Park Chan-wook's 'The Land of Abundance' Misses Venice Golden Lion, Sets Sights on Oscars

Park Chan-wook's highly anticipated new film, 'The Land of Abundance,' has unfortunately walked away empty-handed from the 82nd Venice Film Festival, despite being a strong contender for the Golden Lion.

The film, which garnered significant critical acclaim and was widely expected to win, ultimately did not secure an award, leaving a tinge of disappointment. However, director Park Chan-wook expressed his satisfaction, telling reporters after the closing ceremony, "The audience reaction was the best for any film I've made, so I already feel like I've received a great award."

The Golden Lion was awarded to Jim Jarmusch's 'Father, Mother, Sister, Brother,' while the Grand Jury Prize went to Kaouther Ben Hania's 'Four Daughters.' This marks the first time in 13 years a Korean film has competed in the main section at Venice, and it's the first time in two decades that Park has been invited back since 'Lady Vengeance' in 2005.

'The Land of Abundance' is a darkly comedic take on the challenges of re-employment for a laid-off family man in an era of job insecurity driven by technological advancement. Based on Donald E. Westlake's novel 'The Ax,' the film masterfully weaves humor, pathos, and moral ambiguity. Critics lauded Park's signature precise direction and the compelling performances of the cast.

At a press conference earlier in the festival, Park explained the film's resonance, stating, "Many people living in capitalist societies fear employment instability." He added that the reason he persisted with the project for 20 years was because "people from any country have reacted that it's a relatable story."

Despite the outcome at Venice, 'The Land of Abundance' is now firmly on its path to the Academy Awards next February. With a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and an average critic score of 3.6 at Venice, the film has garnered significant buzz. Its ability to navigate the line between art-house and mainstream cinema, coupled with its broad appeal, positions it strongly for Oscar consideration.

Leading international outlets have also expressed high expectations. BBC predicted a "major international success," Screen Daily praised its blend of psychological tension and hilarity, calling it a "sharp insight and warning about the despair of unemployment and the unnecessary cruelty of capitalist society." IndieWire described it as "Park Chan-wook's brilliant, brutal, lonely, and humorous satire of capitalism."

'The Land of Abundance' has also been selected as the opening film for the Busan International Film Festival and is set to premiere domestically on the 24th, before officially launching its Oscar campaign in October.

Park Chan-wook, a globally acclaimed director, debuted in 1992 with 'The Moon Is... The Sun's Dream' and is celebrated for his unique visual style.

He has garnered numerous awards at prestigious international festivals like Cannes and Berlin for his works including 'Oldboy,' 'The Handmaiden,' and 'Decision to Leave,' establishing himself as a leading figure in Korean cinema.

His distinctive mise-en-scène, dark humor, and profound exploration of human psychology have earned him a devoted global fanbase.