Written and directed by Lee Chang-dong, it's about difficult romance
between a mildly mentally disabled man
and a woman with severe cerebral palsy.

The male character who was just released from jail
after a two and a half year sentence for involuntary manslaughter
is played by Seol Kyeong-gu.

BG: 그림자

During his absence his family has moved without telling him

He, who has three previous convictions,
pays a visit to the family of the victim
in the hit-and run accident
for which he served time... most with better judgment would not do that.

There he meets Moon So-ri's character,
who has cerebral palsy.


Her brother leaves her behind
to be cared for by the neighbors,
while he uses her disability pension
to supplement his own lifestyle.

Seol's character is fascinated by her at first sight
and visits her again
when he knows she is alone.

Trying to reassure and pacify the terrified young woman,
their relationship begins with Seol's criminal behavior,
... a most disastrous start, but a friendship develops.

SONG BREAK: 내가 만일 - 문소리

She calls him,
and they see more and more of each other.

Perhaps having something in common helped.
Both are abused by their families,
and both are used by them as well.

BG: 겨울

They talk of favorite things; he washes her hair;
they go out; enjoy late night phone conversations.
And share their inner most secrets, fears desires and more.
He helps her get past her fears of the dark.

Over a series of meetings,
the handicapped young woman
and the young man come to
fall in love with each other.

However their love is not one that is understood by anyone else.

The movie focus also on
how the two main characters are treated by their families
and perceived by the people around them.

On their adventures outside of the apartment,
the couple is faced with the harsh reality
of a discriminating society
but is comforted by the innocent sanctity of their shared love.

Is there a place in the world for these two inarticulate people

The film was a critical success,
earning prizes in numerous film festivals.
the special director's prize given to Lee Chang-dong
at the Venice Film Festival
Marcello Mastroianni award for best "first time" actress
given to Moon So-ri at the same event.

SONG BREAK: 그녀와 하늘 - 이재진, 문소리