Poem (also known as Uta) is a 2010 South Korean film that tells the story of a young houseboy named Kim Joong-yun (played by Lee Chang-dong), who works for a retired teacher named Mr. Yang (played by Ahn Nae-sang). Joong-yun wakes up every night to patrol Mr. Yang's house with a flashlight, making sure everything is secure. He leads a very simple and austere life, spending most of his time meditating and writing inscriptions for tombstones.
The film explores the themes of loneliness, isolation, and the search for meaning in life. Joong-yun is a quiet and reserved young man who does not have any personal connections or relationships outside of work. He is devoted to serving Mr. Yang, but he also finds solace in his writing, which allows him to express his thoughts and emotions. Through his writing, Joong-yun contemplates the meaning of life and death, and the legacy that people leave behind.
As the story unfolds, Joong-yun is faced with different challenges and encounters various people who help him see the world in a different light. He meets a young girl named Eun-hee (played by Kim Soo-an) who is struggling with a speech impediment, but who also shares his passion for writing. He also has a chance encounter with an old woman who asks him to write an inscription for her tombstone, which leads him to reflect on his own mortality and legacy.
Poem is a poignant and thought-provoking film that explores universal themes that resonate with audiences around the world. It is a beautifully shot and well-acted movie that captures the essence of the human experience in its quiet and contemplative moments.
