Decision to Leave
| 2022Directed by: Park Chan-wook

Main Plot
Decision to Leave follows a seasoned detective who is called to investigate the mysterious death of a man found at the base of a mountain. As he delves deeper into the case, he becomes intrigued by the victim's widow, a beautiful and enigmatic woman who becomes a prime suspect. The detective's professional curiosity quickly evolves into a complex and obsessive attraction, leading him to question both his duty and his emotions. As he navigates the intricacies of the investigation, he faces challenges that blur the lines between love and suspicion, truth and deception. The film explores themes of desire, morality, and the psychological toll of obsession, all set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes and intricate storytelling. The detective's pursuit of the truth becomes intertwined with his personal feelings, creating a tense atmosphere filled with unexpected twists.
Characters
- Park Hae-il plays Hae-jun, a detective investigating a mysterious death, who becomes romantically entangled with the prime suspect, complicating his professional and personal life.
- Tang Wei plays Seo-rae, a mysterious widow and prime suspect in a detective's investigation of her husband's suspicious death.
- Lee Jung-hyun plays Jung-an, a detective who works alongside Hae-jun, investigating a mysterious death that leads to unexpected emotional entanglements.
Ending Explained
In the ending of Decision to Leave, the narrative culminates in a complex interplay of love, obsession, and moral ambiguity. The protagonist, a detective, becomes increasingly entangled with the prime suspect in a murder case, leading to a deep emotional connection that complicates his professional duties. As the investigation unfolds, the detective grapples with his feelings and the ethical implications of his actions. In the final scenes, the detective confronts the reality of his situation. He must decide between his duty to uphold the law and his personal feelings for the suspect, who has been revealed to have layers of complexity and vulnerability. The resolution comes when the detective ultimately chooses to let go of his obsession, recognizing that his feelings cannot alter the truth of the circumstances surrounding the case. The ending reinforces the film's themes of desire and the moral dilemmas that arise from it. The detective's choice reflects a poignant acceptance of the boundaries between love and justice, leaving viewers with a sense of unresolved tension. The film concludes on a note of ambiguity, inviting reflection on the nature of truth and the sacrifices made in the name of love, ultimately connecting back to the overarching narrative of human connection amidst chaos.