Oasis (2002)

Emerging from the tight clasp of prison, Jong-du, freshly acquitted for manslaughter, is a societal oddity: restless, snorting, and prone to unsettling laughter, a man devoid of a moral compass. Upon release, he seeks out the family of his deceased victim; they dismiss him, but not before he catches a glimpse of Gong-ju. She is a young woman, her life tethered to the heavy chains of cerebral palsy, which severely restricts her movements. Both Jong-du and Gong-ju are the unfortunate recipients of their families' abuse and manipulation. Their connection ignites from the sparks of Jong-du's lawless conduct, but soon evolves into an unlikely friendship. They exchange their beloved interests; he tenderly cares for her hair; they escape into the outside world together; in the thick of the night, his voice on the phone becomes her antidote to the terror of darkness. The question lingers: is there a niche in this vast world that can accommodate these two souls, struggling to articulate their existence?

Oasis is a drama movie featuring Sol Kyung-gu and directed by Lee Chang-dong.

Oasis is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on MUBI and MUBI Amazon Channel.