Poetry (2011) | agoodmovietowatch

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Poetry 8.8 2011 Movie

Poetry

Dir. Chang-dong Lee & Lee Chang-dong · France, South Korea · Korean

A movie that aims straight for your heart and leaves you broken into a thousand pieces

Our take by Oppie A

Poetry is a masterpiece from one of South Korea’s most cherished movie directors, Lee Chang-dong. The simple story follows the everyday life of a grandmother, Mija, who works as a caretaker for a living. To fill her inner emptiness, she decides to join a poetry club with other grandmothers in her neighborhood. Meanwhile, as Mija deals with her own financial and health problems, she struggles to connect with her teenage grandson — only to find out that he is keeping a dark secret. If you are familiar with Lee Chang-dong works, then you know that the movie will tug at your heartstrings. But if you aren’t, prepare to be moved.

What happens

A South Korean woman in her sixties enrolls in a poetry class as she grapples with her faltering memory and her grandson's appalling wrongdoing.

Awards

Cannes

1 win · 1 nom

Won: Best ScreenplayNominated: Special Mention: Prize of the Ecumenical Jury

LAFCA

1 win

Won: Best Actress

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About the author

Oppie A

Oppie A is a contributing writer at A Good Movie to Watch, reviewing films and shows across the major streaming services.