The Old Garden

Former socialist activist Oh is released from prison and recalls his old love, Han. Han had provided a safe house for Oh while he was on the run several years earlier. Oh is presented is a handsome, amateur poet, but his reason for being a fugitive is not presented well nor his exact role in the leftist protests. He never shows or displays any leadership. Han is happy to provide shelter, and a bed, more as an obligation to school friends. The entire leftist movement is presented with some sarcasm - the group is shown in petty Marxist arguments and victimized by the armed government troops, Han, our eyes in the middle of it all, rolls her eyes and shakes her head. The point of view of the film switches from Oh to Han half way thru and she's the far more interesting character, and then the old terminal disease deal comes up. There's some really nice cinematography in this film which matches the mood as subdued from the start and descending into melancholy. Nice film but a bit of a downer.