Educational Media Reviews Online

Poetry is a feature-length South Korean drama directed by Lee Chang-Dong. The film stars Yun Jung-hee as a hard-working grandmother, Mija, struggling to come to terms with a recent Alzheimer's diagnosis and her grandson’s involvement in the circumstances surrounding his classmate’s suicide.

At the start of the film, Mija is bubbly and personable. When she learns about the classmate’s death, Mija asks her grandson about how well he knew the girl, but he claims she was only an acquaintance. Soon after, Mija is confronted by a group of fathers who reveal her grandson, and their sons were involved in events leading to the girl’s death.

The film exposes the main character’s internal struggle to understand and accept the disillusionment she feels toward her grandson alongside her love for him. Mija takes up an interest in poetry which seems to provide her a needed distraction from the mounting pressure of the situation. As the film progresses, Mija secretly explores her curiosity about the girl by attending her funeral and visiting her home, pausing to take poetic notes in between stops. Her curiosity is an exercise in empathy for the girl, and as Mija’s understanding of the girl’s experience deepens, Mija is left heartbroken and depressed.

Although the main character's Alzheimer's diagnosis seems distracting, Poetry is a moving film that challenges viewers to consider the intersection of morality, justice, class, and love. Audiences should be warned that major themes include sexual assault and suicide. This film is recommended for adult audiences.

Awards:
Best Screenplay, Cannes Film Festival; Prize of the Ecumenical Jury, Special Mention, Cannes Film Festival; Best Director, Asian Film Awards; Best Screenwriter, Asian Film Awards; Best Actress, Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards; Achievement in Directing, Asia Pacific Screen Awards; Best Actress, Asia Pacific Screen Awards; Best Film, Korean Association of Film Critics’ Awards; Best Screenplay, Korean Association of Film Critics’ Awards

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