The Poet (2007 film)

The Poet is a 2007 South Korean thriller film directed by Kim Ki-duk. It stars Jang Dong-gun as the titular poet, a man who is both a killer and a seemingly innocent individual. The film explores themes of violence, redemption, and the complexities of human nature. The plot centers around the poet's seemingly random killings and the subsequent investigation by a detective. The film utilizes Kim Ki-duk's characteristically stark visual style and explores the philosophical implications of the poet's actions and motivations. The narrative is deliberately ambiguous, leaving much to the viewer's interpretation regarding the protagonist's true intentions and the nature of his violence. Critical reception was mixed, with some praising the film's visual power and thematic depth while others criticized its pacing and potentially disturbing content. The film's ending remains a topic of discussion and analysis amongst audiences and critics alike. It is considered one of Kim Ki-duk's more commercially successful works, though it remains controversial due to its graphic elements.