George’s review published on Letterboxd:
Once again, like with 'Memories of Murder', I do not quite know how to express my feelings about this film.
I will leave the deep analysis and essays to other reviewers, and instead just say I was totally captivated the whole runtime.
It is a slow burn which may turn some less patient viewers off, but it hit its highs at just the right moments to keep me engaged.
The build up to the ending was executed perfectly, and there are clues left here and there for the audience to figure out what is going on.
Chang-dong creates a lingering sense of dread as the full extent of the story is revealed, with simple scenes carrying heavy meaning, and the subtlest lines of dialogue revealing hidden messages.
Even with the clues, the ending left me shocked, disturbed and with a feeling of pure emptiness.
Don't listen to anyone who calls this 'boring' or 'weird'. It is a beautiful and disconcerting work of art that highlights the strength of South Korean cinema.
A modern masterpiece.