Lee Chang-dong's romantic drama 'Possible Love' received a 6-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, marking his return after 24 years.
Acclaimed South Korean director Lee Chang-dong made a significant return to the Venice Film Festival with his latest film, “Possible Love,” receiving an impressive standing ovation that lasted for six minutes. This was reported by Variety on September 6, 2026.
The romantic drama, co-written by Oh Jung-mi, examines the complex relationships of two married couples whose lives intertwine following a funeral. The film's strong emotional weight resonated deeply with the audience, culminating in a heartfelt display of appreciation from both viewers and the cast.
As the credits rolled in the Sala Grande theater, the cast members, visibly moved, began to shed tears, hugging one another while reacting to the enthusiastic response. Their emotional display highlighted the powerful connection they felt with the material and the audience's appreciation. Although applause continued for several minutes, the cast and director were eventually escorted from the stage at the six-minute mark, drawing a close to the moment.
Lee previously articulated the challenge of creating films, noting that he requires certainty about a project’s meaning and impact before proceeding. This film marks his return to Venice after 24 years, having previously won the Silver Lion in 2002 for “Oasis.”
“Possible Love” is Lee’s first feature film in eight years, following his critically acclaimed psychological thriller “Burning.” The director is known for his poignant storytelling in films like “Secret Sunshine,” “Peppermint Candy,” and “Poetry.” His ability to blend complex emotional narratives with universal themes has earned him significant recognition in the cinematic world.
The film features a talented cast including Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Zo In-sung, and Cho Yeo-jeong, many of whom have collaborated with Lee on past projects, thus adding depth and familiarity to the storytelling.
Netflix is set to distribute “Possible Love,” which will be promoted in upcoming film festivals in Toronto and New York. The film is scheduled to hit theaters in the U.S. on October 23, 2026, before becoming available to stream globally on November 6, 2026. This planned rollout underscores Netflix’s commitment to advancing the reach of distinct cinema, particularly international films.
The six-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival signals a robust start for “Possible Love,” likely generating anticipation ahead of its theatrical release. As Lee Chang-dong continues to receive acclaim for his storytelling, audiences can look forward to experiencing this emotional journey both in theaters and on Netflix in the months to come.
This emotional reception could also herald a resurgence in interest regarding Lee’s past works, as audiences seek to explore the themes he poignantly illustrates in his films. Critical responses to “Possible Love” following its festival appearances may further influence its reception once it rolls out to a wider audience.
For more on Lee Chang-dong’s film career, check out our detailed reviews of his previous works, like Possible Love’ Review: Korean Master Lee Chang-dong’s Transfixing Meditation and Lee Chang-dong and Cast Discuss ‘Possible Love’ in Venice Competition.
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