POETRY

When 66-year-old Mija learns that she is in the early stages of dementia, she goes into complete denial.  Her life in a South Korean suburb is already tough enough.  She works as a housemaid/carer to a demanding half-paralyzed old man, and also looks after her uncontrollable sullen teenage lay-about grandson Jongwok whose father has long gone, and whose mother is mysteriously absent from his life.  One day a group of fathers from Jongwok’s school pay a visit to Mija to tell her that he and his friends systematically raped a girl at school who then took her own life. To stave off any criminal prosecution the men decide to establish a fund to pay off the dead girls mother and they tell Mija that she is expected to pay an extortionate share.

Whilst this is going on, by chance Mija spots a notice for a Poetry Class in the local community centre and remembering what enjoyment it gave her when she was a schoolgirl, she immediately enrolls.  The quest to write one full poem before the term is over becomes the one joy in Mija’s rather despondent declining life.

This sublime wee movie is as calm and understated as Mija herself.  Always turned out well in her smart flowery outfit she stoically handles her lot inscrutably and betrays nothing beyond her own determination.  This is very much her story and it succeeds so well thanks to Yun Jung-hee who came out of her retirement to give such a sensitive and exquisite performance.   The superb (award-winning) screenplay leaves much to the imagination which is perfect as it is as much about the telling, than the story itself.

I so loved this refreshingly honest movie which despite its rather dark plot was actually a real treat.  Sheer poetry in fact.