OASIS
Lee Chang-Dong
Südkorea, 2002
Fiction, 132min, OmeU
Lee Chang-Dongs career has followed a fascinating trajectory, moving away from the immediately political towards an internalized, psychologized critique of, and disillusionment with, society. With Oasis, Lee paints two wounded, marginalized characters whose alienation is the foundation of their connection. Jong-Du is an ex-con just released from jail; Gong-Ju has cerebral palsy. Both have monstrous, materialistic and manipulative families, and society rejects and disdains them. The relationship between them begins in a troubling manner. However, the understanding between them becomes very pure, ultimately exposing the moral and emotional bankruptcy of the society that deems them to be incapable and unworthy of love. (Giovanna Fulvi)