A condemned prisoner slowly falls in love with the married female artist who decorates his prison cell. Jin is a convicted killer awaiting execution on Death Row; Yeon is a lonely artist locked in a loveless marriage.
The cinematography is wonderful, but the plot is too vague. There could be a message here, but it's buried too deep to dig out.
– Nick Visser,
Seattle Times,
5 May 2011
rotten:
[Director Ki-duk] creates some startling images within the curious logic of his tale. It has something to do with inhaling badness and exhaling goodness but those expecting it to make sense shouldn't exactly hold their breath.
– Ray Bennett,
Hollywood Reporter,
25 May 2007
fresh:
A typically quirky chamber drama by helmer Kim Ki-duk.