Directed by Seungjun Yi
Planet of Snail is a mesmerizing documentary about an accomplished young poet who can no longer hear or see and his relationship to the world around him.
Young-Chan is deaf and blind. He learned to speak when he was very young, but soon after lost his sight and hearing. He lives with his wife, Soon-Ho, who is his soul mate, an inseparable part of his life, and a window to the outside world. They communicate with one another through finger braille, a unique form of touch-based sign language in which words are tapped on each other's hands.
Young-Chan and Soon-Ho rely on each other completely. Even simple domestic tasks require complex collaboration, like the changing of a light bulb on the ceiling. And everyday moments that most of us hardly notice become tender shared experiences, like feeling the bark of a tree, smelling pine cones on a spring morning, or the sensation of raindrops on the skin.
However, Young-Chan must be able to survive on his own. One day, as Soon-Ho waits anxiously at home, Young-Chan embarks on the biggest adventure of his life.
Breathtaking imagery coupled with Young-Chan's personal writings create a transfixing portrait of life on what seems like another planet, where touch communicates everything and love conquers all.
Reviews
~ "Palpably inspirationalĄThis beautifully photographed documentary is a poetic meditation on refined sensory perception". Stephen Holden, The New York Times
~ "Simple, direct and magical. It will win you over as well if you give it the chance. It is both a pleasure and a great privilege to be observers in their worldĄ An elegant, minimal look at life as it is lived." - Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
~ "Powerful. A significant testament to the potential of the human spirit and the power of love." - Indiewire
Awards
~ Winner, Best Documentary Prize, International Film Festival Amsterdam
~ Winner,Sterling Award for Best World Feature , SilverDocs Film Festival
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