Shi (2010)

Shi: Directed by Chang-dong Lee. With Yun Jeong-hie, Lee Da-wit, Kim Hee-ra, Ahn Nae-sang. A sixty-something woman, faced with the discovery of a heinous family crime and in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, finds strength and purpose when she enrolls in a poetry class.

“As a lover of World Cinema and having had a few poems of my own published here and there, South Koreau0026#39;s u0026#39;Poetryu0026#39; was always going to be a double treat for me.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe filmu0026#39;s beauty is that itu0026#39;s not just about poetry but how that it can fit into everyday lives and help folk the see the inner beauty that it brings. Mija (an excellent Jeong-he Yun) a 66 year old woman, suffering the onset of Alzheimers, sees the simple beauty in an apple and of fallen apricots on the ground.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eShe gets this after starting poetry classes and whilst she fails to get her u0026#39;poetic awakeningu0026#39;, she sets herself the target of writing just one poem.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eConsidering that this gentle, graceful lady is bringing up a teenage grandson who has committed a serious crime and as a job cares part-time for an elderly stroke victim these poetical leanings are a soothing diversion for both us – and her. (Sheu0026#39;s not bad at badminton, either!) Itu0026#39;s actually the way the film contrasts several issues, the modern contemporary ones that give the film its backbone, the age difference clashes with the grandson and the lyrical – but unsentimental – softer side and you get a modest and modern masterpiece.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAvoid if only Iron Man 2 can move you. But if you have a heart, one where a soul and emotion can flourish and you enjoy a well acted, straightforward modern film – wherever in the world that it might come from – then u0026#39;Poetryu0026#39; has a wide and worthwhile appeal.”