
DECISION TO LEAVE
Starring: Tang Wei, Park Hae-il, Lee Jung-hyun, Go Kyung-Pyo, Yong-woo Park, and Jung Yi-seo
Director: Park Chan-wook

ADRIANO

Decision To Leave is yet another masterclass from writer/director Park Chan-wook. Honestly, it’s a movie that should not have worked. A detective noir that turns into a love story sounds like a mismatch, but it succeeds because the detective stuff is thrilling and engaging while the love story is romantic. The cast also does wonders with Park’s wonderfully written script, and his direction is off the charts as usual. This is a film that had me second-guessing things in ways I didn’t even think was possible, and for that reason, it’s one of my favorite films of the year.

JACOB

Decision to Leave is not simply one of the best movies I saw at NYFF, it’s one of the best movies of 2022, full-stop. Park Chan-wook’s epic detective love story may feel a little longer than it should be, but it’s never something one wants to leave. With their palpable chemistry, Tang Wei and Park Hae-il are magnetic as the two leads, and the sheer innovation in the editing is enough to land it in at least my Top Four of the year thus far. Go Kyung-Pyo also excels as Hae-il’s partner, bringing most of the jokes with him.
This film was reviewed by Adriano as part of Bitesize Breakdown's coverage of the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, as well as by Jacob as part of Bitesize Breakdown's coverage of the 2022 New York Film Festival.