The Isle 2002

In a world where silence serves as a profound mediator, Suh Jung’s captivating performance as Hee-jin, a mute woman running a fishing resort, leads us into an unsettling yet poignant exploration of human connection. Her serene surroundings, featuring small floating cottages and a ferry service to the mainland, are disrupted by the arrival of Hyun-shik, a troubled man fleeing from the law.

As Hee-jin carries out her daily activities, her seemingly dispassionate exterior masks a deep reservoir of empathy and care for those seeking solace at her resort. Her services go beyond standard hospitality, extending to supplying goods, occasional prostitution, and offering companionship. However, when the shadows of Hyun-shik’s troubled past begin to surface, Hee-jin’s intrigue grows, and they forge a deepening bond.

The story unfolds as a delicate interplay of relationships, with Hee-jin’s innate understanding of Hyun-shik’s struggles drawing her into his sphere. Their tender moments stand in stark contrast to the brutal reality of his haunting past, which looms over him with relentless intensity. Concurrently, a prostitute servicing Hyun-shik becomes emotionally entangled with him, remaining blissfully unaware of the chaos surrounding them.

As Hee-jin’s concern for Hyun-shik escalates, she grapples with a conflict between her loyalty to him and her own ethical compass. The repercussions of her feelings manifest tragically as jealousy starts to fester regarding the time he spends with the prostitute. In a shocking twist, this jealousy culminates in a violent confrontation, resulting in the untimely death of the prostitute.

After this seismic event, the relationship between Hee-jin and Hyun-shik stagnates, with him increasingly seeking an escape from the resort. Yet, their destinies are entwined, and Hee-jin’s fervent attempts to keep him from leaving only serve to further complicate their connection. As tensions heighten, the boundary separating life and death becomes obscured.

In a gut-wrenching climax, Hee-jin’s desperate need to retain Hyun-shik propels her down a dark spiral towards self-destruction. In a reckless attempt to prevent his departure, she resorts to stuffing fish hooks into her vagina and plunging into the water. At this critical moment, it is Hyun-shik who becomes her saving grace, reeling her back in with the attached hooks as he strives to save her from her own despair.

The film’s haunting resolution accentuates the devastating fallout of Hee-jin’s choices and the indelible connection forged between her and Hyun-shik. As the water caresses the shore softly, viewers are left to contemplate the intricate nuances of love, sacrifice, and the very essence of the human condition.

As the fraught bond between Hyun-shik and Hee-jin simmers, an accidental encounter triggers a cascading series of events. In the murky underbelly of the city, a hapless prostitute inadvertently discards a man’s prized Rolex into the depths, igniting his fury. The enraged individual calls in a team of divers to retrieve the lost treasure, unaware that their quest will lead to a far more disturbing discovery.

As the divers probe deeper into the water, they come across the lifeless bodies of the prostitute and her pimp, a chilling revelation that hangs above everyone involved. Meanwhile, Hee-jin and Hyun-shik, rendered speechless by their circumstances, make a prompt escape on his floating vessel, leaving chaos in their wake. The film culminates in an air of mystery, compelling the audience to reflect on the enigmatic fates that lie ahead for its characters.