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Chen Chang, Zia, Park Ji-ah, Jung-woo Ha, Gang In-hyeong ... see more see more... , Ji-a Park

Acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Kim Ki-duk returns with his 14th film as a director, a tender romantic drama centering on the unusual relationship between a condemned prisoner and a married female ar... read more read more...tist. Jin is a convicted killer awaiting execution on Death Row; Yeon is a lonely artist locked in a loveless marriage. When Jin's repeated attempts at suicide make the nightly news, Yeon finds her emotions stirred, and her curiosity peaked. Eventually, Yeon decides to pay a visit to Jin, and in the course of their many conversations the two lost souls forge an intimate bond. Upon catching wind of his wife's unconventional relationship, Yeon's husband grows increasingly jealous, and attempts to cease communications between her and the convicted killer. In the process, however, Yeon's husband begins to experience a profound personal transformation. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Flixster Users

73% liked it

3,007 ratings

Critics

67% liked it

6 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 24 min.

Directed by: Ki-duk Kim

Release Date: April 29, 2007

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Stats: 249 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (249)


  • April 29, 2010
    A great drama in which Kim Ki-Duk explores once again many elements that he has used before in his previous films and he is so much fascinated with, such as love, silence, loneliness and the passage of time. A tender, sensitive story that has to be felt and experienced.
  • February 9, 2009
    Anothe masterwork by Kim Ki-duk, The story is strange but like his other films Soom is filled with magical ideas & impressive moments
  • August 27, 2008
    It was alright, food for thought I guess :)

    ... read morettp://www.flixster.com">
  • August 23, 2008
    I love the films of Ki-duk Kim so much. Seriously he's fucking amazing. His subtle approach to film making allows to to wallow in his incredible images. His symbolism and lack of dialogue give you a chance to really get involved in the thought process of cinema. Breath is one his... read more most difficult works, not just because of the plot but also as it appears to work in conjunction with many of his other films. Loneliness being a major theme that may keep away many viewers. He does however find the beauty in dark and disturbing themes, especially visual beauty. The snowmen created here, or the paintings within jail. It certainly deserves more than one watch.
  • March 31, 2010
    the cell decorations were beautiful. Park played the psycho, bored wife role all too well. the scene-flipping between the snowman family and the conjugal visit was very demented.
  • March 2, 2008
    This is a very simple story about a woman who becomes fascinated by news reports of a death row inmate who continually attempts suicide. After discovering her husband was having an affair, she decides to go visit the prisoner. She poses as his ex-girlfriend and is allowed to visi... read moret.

    Her visits become progressively elaborate as she starts bringing props, costumes and scenic wallpaper as she courts the young man imprisoned for murdering his family. She sings him karaoke songs attempting to cheer him up.

    The entire production is watched closely by a shadowy man via security cam with his finger on a button to sound the alarm when the pair get too close.

    Meanwhile, back in his cell shared by 3 other men - he is constantly stuck between a rock (larger prisoner) and a soft place (affectionate gay fellow-inmate) and seems to count the minutes until he can finally die.

    His suicide attempts leave him speechless because he stabs himself in the neck with a sharpened toothbrush.

    In the end, this film really doesn't make much of itself. I think Kim Ki Duk is talented, but this one feels like leftovers from 3-iron and other films he's done. He's definitely an art-house director, but this one is a little light on the substance.

    Good points - the building the couple live in is a beautiful example of artistic modern architecture. The acting is superb. In spite of being somewhat empty and a little slow at times, it's pretty interesting.

    It's really one of his weaker films, but it's watchable.

Critic Reviews


Ray Bennett
May 25, 2007
Ray Bennett, Hollywood Reporter

[Director Ki-duk] creates some startling images within the curious logic of his tale. It has something to do with inhaling badness and exhaling goodness but those expecting it to make sense shouldn't ...

Derek Elley
May 17, 2007
Derek Elley, Variety

A typically quirky chamber drama by helmer Kim Ki-duk. Full Review

Nick Visser
May 5, 2011
Nick Visser, Seattle Times

The cinematography is wonderful, but the plot is too vague. There could be a message here, but it's buried too deep to dig out. Full Review

Prairie Miller
April 19, 2008
Prairie Miller, NewsBlaze

A surreal convergence of sex, death and erotically charged assisted suicide via asphyxiation, and the weird way that a female object of desire can take your breath away, in more ways than one. Full Review

Rudy Joggerst
March 20, 2008
Rudy Joggerst, Reel.com

...a tender romance between a dejected housewife and a mute death-row prisoner that is surprisingly compassionate and even offers up a few moments of comic relief.

Emanuel Levy
May 21, 2007
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

This story of a disenfranchised woman represents a step-down for the gifted South Korean helmer Kim Ki-Duk in an uneven film in which the parts are more interesting than the whole. Full Review

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