Starting April, we’re immersing ourselves in the films of the deeply humanistic and socially engaged filmmaker Lee Chang-dong. One of the most influential voices in Korean cinema working today, Lee produced just six feature films in a career spanning over two decades. As his earlier work has recently been beautifully digitally restored, we’re proud to present all six masterpieces for you to (re)discover.

Lee began his career as a novelist, and didn’t leap to directing until his forties. As a filmmaker, he consistently focuses on the human experience, particularly of those living on the fringes of society, not shying away from infusing sharp social commentary while always exhibiting compassion and respect for his characters. His films explore alienation, poverty, mental health, and trauma in the lives of individuals who, despite their hardships, are in search of meaning and redemption. Through their stories, Lee offers a subtle yet poignant critique of the status quo in Korean society.