Korean director Kim Ki-duk was the last to present the film of his heart as part of the section Six Close Encounters. He chose the movie Poetry by his fellow countryman Lee Chang-dong, who in his pleasantly melancholic drama spins the story of an older lady who would like to learn to write poems. Yet her poetic view of reality sharply contrasts with the criminal behaviour of her grandson and her own gradually progressing illness.
"Lee Chang-dong is ten times the director I am, but internationally he is unfortunately not more well known," said Kim Ki-duk during his introduction. He also expressed his admiration for Chang-dong's ability to precisely record all the possible faces of South Korea, which in his own words he himself has never been able to manage so perfectly. At the same time, Kim Ki-duk is tied to the director of Poetry by friendship – every month they go for a beer together. "Poetry has such strength in it, that I believe everyone will want to see the rest of Lee Chang-dong's movies once it has finished," Kim Ki-duk added in conclusion.
