Lee Chang Dong’s Possible Love has won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, marking a triumphant return to the festival for the acclaimed Korean filmmaker after 24 years.
Lee accepted the award during the closing ceremony at Venice’s Sala Grande on September 12th. The win makes Possible Love the first Korean film to receive Venice’s Grand Jury Prize.
“I want to share what I’m feeling right now with everyone who made this film possible,” Lee said in his acceptance speech, thanking Netflix as well as the cast and crew. He singled out stars Jeon Do Yeon, Sul Kyung Gu, Zo In Sung and Cho Yeo Jeong, telling them, “This award belongs to all of you.”
Reflecting on the ideas behind the film, Lee added, “In an era when labor is disappearing and connections between people are breaking down, I made this film to ask what cinema can do and what cinema must do. I take this award as a sign that I should keep asking that question.”
The victory comes 24 years after Lee won Venice’s Silver Lion for Best Director for Oasis in 2002. Possible Love also marks his first feature in eight years since Burning in 2018.
Following the awards ceremony, Lee reflected on one of the central questions behind the film: how filmmakers portray other people’s suffering without simply turning it into something to be consumed. He said he hoped filmmaking itself could offer a way of sharing that pain and perhaps finding a path toward healing.
Jury member Johnnie To also praised Possible Love as Lee’s “most mature work,” highlighting its subtle style, attention to detail and the depth of its reflections.
The film stars Jeon Do Yeon and Sul Kyung Gu as a laid-off worker and his wife whose lives become intertwined with a documentary filmmaker, played by Cho Yeo Jeong, and her husband, played by Zo In Sung. Their encounter brings the two couples’ sharply different lives and hidden desires to the surface.
Possible Love had already emerged as one of Venice’s most acclaimed competition titles following its September 6th world premiere, which drew a standing ovation lasting around six minutes.
The film also won the FIPRESCI Prize from the International Federation of Film Critics ahead of the closing ceremony, giving Lee his second Venice FIPRESCI honor after Oasis.
The film’s stars, attending the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, shared messages celebrating Lee’s win.
Jeon Do Yeon said, “I hope this award gives the director even more momentum as he begins writing his next project. Seeing him win already has me wondering what film he’ll show us next.”
Sul Kyung Gu shared, “I’m deeply moved just to have been part of this film, and I’m truly proud of it.”
Zo In Sung said, “I’m incredibly grateful and honored that our film has received such a major award. Above all, I believe this meaningful achievement was made possible by the efforts and support of everyone who has continued to show their love for Korean cinema. Once again, I sincerely thank you all.”
Cho Yeo Jeong added, “Congratulations and thank you to the director for making such a wonderful film. I hope the film can meet many more viewers soon so we can all share in the profound emotions it brings.”
Possible Love opens in Korean theaters on September 23rd before arriving globally on Netflix on November 6th.
>> ‘Possible Love’ Eyes Oscars as South Korea’s Academy Awards Submission
In the meantime, watch trending K-dramas for free on Amasian TV.
Source: Netflix
