In meeting Soon-Ho, one of the two main subjects of PLANET OF SNAIL, one is immediately struck by her greatest virtue: Patience.

Patience is a quality that is widely lacking in a fast-moving, ADD society, and impatience leads to a lot of miscommunication and opportunity squandered. Case in point, a documentary like this, which does not aim to be flashy or slick, wants instead wants to be a methodical poem dedicated to the lives of two people in love. Fitting, because the South Korean man at the core of this film, Young-Chan, is deaf-blind…but he has put his trust and love in Soon-Ho’s poise. This loving and trusting relationship is inspiring, with each person complimenting the other so wonderfully.

The film requires a measure of attention, as it plays largely without soundtrack underneath the action, and every bit of “action” takes time since Soon-Ho communicates with Young-Chan via finger braille. The way it tests the audience is fitting though, since being part of Young-Chan’s life requires a bit more concentration than many of us are used to. So long shots that show us how the dinner table is mapped out, or how a conversation happens by touch aren’t indulgence –  they’re evocative of a life that requires more individual focus.

Along with its methodical pace, the other quality of the film that is fitting is its poetic nature – after all, Young-Chan is a poet. This is clear in the text that dots the film from time to time in an unobtrusive manner, but it’s more true just to watch him go about his day. During a moment on a train, he can feel that the train is in a tunnel, and after confirming it he declares that “Mountains must feel empty…being so filled with holes”. If that isn’t enough he also has thoughts on the feeling of running, the texture of stagnant water, and the quality of life of trees.

How could one not find a bit of patience to hang around this guy?

While the film hits a snag or two in its late-going, it is a wonderful watch overall. The love that is shared between Soon-Ho and Young-Chan is rare, so rare that one of his friends even states his jealousy. One wonderful detail of their relationship that immediately jumps out is physical stature. Soon-Ho has a spinal disorder, making it so that she’s about elbow-high to Young-Chan. But while two people of such differing height might look ridiculous elsewhere, these two just…”fit”.

Icing the metaphor is a prolonged scene where they work together to change a lightbulb. That might seem mundane, but I dare anyone to watch it and not immediately understand how well these two caring souls work together.

planet of snails isn’t going to be for everyone – some won’t dedicate the time, others might wonder what the big deal is. But for those who have the time to listen – the sort of people predisposed to sit on a bench in the sunshine without the company of a book or a digital gadget – then a trip to PLANET OF SNAIL will be one worth taking.

PLANET OF SNAIL plays Monday – 9:00pm at TIFF Bell Lightbox, again on Wednesday May 2nd – 1:30pm at The ROM, and once more on Sunday May 6th – 2pm at The Lightbox. (official website)