A sigh of admiration arises... Lee Chang-dong and Jeon Do-yeon in "Possible Love" [Kim Mi-hwa's Sharp Movie]

*This content was translated by AI.

• A new and sharp perspective on watching a film

The film "Possible Love" (directed by Lee Chang-dong) will be shown in theaters ahead of its November Netflix release. It is a 164-minute film rated for no viewers under 19. While the long runtime and age rating could be seen as hurdles, overcoming them allows audiences to encounter deep emotions that touch the heart.

"Possible Love" tells the story of two couples—a laid-off worker and his wife, and a documentary filmmaker and her husband—who meet to produce a documentary and confront each other's different lives and hidden desires. This is Lee Chang-dong's first new work in eight years, featuring acclaimed actors including Jeon Do-yeon, Seol Kyeong-gu, Jo In-sung, and Jo Yeo-jung.

"Possible Love" premiered at the Venice International Film Festival this year and won the Silver Lion (Jury Grand Prize). The film that first captured Venice's attention is neither sensational nor flashy, yet it gently but powerfully moves the heart. Through this film, director Lee Chang-dong raises diverse questions ranging from class, labor, love, to camera ethics, leaving a lingering impression. While watching the film may feel like receiving only questions without answers, it is a masterpiece that prompts viewers to find their own answers within its 164 minutes and reflect deeply on the work.

The outstanding performances by the actors who fill all 164 minutes are also admirable. In particular, Jeon Do-yeon transcends herself with a performance different from her acclaimed role in "Secret Sunshine," which is often hailed as the best of her filmography. Ah, admiration comes naturally. Seol Kyeong-gu's early debut appearance in "Peppermint Candy" overlaps with his central role in this film. Jo Yeo-jung observes the protagonists through both the director Lee Chang-dong's perspective and that of the audience. Though appearing perfect and happy, she portrays a contradictory and pitiful side while driving the story forward. Jo In-sung, despite limited screen time, clearly expresses a character that might seem somewhat ambiguous with his unmistakably "Jo In-sung-like" presence. Well done.

Director Lee Chang-dong continuously presents and questions through this film. Whether to find answers or seek solutions is left entirely to the audience. Even in situations that seem undeniably clear, viewers may hold different stances depending on their circumstances and positions. As he said, "I made films to understand humans, but while making them, I realized how difficult it is to understand human beings," the film simply shows human behavior without forcing anything upon anyone.

However, the people, landscapes, and scenes captured through the camera are so vividly imprinted that there is no difficulty at all. Whatever each person feels is the correct answer. It is astonishing how director Lee Chang-dong blends issues of class, labor, ethics, and personality into love through his direction.

The full moon and lunar halo appearing in the film evoke the sunlight and shadows of "Secret Sunshine." If there is someone to share dreaming about a future while gazing at the full moon together, or worrying about tomorrow's rain after the lunar halo, it is fine. Showing that love means having someone who becomes your support and stands with you in the rain.

The 164 minutes pass in an instant. And when leaving the theater, something remains in the heart.

Released in theaters on September 23. Netflix release on November 6.

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*This content was translated by AI.