KAIBUTSU: Ryuichi Sakamoto's Last Cinematic Testament

Composer Ryuichi Sakamoto left us on March 28, leaving behind a musical legacy that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. With numerous soundtracks to his name, from “The Last Emperor” to “The Revenant”, Sakamoto left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape. Yet there remains one particular film that has eluded the spotlight: Ryuichi Sakamoto's final cinematic testament.

Sakamoto is best known for his soundtrack of the 1983 movie “Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence”, from which the eponymous track resurfaced in 1996 as the widely beloved acoustic rendition we know today. But Sakamoto’s cinematic ventures didn’t stop there, as he went on to compose original soundtracks for a multitude of motion pictures, the most popular one being the 2015 Blockbuster “The Revenant”.

©️2023 Monster Film Committee

Sadly, Sakamoto’s streak of soundtracks came to an end. But not before he wrote his final soundtrack of 2023. This time for the movie “Kaibutsu”, or “Monster”, which was released on June 2nd, after Sakamoto’s passing. The movie is directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, best known for the 2018 drama “Shoplifters”.

Courtesy of Cannes Film Festival

Kaibutsu follows a young mother and her teenage son who appears to struggle with his mental health. The story unfolds when his school gets involved, a teacher gets accused of abuse, and the complexities of teenage friendships are exposed. The movie excels thanks to Kore-eda’s humanistic approach and the remarkable performances, particularly by the young actors.

Credit: Suenaga Makoto

The soundtrack covers seven songs, all written by Ryuichi Sakamoto. Yet only two out of the seven songs were written specifically for this motion picture. The remaining five are from Sakamoto’s back catalogue. We can only guess if Sakamoto’s fight against his illness had any influence on this. Nonetheless, we are fortunate enough to enjoy two more wonderful compositions from the master.

The two tracks, aptly named "Monster 1" and "Monster 2," encompass an entrancing blend of ambient electronic elements, with delicate piano as its foundation. The compositions seamlessly intertwine with the cinematic narrative, mirroring the ongoing thematic battle between personal growth and retreat, creating an auditory depiction of life and its harmful beauty. Sakamoto manages to encapsulate Kaibutsu’s exploration of repressed pain and the acceptance of self.

The unwavering commitment of Ryuichi Sakamoto to his craft, evident in every note until his final days, is a testament to his enduring legacy.

Listen to the Kaibutsu soundtrack
Apple Music
Youtube

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