SEOUL, September 07 (AJP) - Lee Chang-dong's "Possible Love" emerged as one of the early sensations of the Venice Film Festival after drawing a six-minute standing ovation and rave reviews, putting the Korean auteur's first feature in eight years among the closely watched contenders for the Golden Lion.
The Netflix-backed film premiered Sunday at the Sala Grande on the Venice Lido as part of the main competition at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival.
The 164-minute drama stars Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Zo In-sung and Cho Yeo-jeong.
International critics praised Lee's direction and the ensemble cast while highlighting the film's examination of labor, class, human dignity and the moral responsibility involved in turning another person's suffering into art.
The Guardian described "Possible Love" as a "finely judged" and "beautifully acted" work, while TIME praised its "gentle, generous spirit."
Vulture went further, asking whether it could be the best film at Venice this year and describing the drama as one of the most powerful and political works of Lee's career.
"Possible Love" follows two married couples from sharply different social backgrounds whose lives become entangled through a documentary project.
Sul plays Ho-seok, a former factory worker struggling after losing his job, while Jeon plays his wife Mi-ok.
Cho plays Ye-ji, a documentary filmmaker who approaches the couple as subjects for a film, while Zo plays Sang-woo, her wealthy husband.
The film marks Lee's return to feature filmmaking after "Burning" in 2018 and brings him back to Venice more than two decades after one of the defining victories of his career.
Lee won the Silver Lion for best director at Venice in 2002 for "Oasis." His return to the main competition comes 24 years after that win.
"Possible Love" is among 21 films competing for the Golden Lion at this year's festival, which runs through Sept. 12.
The strong Venice reception could also give the film an early boost in the coming awards season.
South Korea has selected "Possible Love" as its official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.
The Korean Film Council cited the film's cinematic completeness, clear message and Lee's portrayal of its multidimensional characters in choosing it as the country's contender.
The film will open in South Korean theaters on Sept. 23 before expanding to selected overseas markets in October.
Netflix will stream "Possible Love" globally from Nov. 6.
AJP Takeaways
- Lee Chang-dong returned to the Venice Film Festival’s main competition with Possible Love, his first feature since Burning in 2018.
- The 164-minute film stars Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Zo In-sung and Cho Yeo-jeong.
- The story follows two married couples drawn together through a documentary project, with themes of labor, class and human dignity.
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