Exploring Class and Desire in Lee Chang-dong's 'Possible Love'

Lee Chang-dong's latest film, 'Possible Love,' presents a profound exploration of desire and class struggle, focusing on two couples from starkly different socioeconomic backgrounds. The film follows Ye-ji, a wealthy aspiring filmmaker, and Mi-ok, a working-class woman, as their lives intertwine against the backdrop of a workers' strike at SP Heavy Industries.

Ye-ji, portrayed by Cho Yeo-jeong, aims to document the decline of labor in South Korea, while Mi-ok, played by Jeon Do-yeon, grapples with her husband Ho-seok's emotional fallout from losing his job during the factory layoffs. As their friendship develops, the film delves into the complexities of their relationship, highlighting the nuances of envy, desire, and the social divide that separates them.

Lee's storytelling is marked by a rich narrative that balances humor and pathos, capturing the characters' internal struggles and the societal issues they face. The film culminates in a poignant exploration of the characters' desires and the impact of class on their lives, ultimately revealing the intricate layers of human connection.

What we know

• The film is dedicated to Krzysztof Kieślowski’s 'Dekalog 10' but is not a remake. Confirmed by www.indiewire.com, variety.com
• The story revolves around two couples from different economic backgrounds amidst a workers' strike. Confirmed by www.indiewire.com, variety.com
• Ye-ji is an aspiring filmmaker documenting the human cost of corporate downsizing. Confirmed by www.indiewire.com, variety.com
• Mi-ok's husband, Ho-seok, lost his job during the factory layoffs and struggles with his emotional state. Confirmed by www.indiewire.com, variety.com

Sources

• www.indiewire.com — Desire and Class Struggle Collide in Lee Chang-dong's 'Possible Love'
• variety.com — Lee Chang-dong's 'Possible Love': A Profound Exploration of Desire and Class