Grass

Grass, a 2018 South Korean movie directed by acclaimed film-maker Hong Sang-soo and starring Kim Min-hee, Joobong Kee, and Jae-hong Ahn revolves around the aspect of observing and recording human interactions and incidents.

The story takes place in a small café tucked away in a quiet alley of a bustling city. The café, modestly decorated with wrought-iron tables and chairs, is adorned with lush potted plants creating an ambiance which evokes serenity. The picturesque setting is integral to the film as it's where people come and go, sharing their stories, their joys, sorrows, successes, and defeats.

Kim Min-hee plays the role of Areum, an aspiring writer who spends her day at the café indulging in her daily routine of people-watching. Equipped with her laptop, Areum takes in the many conversations and encounters happening around her. In essence, the café serves as her own live theatre where the performances are real, raw, and unplanned. Through her keen observation and insightful interpretations she converts these slices of life into pieces of modern literature.

Joobong Kee, another regular, is depicted as a middle-aged man, battling his own personal issues, who seeks solace in the café. His character is mysterious and his interactions with Areum leave room for various interpretations.

Jae-hong Ahn, who has worked on several other Hong Sang-soo's projects, plays the role of a supporting character whose life gets intertwined with Areum and Joobong.

What makes Grass intriguing is that conversations are the driving force of the film. Director Hong Sang-soo masterfully uses dialogue-driven scenes between characters to build context and reveals subtle nuances of their lives, which Areum uses to fuel her narrative and creative process. It's a thoughtful reflection on the role of the artist as both an observer and a creator.

The film subtly delves into the complexity of human emotions and relationships. It explores themes of hope, loneliness, love, joy, despair, and redemption. This is further underpinned by a remarkable screenplay, which is punctuated with poignant dialogues and well-timed humor that perfectly encapsulate the minutiae of everyday life.

Grass is shot in black and white, a cinematographic choice by the director that adds a layer of depth and intimacy to the scenes. It accentuates the emotions and provides a timeless quality to the slipping moments. The choice also highlights the directness of the characters and their complexities without the distraction of color. The film's director, Hong Sang-soo's, use of minimalistic cinematography and the innovative use of the café space as the primary set for the movie, stands as a testament to Hong’s consistent filmmaking style.

Kim Min-hee shines in her role as an observer and a writer. Her on-screen presence, combined with her outstanding capability to express a range of emotions, keeps her at the center of the narrative adding to the rhythm and dynamism scene after scene.

Grass might not follow a traditional narrative structure, but its unique storytelling technique and philosophical observations provide a truly immersive cinematic experience. While the movie relies on its clever dialogues and the strength of its performances, its true charm lies in its simplicity. It encourages one to listen, observe and develop empathy for the characters thereby formulating their own ending, just as Areum would do.

It thus serves as a contemplative take on the aspects of human existence and the art of storytelling. The movie, in essence, mirrors life itself – random, complex, beautiful, messy, and ultimately a kaleidoscope of various emotions and experiences.

In conclusion, Grass is a distinctive cinema, and much like its name, it subtly grows on you, unravelling layers of depth and meaning. It's an artistic and cinematic triumph for director Hong Sang-soo and is sure to be remembered as one of the most thought-provoking stories of his extensive body of work. Recommended for anyone who appreciates introspective cinema, Grass is a must-watch.