Watch Planet of Snail

Planet of Snail is a South Korean documentary film directed by Seung-Jun Yi, which follows the life of a visually and audibly impaired young man named Cho Young-Chan, who is also physically disabled. The movie’s title is a metaphor for Cho’s life experiences, which are similar to those of a snail: slow and challenging, but also full of wonder and beauty.

The film examines Cho's life from his childhood days through adulthood, his relationship with his wife and the way he perceives the world around him. We see Cho in his daily life - bathing, eating, walking, typing on his Braille typewriter - and we follow his emotional highs and lows with his wife, Soon-ho. Despite their disabilities, Cho and Soon-ho are deeply in love and are supportive of each other. Cho's limited hearing and vision become an advantage in their relationship, enabling him to empathize with her and understand her silent gestures with ease. Their love story is a remarkable one, and is beautifully captured in the documentary.

Planet of Snail takes us through various aspects of Cho's life, from his admiration for nature to his passion for literature. His connection with the world is not solely dependent on his senses, but also on his imagination, and this is demonstrated through his writing. His dedication to his work is impressive, as he spends hours typing away at his Braille typewriter, while his wife helps him interpret the words he writes. We witness his creative process, from the birth of an idea to the final stages of the writing process.

The movie also touches upon the topic of disability and the way it has shaped Cho's life. He talks about the obstacles he's faced on a daily basis, such as people who speak loudly or who move quickly, which can be overwhelming for him. Despite these obstacles, Cho is determined to live his life to the fullest, without letting his disabilities stand in his way. One of the most moving moments in the film is when Cho is kayaking in the ocean with his wife. It's a moment of pure joy and freedom for him, and it's a testament to his indomitable spirit.

In addition to the personal journey of Cho and Soon-ho, the film also sheds light on their cultural background. The documentary explores the lives of disabled people in Korean society, and how they were traditionally viewed as being cursed or punished for their sins. But thanks to advances in technology, education and social awareness, disabled people in South Korea are now accepted and appreciated more than ever before.

The cinematography of the film is remarkable, with beautiful visuals of nature and landscapes that help to reinforce the idea that this is indeed a planet of snails, where everything moves slowly and with purpose. The camera work also captures the small gestures and expressions of the characters, conveying the depth of emotion in a way that few films are able to do.

Overall, Planet of Snail is a heartwarming and inspiring documentary that highlights the beauty of life and the human spirit. It is a film that challenges our notions of traditional disability narratives and shows how people with disabilities can lead joyful and fulfilling lives. It is a reminder that happiness can be found in the smallest moments, and that love can transcend any barrier. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Planet of Snail is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 73.