Decision to Leave

In this masterful composition of a neo-noir romantic thriller, accented with humor, Park Chan-wook (Oldboy, The Handmaiden) continues with his signature plot twists but is devoid of the violent scenes of his previous films.

While investigating the death of an experienced rock climber who fell from his favorite mountain peak, Korean insomniac detective Hae-jun (Park Hae-il) meets the widow, Chinese Seo-rae (Tang Wei), and quickly becomes infatuated with her, losing his objectivity. Hae-jun works in Busan, Korea but goes home on weekends to Ipo where his wife Jung-an (Lee Jung-hyun) lives.

The structurally bold and intricate narrative integrates flashbacks and scenes within scenes with multiple diversions. The film cleverly blends Award-winning cinematographer Ji-yong Kim's electrifying visuals, Jo Yeong-wook's beautiful soundtracks, along with Adagio from Mahler’s Fifth Symphony.

Decision to Leave is South Korea's entry into the 95th Academy Award's Best International Feature category.