Decision to Leave (2022)
Explore love, mystery, and human frailty in this thrilling South Korean film. Directed by Park Chan-wook, it weaves a complex tale of trust, obsession, and personal choices.
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Info
| Original Title | 헤어질 결심 |
|---|---|
| Tagline | The Closer You Look, The Harder You Fall. |
| Formats | Streaming |
| Duration | 139 mins |
| Status | Released |
| Year | 2022 |
| Release Date | June 29, 2022 |
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Synopsis
From a mountain peak in South Korea, a man plummets to his death. Did he jump, or was he pushed? When detective Hae-joon arrives on the scene, he begins to suspect the dead man’s wife Seo-rae. But as he digs deeper into the investigation, he finds himself trapped in a web of deception and desire.
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Editor's Review
A Thrilling Neo-Noir Romance
“Decision to Leave” is a philosophical South Korean neo-noir film that masterfully blurs gender roles and entangles its characters in a complex love story. Directed by Park Chan-wook, known for his distinctive films like Oldboy and The Handmaiden, this movie takes unexpected turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
The film introduces us to Hae-jun (played by Park Hae-il), a Busan detective with a “weekend marriage” arrangement. His wife lives in Ipo, and they maintain their relationship despite the physical distance. When a mountain climber falls to his death, Hae-jun meets Seo-rae (the excellent Tang Wei), the Chinese wife of the deceased. As Hae-jun investigates the case, he becomes drawn to Seo-rae’s enigmatic personality and quirks.
The first half of Decision to Leave feels like a straightforward thriller, reminiscent of Bruce Willis erotic thrillers from the 1990s. Hae-jun’s professional boundaries blur as he surveils Seo-rae, and Park cleverly embeds focus issues into the narrative. Morning fog and blurred vision symbolize Hae-jun’s distorted perception.
But then, the film takes a sharp turn. Without revealing spoilers, the second half echoes the first in fascinating ways. Park plays with elements of noir and old-fashioned romance movies, creating unexpected connections between characters. The result is a rewarding thriller, even if it lacks the razor-sharp edges we’ve come to expect from Park’s work.
Decision to Leave raises questions about liberation and personal choices. It’s a modern noir-romantic tale that explores trust, obsession, and the consequences of crossing professional boundaries. The anguish that binds Hae-jun and Seo-rae together transcends time, making this film a thrilling exploration of love, mystery, and human frailty.
In terms of helpful content creation, Decision to Leave ticks several boxes:
- Originality: The film offers a fresh take on the noir genre, blending romance and suspense.
- Insightful Analysis: Park’s storytelling goes beyond the obvious, keeping viewers engaged.
- Expertise: The director’s reputation adds credibility to the film.
- Quality: Despite its departure from Park’s usual style, it remains a well-made thriller.
Ultimately, Decision to Leave leaves us pondering our own choices and the fine line between love and obsession. It’s a testament to Park Chan-wook’s ability to create thought-provoking cinema that resonates long after the credits roll.