It's interesting that the trailer and back-cover copy for Oasis shy away from the handicapped status of its characters. Jong-du and Gong-ju are described as an "outcast" and a "misfit," which is certainly true, but only half of the story. The images on the cover and the clips in the trailer also studiously avoid showing Gong-ju as a disabled character (instead, the cover has a dream-image of Gong-ju as an able-bodied woman). Is this a way of saying that their handicaps are irrelevant, and that the only thing that matters is how they fit into society and how they love each other? Or is it that the marketers were afraid to make it clear that this was a love story with less than perfect characters, for fear that potential viewers would turn away? I don't know, but I'd lean toward the latter.

In any case, Oasis is a film with an interesting premise and pretty solid performances from its two stars. So-ri Moon in particular is impressive: the actress, who is able-bodied, is completely convincing as a woman with cerebral palsy, with a fully functional mind but a body that refuses to cooperate.

In the end, though, Oasis was more a film that I thought I ought to appreciate, rather than one I really did appreciate. It's mainly a style issue, I think. There's not much of a sense of overall narrative, with the film instead feeling as though it's following around the characters, simply observing what they're up to. That "reality" may resonate with some viewers, but I found that it left me cold. The directing felt a bit too hands-off for me; with the cultural gap in place as well (I'm not familiar at all with Korean cinema) I felt that I was always missing a piece of the puzzle. The conclusion is interesting in some ways, and leaves things open without feeling unfinished, but at the same time, the plot (such as it is) has some holes in it. If you're enjoying the film as an experience, it'll probably be easy to overlook any such flaws, but I was never hooked enough to go with the flow.

Oasis is a different kind of love story, and one that will probably be of interest to fans of Korean film. I found the performances and premise respectable, but nonetheless the whole experience just didn't engage me...

As a director, Lee Chang-Dong obviously favors realism. The camera is almost always kept at a distance, does long takes, and rarely moves; all to be as unobtrusive as possible. Naturally, this can make the film move rather slowly. Lee Chang-Dong isn't looking to rush things by editing out inconsequential scenes of people walking down the street or waiting for the bus. This is all seemingly in the effort to make the movie feel as real as possible. Of course, it's up to each viewer to decide if this draws them further into the film or just bores them. The more impatient among us may find themselves reaching for the fast forward button. But if you stick with the film, if you become involved in "Oasis", it will reward you.

There aren't enough superlatives out there for me to do justice to Mun So-Ri, who plays the character afflicted with cerebral palsy. In real life she doesn't have this disease but except for a few fantasy sequences, you wouldn't know it watching "Oasis". Her work here is beyond words and is something that just has to be witnessed. In a day and age when Hollywood fawns over starlets like Katie Holmes who do more acting on magazine covers than in movies…a performance like Mun So-Ri's is nothing short of a revelation. I have the utmost respect and admiration for her, and she is undoubtedly a talent to watch. Seol Gyeong-Gu is also noteworthy in the role of Jong-du. Their characters make for a mismatched pair but in reality I can't think of any other two people who could have played these roles as perfectly as them.

About 38 minutes in, the movie takes a dark (and I mean dark) turn. It's truly one of the most uncomfortable scenes I've ever watched in a film. It's not easy to sit through and it challenges you as a viewer because, given what happens after, it forces you to rethink your idea of what love is or what it can be. I don't want to divulge any more because it shouldn't be spoiled. It is very rare that a film chooses to spotlight individuals like these two. They're truly the outcasts of society, nearly invisible to the rest of the world, and the film points a critical eye at the way South Korean deals with disabled people. Lee Chang-Dong should be applauded for his unconventional and honest portrayal of these social misfits.

This is not to say that "Oasis"is without faults. It probably moves a little too slow for its own good. 120 minutes would have been more than enough to tell the story and it could have removed some of the more unnecessary scenes. In addition, almost the entire third act is based on a misunderstanding that could have been easily cleared up but, for some reason, Jong-du never tries to explain himself. This is quite puzzling as it ends up getting him in trouble with the law once again. Of course, it's also an extreme coincidence that even created the misunderstanding in the first place; one of those "of all the times you could have decided to walk in the door" moments. During these last twenty minutes or so, the film breaks free from reality and comes across as illogical for the sake of drama. It's kind of a disappointment but it doesn't ruin the movie.

