Decision to Leave

A man tumbles from a mountain peak in South Korea, and his death looks ambiguous, neither clearly suicide nor murder. Detective Jang Hae-joon takes the case and quickly notices inconsistencies that point toward the dead man’s enigmatic wife, Song Seo-rae. As Hae-joon follows leads and pieces together timelines, the investigation grows personal, and lines between professional duty and private longing start to blur. Secrets surface in quiet conversations and charged silences, and the film keeps the focus tight on suspicion, attraction, and the murky motives that keep the truth just out of reach.

Released in 2022, Decision to Leave was directed by Park Chan-wook, with writing credits to Park and Lee Yoon-ho and creative contribution from Kim Seung-ok. The film stars Tang Wei as Song Seo-rae and Park Hae-il as Jang Hae-joon, supported by Lee Jung-hyun, Go Kyung-pyo, and Park Yong-woo.

The film received attention on the international festival circuit and drew critical nominations and praise, especially for its direction and lead performances. It was discussed frequently in year-end lists and awards conversations for its stylistic achievements.

Its mood and imagery have stuck with viewers, sparking talk among cinephiles about how desire and suspicion can coexist. Specific scenes are often referenced for their framing and camera movement, and the movie has reinforced Park Chan-wook’s reputation for blending formal visual control with emotional ambiguity.

Critics and audiences have generally reacted positively, reflected in a user vote average of 7.323/10 from 1,410 votes. Reviews tend to highlight the film’s precise visual style, the chemistry between the leads, and the way it retools a police procedural into a slow, intimate study of obsession and ethics. Some viewers note the deliberate pacing, but many say the mystery and the relationship at its center hold attention throughout.