Lee Chang-dong’s 'Possible Love' Premieres to Acclaim at Venice

Key points

• The film received a seven-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, with the cast and director visibly moved.
• It is Lee Chang-dong’s first feature since 'Burning' (2018) and his fourth submission for South Korea’s Oscar entry.
• The cast includes Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Cho Yeo-jeong, and Zo In-sung, with cinematography by Kim Ji-yong and a score by Jung Jae-il.
• Netflix fully financed the production and is campaigning it for multiple Academy Award categories, not just best international feature.
• The film opens theatrically in South Korea on September 23, followed by international releases in October, and streams globally on November 6.

Background

Lee Chang-dong is a renowned South Korean auteur known for literary, socially conscious dramas such as 'Secret Sunshine' and 'Burning.' He previously served as South Korea’s culture minister. 'Possible Love' marks his return to the Venice competition after a long hiatus, following his last appearance there in 2002.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes the film’s status as a 'sensation' and its potential as a top awards contender, noting the unanimous rave reviews. The Guardian describes it as a 'finely judged' and 'novelistic' work, praising its intelligence but noting it may be slightly contrived. Time Magazine highlights the film’s 'delicate' exploration of human connection and anxiety in the face of economic hardship. IndieWire calls it a 'masterpiece' and 'stunner,' focusing on its complex moral valences and the 'velvet gutpunch' of its final scene, while noting it is a more restrained domestic saga compared to 'Burning.'

Why it matters

The film’s critical acclaim and major studio backing position it as a frontrunner for the Golden Lion and multiple Academy Awards. It also highlights the growing influence of Korean cinema on the global stage and the increasing role of streaming platforms in financing high-profile, award-bait films.

What to watch

The Venice Film Festival jury, led by Maggie Gyllenhaal, will announce the Golden Lion winner on September 12. The film will continue its festival run at Toronto, New York, San Sebastián, Zurich, Vancouver, and Busan before its theatrical and streaming releases.