Minor quibbles aside, "Oasis" is a stellar achievement in Korean cinema. Outside of Wong Kar-Wai's films and a select few Japanese movies, I can't think of an Asian film that has stirred as much emotion (whether positive or negative) inside me. This is not a film you necessarily enjoy watching but you have no choice but to recognize the artistry and talent of those involved. "Oasis” will unsettle you, it'll provoke you, but you just might thank it in return. This most unlikely of love stories is one that demands your attention.

One day, while on his new food-delivery job, Jong-du comes across a familiar-looking apartment, which happens to be the place where the deceased victim of the drunk-driving incident used to live. Jong-du pointlessly decides to knock on the door to discover a woman named Gong-ju (Mun So-Ri), who has an extreme case of cerebral palsy (a brain defect that affects the control of muscles). Despite her unappealing appearance, Gong-ju takes an immediate interest in Gong-ju by asking her personal questions as if she were a hot item at a bar. Jong-du is interrupted as Gong-ju's family/caretakers unexpectedly enter the pad and question his presence. After Jong-du "proudly" identifies himself as the drunk driver, they tell him to leave and never come back. The fact is, Gong-ju (which, by the way, means "princess" in Korean), is the deceased man's daughter who is now a homebound orphan.

Although Jong-du was told to stay away from Gong-ju, he continues to secretly visit her. As days go on, they develop a friendship that ultimately leads to a subtle romance. The pair discover the true meaning behind their relationship: it's not about love, it's not about looks - it's about being accepted and treated like a normal human being, despite any mental or physical short-comings. It's the end of neglection and humiliation; and the start of a new dawn that allows two unusual people the ability to be free, and have careless fun.

Writer/director Lee Chang-Dong created a film that's guaranteed to grab a hold of you, shut you up and make you watch what's on the screen in pure awe. It'll have you smiling, touched and, at times, uncomfortably entertained. I don't know whether to recommended this film, or keep it locked in a cage as if it were a magic python that would either make you or break you. In this case, I'm leaving the gate half open because "Oasis" happens to be one of the most beautiful films I've seen in years.

Not only is "Oasis" a visually enticing, but there's some imaginative tactics Lee Chang-Dong uses to get certain points across - it's something that you definitely have to see to believe. The teaming of Seol Gyeong-Gu and Mun So-Ri is a remarkable example of the kind of magic two profound talents can make (both also starred in Lee Chang-Dong's "Peppermint Candy"). Mun So-Ri deserves the Korean equivalent of an Oscar for her intense portrayal of Gong-ju, and that's an understatement.

Because of the film's tone and subject matter, I was hesitant to give this film a perfect 10. But after countless hours of thinking, I've come to the conclusion that "Oasis" is a milestone in Korean cinema. I won't be forgetting about this one anytime soon.

Lee Chang-dong (Green Fish and Peppermint Candy) returns with the same actor and actress he used for his last movie Sol Kyung-gu and Moon so-ri. Moon So-ri picked up the 59th Vienna film festival award for best young actor/actress, the first such award for a Korean movie.

Moon So-ri plays a women with cerebral palsy who is ignored and abused in life until simpleton Sol Kyung-gu comes into her life.

The idea is simple but the execution for a film like this is difficult. Keeping a film like Oasis from being cliché ridden is a mean feat in itself but to turn it into a film as watchable as some of the best Korean romances I've seen is watching a true master at work. You will laugh. you will cry and you will be shocked by what's on screen. The performances by the two leads will endear them to you forever.

A film like Oasis will make art directors squirm in their seats because it is able to get messages across on so many levels without making audiences go "What the heck"? and yet it is still fresh and original in everyway.

A Korean Movie must see.