Lee Chang-dong's Poetry set for release in Japan

Korean auteur director Lee Chang-dong's film "Poetry" is set for release in Japan on Feb. 11, 2012. The Cannes Best Screenplay Award-winning film will be distributed by KinoEye Japan and Siglo, which released the film's Japanese poster and trailer today. The film's Japanese title translates to "Poetry: Agnes' Song".

"Poetry" stars veteran actress Yoon Jung-hee (also known as Yoon Jung-hee) as the grandmother of a troubled youth, learning to express herself through poetry. Her performance has won her many accolades including the Los Angeles Film Critics Association's Best Actress Award.

The film itself made it onto several "Top 10 Films of 2011" lists, including the Chicago Tribune's and CNN's.

KinoEye says the film has had eight preview screenings in Japan, with glowing reviews from major media. Kinema Junpo and TBS TV called "Poetry" "a masterpiece" and Yomiuri Shimbun's critic noted they "couldn't stop crying" at the end of the film.

Distribution partner Siglo is an investment, production and distribution company which previously handled the Japanese distribution of critically acclaimed Korean films such as "Repatriation" (2003) and "Old Partner" (2009).

The film will start with a release Feb. 11 in theaters in Tokyo and will tour the country.

Director Lee Chang-dong visited Tokyo and Osaka last year, for a three-day promotion tour. He met with local media and literary figures Nov. 9 -11, 2011.

The director was previously an acclaimed novelist before becoming a screenwriter, then an assistant director to Park Kwang-soo, eventually making his directorial debut with the film "Green Fish" in 1996. His other films include "Peppermint Candy" (1999), "Oasis" (2002) and "Secret Sunshine" (2007).

"Poetry" was produced by Pine House Film and UniKorea Culture & Art Investment Co., Ltd.

Jan. 16, 2012