Bao gao lao shi! Guai guai guai guai wu

This one came as a complete surprise to me: behind the rather playful title lies an unexpectedly harrowing, mean-spirited and nihilistic tale that leaves quite the emotional impact.

Lin Shu-wei (Yu-Kai Teng) is an unpopular high-school student who faces daily bullying from his classmates and a lack of empathy from his teacher. When Shu-wei is accused of stealing money, he is given community service, along with three of his most cruel tormenters, led by callous classmate Duan Ren-hao (Kent Tsai). Sent to work at an old people's home, the class bullies abuse the pensioners, with Shu-wei joining in, relieved to not be the target of the torture for a change.

One night, the four teenagers sneak into the home to steal a locked case belonging to an elderly ex-soldier, believing it to contain valuables. During the burglary, the lads encounter a ghoulish flesh-eating girl that chases them out of the building, only for her to be knocked down by a car (which promptly drives away). Taking the creature to their hideout, the bullies set about inflicting pain upon their prisoner, with Shu-wei a reluctant participant. Meanwhile, the cannibalistic kiddie's older sister is on the hunt for her missing sibling...

With almost no genuinely sympathetic characters, the message of Mon Mon Mon Monsters is that humans are the real monsters. We lose much of our sympathy for Shu-wei when he joins in with the bullies, his teacher is heartless, the driver of the car that hits the little girl immediately flees the scene, and Ren-hao and his pals are sociopaths. For some, this will mean that the film will prove too much to handle, but for those who enjoy disturbing cinema, this is a well-directed treat that keeps on surprising, right down to the bitter end.

7.5 out of 10, rounded up to 8 for IMDb.

You really have to understand Asian/Chinese/Taiwanese cinema and culture to appreciate this film. The main idea is this: who is the real monster: a monster who eats to live, or humans who delight in tormenting others? As someone who was bullied in school, I appreciate this film. A monster made a monster through no fault of her own, trying to survive, versus teenage humans who take great joy in tormenting and hurting others. Who, indeed, is the real monster? And, what can turn a good person into a monster? Is there redemption for such a person? Do parents create monsters in their children? This is a great film if you understand themes in Asian cinema. Keep in mind that it is magical realism, like many Asian films. It is both in reality, and in a fantasy world. It is both a story, and an allegory. It touches many themes in Asian culture, too many to list here. If you are willing to explore the rich world of Asian cinema and culture, then you will enjoy the hell out of this masterpiece. If you approach it from a Western horror movie mindset, then you might not like it.

Mon Mon Mon Monsters is a comedy horror film directed by Giddens Ko. The film primarily follows Lin Shuwei (portrayed by Deng Yu Kai), a nerdy high school student who is assigned to do community service with a group of kids who have been bullying him. When doing the community service, the kids come upon a monster (which I would describe as a mix between a demon and vampire). The story then follows the group of kids as they deal with capturing one of the monsters while another monster seeks to hunt them down.

I enjoyed Mon Mon Mon Monsters. I thought the comedic element was a bit immature, but you are dealing with teenage students. I also liked that the film creates a new type of monster that isn't the same old horror movie I am used to seeing.

My main issue with the film is I felt like Lin was a really contradictory story line. At one point he is a really sympathetic character that is bullied and treats the monster that is captured in an almost humane way. Yet, he also engages in actions with the bullies that make him pretty unlikable at moments. Due to that, I couldn't really side with the character. I also wish the monsters were a little more explained. The background of them is very briefly mentioned but never fully fleshed out.

With that being said, I enjoyed it as a enjoyable young adult comedy/horror film. Also, it goes without saying that the film is Taiwanese and has subtitles so if that is not your thing you will not like the film. - 6/10.

Very disturbing and hard to watch at times, but has a pretty interesting and unique plot.

From the title and poster, I thought this was going to be a cute monster movie with cute boys but it was actually quite depressing (in a good way!) Proving that bullying is the REAL monster!!

Side note - I have really enjoyed a majority of the International films released on Shudder. Movies like this one are totally worth the subscription price alone!! -not a paid endorsement-