Decision to Leave (2022 Film)

Decision to Leave (Korean: 헤어질 결심; RR: Heeojil Gyeolsim) is a 2022 South Korean romantic mystery film directed by Park Chan-wook. The screenplay was written by Park Chan-wook and Jung Seo-kyoung. The film premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, where it competed for the Palme d'Or.

Decision to Leave promotional poster — Promotional material for the film Decision to Leave.

Plot

The story follows Hae-joon (Park Hae-il), a diligent and polite detective who becomes obsessed with an investigation into an unnatural death occurring on a mountain. During the inquiry, he encounters Seo-rae (Tang Wei), the widow of the deceased. While Hae-joon initially views her with suspicion, his professional interest gradually evolves into a complex personal fascination.

Tang Wei as Seo-rae — Tang Wei portrays the character Seo-rae.

Park Hae-il as Hae-joon — Park Hae-il portrays the detective Hae-joon.

Production

The film was produced by Go Dae-seok and Baek Ji-sun, with cinematography by Kim Ji-yong. Principal photography for the project took place between October 19, 2020, and March 12, 2021. The film was distributed by CJ Entertainment and released in South Korea on June 29, 2022.

Cast

The film features an ensemble cast including:

Tang Wei as Seo-rae
Park Hae-il as Hae-joon
Lee Jung-hyun as Jung-an
Park Yong-woo as Ho-shin
Ko Kyoung-pyo as Soo-wan
Kim Shin-young as Yeon-soo
Yoo Seung-mok as Ki Do-soo
Park Jeong-min as Hong San-oh
Seo Hyun-woo as Chul-sung
Lee Hak-joo as Lee Ji-goo
Yoo Teo as Manager Lee

Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim and was selected for the Competition section of the 2022 Cannes Film Festival. It garnered numerous awards, including Best Director for Park Chan-wook at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards and multiple honors at the 43rd Blue Dragon Film Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress.