Helene is suffering both from her failed marriage and from the absence of God in her life. She meets psychologist Eduard to sort out the emptiness in her heart. They become inexplicably close and end up sharing their troubles and secrets. Helene takes part in an experiment to help Eduard, who turns out to be obsessed with pornography. The first scene features the face of a woman looking back, suggesting perhaps that Original Bliss is likely to focus on a female protagonist dealing with the various adversities of life. The director depicts a middle-aged woman’s marriage through a few scenes, showing a humdrum existence that is concealing dreadful brutality and frustration. Helene exists in silence, her frighteningly expressionless face betraying lasting frustration and self-denial. The positive progression from how she manages her hopeless life is intrinsically bound in with the film’s lesson; people can find ”original bliss” by turning the rudder of life though using inner strength; a meaningful lesson to remember. The dazzling performances of the main actors stand out in this well-woven structure. (RHEE Souewon)