Lee Chang-dong’s latest film, Possible Love, is making waves in the festival circuit with its intricate exploration of class, trauma, and human connection. The film, which runs nearly three hours, follows the intertwining lives of a laid-off worker and a documentarian, whose family becomes the subject of her latest project. This premise, while simple, belies the film’s deeper themes of love and its limitations.
Star Zo In-sung shared his admiration for the screenplay, stating, “It was intriguing. It was gripping. It was very intense,” during an interview at TheWrap’s TIFF studio. He noted that the script carries the distinct essence of Director Lee Chang-dong, making it feel like a piece of literature.
A Festival Darling
At the recent 83rd Venice Film Festival, Possible Love garnered significant acclaim, winning the Silver Lion — Grand Jury Prize. It also secured the position of first runner-up for the International People’s Choice Award at TIFF, just behind Simon Stone’s Elsinore.
Character Depth and Performance
Jeon Do-yeon plays Mi-ok, a woman grappling with her husband’s trauma while yearning for connection. Jeon described her character as one filled with anxiety, constantly aware of her husband’s emotional turmoil. “I just wanted to be and also accept what was happening to her,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of portraying her character’s internal struggles authentically.
Opposite her is Cho Yeo-jeong as Ye-ji, a wealthy documentarian who aims to capture the realities of union strikes in Korea. Cho highlighted the complexity of her character, who seeks to balance neutrality with genuine affection for her subjects. “You need to be in love with these people,” she noted, reflecting on the emotional stakes involved in storytelling.
Sul Kyung-gu portrays Ho-seok, the subject of Ye-ji’s documentary, who struggles with his own emotional barriers. Sul described his character as someone who harbors deep pain but finds it difficult to express. “He carries a great sense of hurt and pain inside,” he said, emphasizing the internal conflict that defines Ho-seok’s character.
Reflections on Humanity
The cast expressed a deep reverence for the film’s screenplay and its exploration of complex human emotions. Zo In-sung articulated a hope that audiences would reflect on their own lives after viewing the film. “I hope that after the audiences see the film, we can all look up at the moon and think about how we have been living our lives in this very complex social structure,” he said.
As Possible Love continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike, it stands as a testament to Lee Chang-dong’s masterful storytelling and the profound performances of its cast. For more insights, visit TheWrap.
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