Lee Chang-dong's 'Possible Love' wins FIPRESCI Prize at Venice, 24 years after 'Oasis'

Federation cites film's 'multilayered exploration of class, desire and ethics'; first feature from Lee in 8 years stars Jeon Do-yeon and Sul Kyung-gu

Actors Jo In-sung (from left), Jo Yeo-jeong, director Lee Chang-dong, Jeon Do-yeon and Sul Kyung-gu pose at the press presentation for the Netflix film "Possible Love" at Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on Aug. 25. [Yonhap]

Director Lee Chang-dong's new film "Possible Love" has won the FIPRESCI Prize at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival.

The International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) announced Saturday on its official website that "Possible Love" had been selected as the winner of this year's FIPRESCI Prize in the main competition section.

The federation praised the film as "a work that portrays subtle dynamics with perfect pacing and a multilayered structure," adding that it "delves deeply into exploitation and class, love and desire, possession, and even the ethics of narrative."

It marks the first time Lee has received the FIPRESCI Prize at Venice since "Oasis" in 2002 — a gap of 24 years. At the time, "Oasis" swept the award along with the Silver Lion for Best Director and the Marcello Mastroianni Award for best new actor, won by Moon So-ri.

"Possible Love" is Lee's seventh feature and his first since "Burning" (2018). The film follows the conflicts and changes that unfold when a laid-off worker and his wife meet a documentary filmmaker couple while collaborating on a film project. Actors Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Jo Yeo-jeong and Jo In-sung all deliver standout performances.

Meanwhile, the FIPRESCI Prize in the Orizzonti section, which spotlights emerging cinematic trends, went to "The Color of the Sun," directed by Xavier Terra. The closing ceremony, at which major awards including the Golden Lion will be announced, is scheduled for the early hours of Sunday (Korean time).

hwshin@heraldcorp.com