Poetry

Poetry is a highly poignant and evocative South Korean drama from 2010. Directed and written by acclaimed filmmaker Lee Chang-dong, the film is a tender, yet profound, exploration of the human condition, addressing themes such as aging, memory, and the transformative power of art—specifically, poetry. Headlined by an unforgettable performance from actress Yun Jeong-hie, the film navigates the delicate path between harsh reality and the solace of the poetic world. Co-stars Lee Da-wit and Kim Hee-ra lend able support to this heart-rending narrative.

Yun Jeong-hie stars as Lee Mija, a woman in her sixties who, despite her advancing years and the onset of Alzheimer’s, starts to explore the world of poetry. Mija lives with her apathetic grandson Wook (portrayed by Lee Da-wit) in a small town. Despite her low-income job as a maid and caregiver for an elderly stroke patient, she maintains an optimistic attitude towards life. However, when she joins a poetry class at a local cultural center, her world begins to shift.

The film primarily focuses on Mija's journey of self-discovery as she seeks to write her first poem. Along the way, it delves into the subtler aspects of her character, manifesting a complex character study within an otherwise straightforward narrative. Mija's quest for poetic inspiration becomes her touchstone, allowing her to process the world around her, including her internal and external struggles. Simultaneously, her declining memory adds a layer of existential tragedy to her character.

Lee Da-wit exquisitely portrays Mija's grandson, Wook, a detached teenager disconnected from his grandmother's world. As Mija dives deeper into her poetry, the film unfolds a darker subplot involving Wook, forcing Mija and other parents to confront disturbing realities. This juxtaposition between Mija's transcendental journey into the world of words and the hard-hitting realities around her forms the crux of Poetry. It is as much a personal narrative as it is a commentary on societal dynamics.

Moreover, the film's visual portrayal complements this tension between the abstract realm of poetic beauty and the unpleasant aspects of reality. Cinematography plays a vital role here, effectively utilizing the naturalistic mise-en-scene to establish the film's tone. The serene imagery of the countryside, the calm river flowing through the town, and the gentle, blooming flowers contrast sharply with the dark undercurrents of suspense and scandal beneath the surface of this seemingly peaceful small town. This is symbolic of Mija’s internal journey as well, as she fluctuates between the harshness and beauty of life.

With Poetry, director Lee Chang-dong exhibits his mastery over storytelling. The film unfolds at a measured pace, yet it never loses its grip on the audience due to its compelling characterization and narrative depths. Irrespective of the bleak reality sometimes exposed in its narrative, the film never compromises on its inherent humanism, thanks to the titular concept of poetry that permeates its core. Throughout the story, the film consistently raises questions about how an individual makes sense of their existence, the space around them, and the connections with other people.

One can't discuss Poetry without mentioning Yun Jeong-hie’s arresting performance. Coming back to acting after a fifteen-year hiatus, she plays Mija with remarkable nuance and empathy. Her transformation from an optimistic caregiver to a thoughtful poet, grappling with painful truths, is essayed with sublime subtlety and profound sensitivity. Supporting cast members, especially Lee Da-wit, carry their parts admirably.

Overall, Poetry is a compassionate exploration of life and human emotions, with art and specifically poetry being used as a medium to understand and cope with the vagaries of existence. Beyond its thematic depth and stellar performances, the film stands out for its Dickensian approach to social realities and its innate humanism, ensconcing it amidst the pantheon of contemplative cinema. This Lee Chang-dong masterpiece compellingly blurs the boundaries between the reality of mundanity and the solace of poetry, stirring audiences' minds and touching their hearts in equal measure.