OUT NOW: Decision to Leave

An insomniac policeman (Park Hae-il) becomes obsessed with a mysterious widow (Tang Wei) who is a suspect in the murder of her husband.

This one has sat with me. It took a little while but I think it is starting to seep into my bones a bit. 

My initial impression was that it is just fine.

It looks gorgeous.

There are some big laughs.

There’s a great set piece involving a foot chase and a knife fight with a chainmail glove.

While there is some action and tension, the movie is consumed by the evolving dynamic between the main characters.

Men trying to unpick the mystery of their own feelings about women is an established starting point, particularly for thrillers like this. And despite its pedigree and aesthetics, it felt a shade too familiar.

Decision to Leave is the definition of a slow-burn.

This is an erotic thriller where the main couple exchange one embrace - otherwise the movie is all about characters looking at each other, picking up on cues or trying to puzzle out a gesture, a clothing choice, a laugh.

It is an investigation of motive, but not of crime - it is about what drives people. 

Tang Wei is beguiling as the femme fatale who ensnares our protagonist - closed to all except those who try to shut her out. Park Hae-il is tragi-comic in his sense of obsession and self-control.

With knowledge of the movie, I have a feeling a second viewing will be more rewarding, and possibly more amusing.

and there is something deadpan about the detective’s retentiveness. There are some laugh-out-loud moments - Hae-June’s headstrong partner is a delight - but otherwise the film is loaded with small ironies that accumulate as the movie simmers along.

At 139 minutes it feels a bit too long, but I have a feeling it will play great at home.

 

I want to leave this review on an asterix - I am interested in watching it again after watching more of Park Chan-wook’s movies.