In our cinemas, the latest film " Decision to leave " by Korean director Park Chan Wook, already well known internationally for his films such as " Old Boy " (2003) or even more recently "Mademoiselle", nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2016, has just been released. (Read more about some of Park Chan Wook's films) This new film is a romantic thriller. How to mix the thriller with a dark romance, with the emotions and impulses of each of the characters. And of course, all very well crafted, discovering as the scenes go without knowing what will ultimately happen. Park Chan Wook was already known for his strong subjects and mastery, he continues his momentum. Let's discover this new production.
History and realization
A veteran police officer investigates the murder of a man in the mountains. During his investigation, he meets the victim's wife and finds himself confronted with his attraction to her. Everything becomes more complex when she becomes the number 1 suspect in the murder of her husband. Park Chan Wook says he is a fan of Alfred Hitchcock and wanted to pay tribute to him by giving this film a very Hitchcockian side. And indeed, this time he did not go through shocking images as in his last films but it is in finesse, and it is just as striking. It's all in the subtlety and complexity of each of the characters and the interactions that arise as the scenes progress. Rewarded at the Cannes Film Festival by the prize for directing, we can only salute this one: all slow, but inexorable, where everything arises as encounters, interrogations and evidence that more or less materialize. Each shot is thoughtful, mastered, and embarks the spectator who inexorably becomes captivated by everything that is put in place. Everything is done in such a way that it is impregnated in you, everything is millimetered and orchestrated to "feed" you unconsciously with all the data that each plan brings you. Some scenes are filmed in such a way that it is beautiful and we remain captivated for a moment after being heckled. While ambivalent, we finish the film with questions in our heads, not so sure of what we know or at least, think we know. We leave the room still under the blow of the ambivalence of this dark thriller and this impossible love.
CAST AND CHARACTERS
Here we find Tang Wei, Chinese actress, whose culture is brought into this film. She plays all along on her two nationalities and her two languages, bewitching the spectators and the investigator. Her role as a femme fatale, while ambiguous every minute of the film, will challenge you and you will never know which foot to dance on. 
As for the detective, we find here the South Korean actor Park Hae Il, who already has a beautiful filmography and several awards to his credit. He is touching here because completely shaken in his profession, where he is nevertheless experienced, but also lost in his inner tumult and in permanent conflict with himself. 
The two actors were able to complement each other perfectly, and despite their struggles against themselves, were able to carry this impossible romance. 
Secondary roles are important, and also bring their share of impulses and emotions. Note the performance of Go Kyung Pyo, who plays the role of the investigator's young teammate. Young and impulsive, he brings to the seasoned detective exactly the counterbalance expected during the first part of the film. Once again, the director was able to find a balance that is found in each character and on how each one lives this investigation. Finally, a small aside on the famous song of the second half of the film "Fog" : Old Korean song sung by Jung Hoon Hee a long time ago, this one brings the little more unforgettable of the film. It will remain engraved in you, and you will hum it as you leave the movie theater. This film had been very late: filming began in October 2020 and finished in March 2021 but with a fairly long post-production. But in the end it was worth it: our patience was rewarded. People who love Korean cinema and this quality director, will once again be delighted by his new film. We let you discover it in the rooms, and enjoy this new masterpiece. https://youtu.be/-27490s5Dn0
