3 out of 5 stars
Since the phenomenon of Parasite in 2019, the South Korean film industry has become prominent worldwide. Even though they had produced respected works for years, the time was right for audiences to notice what filmmakers were offering from this Asian powerhouse. In April of 2022, Decision to Leave’s director Park Chan-wook won the best director award at the Cannes Film Festival. His film was also selected to represent South Korea at the upcoming Academy Awards. Can this murder mystery/romance have the same run as its predecessor?
The premise is the typical murder mystery, with a body found at the foot of a mountainside. Detective Hae-jun (Park Hae-il) is called to investigate the death of this skilled mountaineer. Even though it looks like an accidental death, evidence points to possible foul play by the victim’s wife, Jung-an (Lee Jung-hyun). She is a Chinese immigrant who shows signs of abuse by her deceased husband, and the police decide to look into her past. As the investigation continues, Hae-jun becomes infatuated with the mysterious suspect. This leads to the pair developing a relationship that has the potential to compromise the case and his marriage.
Without giving too much away within this contorted screenplay, Park Chan-wook creates a depth of character in each role that will slowly draw in audiences. From the insomnia of Park Hae-il’s character to the mysterious past of the femme-fatal, everything is left in plain sight for things to become evident, but nothing is clear. The blind corners and subtle glances from scene to scene will keep viewers off balance until the unpredictable conclusion.
Those who are used to the stylings of Hollywood may find this narrative challenging to follow at times, but will find it impossible to look away. This glimpse into the Korean and Chinese cultural nuances becomes a lesson in the differences and similarities in storytelling. What may be translated by some viewers as disjointed within the script, might mean an expectation to adjust to this less-than-linear manner of filmmaking. Also, there has to be a trust in the director to get you there by the end. This approach also means that elements may be found in the symbolism of the tale as opposed to the dialogue giving away the storyline.
Decision to Leave may be unfairly compared to Parasite, but the only similarities are the country of origin. While it is not as groundbreaking or hard-hitting, Park Chan-wook’s film will satisfy those who enjoyed the Korean flavour tasted in 2019.
The word becomes film
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REEL DIALOGUE: Can you have an affair of the mind?
Even though Decision to Leave is a murder mystery it could lead to many discussions about the sanctity of marriage. The subtleties of the relationship between the lead characters can be chalked up to an affair of the mind. Yet, this does not diminish the severity of its impact.
Similar to the film, the Bible contains marriage, murder, and infidelity stories. Still, thankfully God provides solace and answers to these traumatic events in people's lives through his words. To know what God thinks of marriage does not have to be a mystery. Jesus even addresses the affairs of the mind. How are you doing at remaining faithful in your relationship?
But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. - Matthew 5:28
