“Oasis” Korean Theatrical Poster
Director: Lee Chang-Dong
Cast: Sol Kyung-Gu, Moon So-Ri, Ahn Nae-Sang, Ryoo Seung-Wan, Chu Kwi-Jung, Son Byung-Ho, Yoon Ga-Hyun, Park Myung-Shin, Park Kyung-Geun
Running Time: 132 Min.
By Raging Gaijin
“Oasis” is a difficult film to watch, let alone review. The story is deceptively simple, as the plot synopsis above describes, but from it grows one of the most unlikely and captivating relationships in cinema history. Writer/director Lee Chang-Dong has crafted a unique and disturbing “love story” that shatters the viewer’s preconceived notions of just what constitutes a romantic relationship, while breaking a few taboos along the way for good measure. To put it simply, there’s no way you can watch this film and walk away unaffected.
As a director, Lee Chang-Dong obviously favors realism. The camera is almost always kept at a distance, does long takes, and rarely moves; all to be as unobtrusive as possible. Naturally, this can make the film move rather slowly. Lee Chang-Dong isn’t looking to rush things by editing out inconsequential scenes of people walking down the street or waiting for the bus. This is all seemingly in the effort to make the movie feel as real as possible. Of course, it’s up to each viewer to decide if this draws them further into the film or just bores them. The more impatient among us may find themselves reaching for the fast forward button. But if you stick with the film, if you become involved in “Oasis”, it will reward you.
There aren’t enough superlatives out there for me to do justice to Mun So-Ri, who plays the character afflicted with cerebral palsy. In real life she doesn’t have this disease but except for a few fantasy sequences, you wouldn’t know it watching “Oasis”. Her work here is beyond words and is something that just has to be witnessed. In a day and age when Hollywood fawns over starlets like Katie Holmes who do more acting on magazine covers than in movies… a performance like Mun So-Ri’s is nothing short of a revelation. I have the utmost respect and admiration for her, and she is undoubtedly a talent to watch. Seol Gyeong-Gu is also noteworthy in the role of Jong-du. Their characters make for a mismatched pair but in reality I can’t think of any other two people who could have played these roles as perfectly as them.
About 38 minutes in, the movie takes a dark (and I mean dark) turn. It’s truly one of the most uncomfortable scenes I’ve ever watched in a film. It’s not easy to sit through and it challenges you as a viewer because, given what happens after, it forces you to rethink your idea of what love is or what it can be. I don’t want to divulge any more because it shouldn’t be spoiled. It is very rare that a film chooses to spotlight individuals like these two. They’re truly the outcasts of society, nearly invisible to the rest of the world, and the film points a critical eye at the way South Korean deals with disabled people. Lee Chang-Dong should be applauded for his unconventional and honest portrayal of these social misfits.
This is not to say that “Oasis”is without faults. It probably moves a little too slow for its own good. 120 minutes would have been more than enough to tell the story and it could have removed some of the more unnecessary scenes. In addition, almost the entire third act is based on a misunderstanding that could have been easily cleared up but, for some reason, Jong-du never tries to explain himself. This is quite puzzling as it ends up getting him in trouble with the law once again. Of course, it’s also an extreme coincidence that even created the misunderstanding in the first place; one of those “of all the times you could have decided to walk in the door” moments. During these last twenty minutes or so, the film breaks free from reality and comes across as illogical for the sake of drama. It’s kind of a disappointment but it doesn’t ruin the movie.
Minor quibbles aside, “Oasis” is a stellar achievement in Korean cinema. Outside of Wong Kar-Wai’s films and a select few Japanese movies, I can’t think of an Asian film that has stirred as much emotion (whether positive or negative) inside me. This is not a film you necessarily enjoy watching but you have no choice but to recognize the artistry and talent of those involved. “Oasis” will unsettle you, it’ll provoke you, but you just might thank it in return. This most unlikely of love stories is one that demands your attention.
Raging Gaijin’s Rating: 8.5/10
