients and instead perform life-saving brain surgery on a famous performer. His fellow doctors, fiancée, and the hospital director applaud his accomplishment; but because of the switch, a poor immigrant worker is dead, causing Dr. Tenma to have a crisis of conscience. So when a similar situation arises, Dr. Tenma stands his ground and chooses to perform surgery on the young boy Johan Liebert instead of the town's mayor. Unfortunately, this choice leads to serious ramifications for Dr. Tenma—losing his social standing being one of them. However, with the mysterious death of the director and two other doctors, Dr. Tenma's position is restored. With no evidence to convict him, he is released and goes on to attain the position of hospital director. Nine years later when Dr. Tenma saves the life of a criminal, his past comes back to haunt him—once again, he comes face to face with the monster he operated on. He must now embark on a quest of pursuit to make amends for the havoc spread by the one he saved. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience opinions on Monster are divided. While many praise its intricate story, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes, others criticize its slow pacing, repetitive plot elements, and disappointing ending. The series is considered a masterpiece by some, while others find it overhyped and ultimately unfulfilling, leading to a polarized viewing experience.
Strengths
- Exceptional writing with a slow burn that captivates with moments of shock, awe, and depravity.
- Realistic and detailed art style that augments tone and adds layers to character design.
- Well-developed characters with depth and complexity, representing strong leads and compelling supporting roles.
- Soundtrack enhances the anxious atmosphere with carefully crafted lines and subtle background music.
- Intricate storytelling with philosophical concepts and well-justified pacing.
Weaknesses
- Pacing can be slow, especially after episode 40, making the anime feel unnecessarily long.
- Repetitive plot elements and predictable patterns emerge, diminishing the initial intrigue.
- Some characters make idiotic choices and exhibit inconsistent behavior, reducing believability.
- Ending can be disappointing, leaving questions unanswered and failing to provide a satisfying resolution.
- Over-reliance on flashbacks and contrived plot devices create unnecessary suspense.