Oki's Movie 2012

In the frigid landscape of present-day Seoul, struggling shorts director Nam Jin-gu (Lee Sun-kyun) is beset by marital woes and creative doubts as he navigates the city streets en route to a screening of his latest film. The nagging concerns of his wife Jang Su-yang (Seo Yeong-hwa) regarding his drinking habits, coupled with whispers of infidelity surrounding her acquaintance Yeong-su, only serve to further agitate Nam’s already frazzled nerves. Meanwhile, his former professor at film school, Song (Moon Sung-keun), delivers a stinging critique of the art form, declaring filmmaking as we know it to be a dying breed.

As the evening wears on and Nam finds himself at a dinner with fellow film-school staff, the liquor flows freely and tensions rise. A heated argument erupts between Nam and Song, fueled by rumors of a scandalous nature. The following day, Nam faces an uncomfortable Q&A session for his latest film, during which he is confronted by a probing audience member (Lee Chae-eun) regarding his supposed romantic entanglements with the film’s lead actress at the time. The accusation stings deeply, prompting Nam to publicly declare his retirement from directing.

The narrative takes a poignant turn as we flash back to Nam’s formative years at film school, where he first laid eyes on fellow student Jung Ok-heui (Jung Yu-mi). Entranced by her beauty and charm, Nam makes a bold move, professing his innocence regarding romantic experience. Jung, still reeling from the aftermath of an older man’s departure, eventually succumbs to Nam’s affections, and they share a tender moment in a serene greenhouse. Their subsequent relationship unfolds against the backdrop of snowy landscapes, as they stroll hand-in-hand through the winter wonderland.

As the seasons change and relationships ebb and flow, we find ourselves reunited with Nam and Jung on a fateful day following a heavy snowstorm. The two are the only students to brave the elements, arriving at Prof. Song’s class to find him already resigned to his decision to leave teaching. In the midst of this somber atmosphere, the trio engages in a heart-to-heart discussion about love and relationships, with Jung reflecting on her own experiences and the men who have shaped her journey.

The cinematic tapestry is further enriched by Jung’s personal short film, Oki’s Movie (Korean: 옥희의 영화), which serves as a poignant testament to her tumultuous relationships with two very different individuals. Through this introspective work, Jung invites us to bear witness to the intricacies of human connection and the complexities that arise when we dare to fall in love.