A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)

This is one of my favorite movies. I watched it expecting just another scary ghost story, but it turned out to be much more original than that. This story unfolds so well that I immediately wanted to rewatch it, and catch all the things I missed the first time. I will admit that the story can be a little confusing at times, and some scenes are very abstract/surreal, but by the end it all comes together brilliantly.

Im Soo Jung is really great as Su mi, and I loved the tension between her and Yeom Jeong-ah, and her sweet relationship with Moon Geun Young.

The cinematography is absolutely beautiful.

The music by Lee Byung Woo has become of one of my all time favorite musical pieces from a film. I just had to have the soundtrack, and it didn't matter that it was mostly different variations of the same awesome song.

Acting-Story-Music-Visually... This movie impressed me all around.

There was a remake made of this film called "The Uninvited", but the story was completely revamped. Though the remake was entertaining, it doesn't come close to this version.

I absolutely recommend this movie! I bought it, and have rewatched it many times.

Leggi di Più

It knocked me out of my socks and for good this time! It's not your usual scary movie, however I'll warn you that you're in it for some toss 'n turns, confusion, and unexpected scenes. This film isn't a film to be watched only once. In order to comprehend it well, it must be watched for a second time. Pay close attention to clues, scene details, and make sure you know how to connect the scenes together in order to unravel the actual storyline.

By the time the end arrives, your brain will result in confusion, however you'll find the film hits a full circle. You'll know this when you see it!

Storyline: Mysterious, dark, and disturbing. The house well sets the setting of the story with its old style furniture and flowery wallpaper.

Acting/Cast: Remarkable applause to the acting of the stepmother. Very convincing! The sisters' relationship is well portrayed. The father adds the extra which he is quite significant.

Music: The OST fits smoothly with certain parts of the story and well done with the spooky and horrific effects!

Since I never watched 'The Uninvited', this is my first horror film done by the South Koreans and I believe the original are always the best! If you're a true horror fan and enjoy stories with a psychological twist, take this movie for a whirlwind ride...

Leggi di Più

As I looked around this movie had all good reviews, so I was really excited to see with mine own eyes if it is that good and... I got only disappointment.

At the beginning movie was so slow. I understand that this type of movies beginnings are usually slow to tell us the story and introduce the characters, but... without little "scary" parts it wasn't entertaining at all. Although I got great vibe from stepmother which was played excellent she was as creepy as she should be.

I really like the house, the wallpapers gives me goosebumps, long hallways this dark corners and that hurtful silence.

A cannot tell anything about music, because I don't remember any of it during the show. Maybe it's just one of those soundtracks that just complete the scene without any significant meaning.

Overall I don't recommend it, but you have to find out your self.

Leggi di Più

I had initially written a review about how much I hated this movie, but I think of it differently now.

This movie is very confusing from the start to the end. Sometimes we are alternating between reality and imagination, and it gets hard to keep up especially during the last half an hour. While the pacing is kind of slow, it manages to build a certain amount of curiosity in the viewer because nothing can be predicted about it. While the idea of this film is pure genius, the screenplay isn't nearly as good. It could have turned out a lot better.

Seems like too much was left for the end for the 'shock value'. Both the direction and editing are lousy within the last half an hour and at the same time that is the best part of the movie. Too much happens which is difficult to take in at once and understand it. I had to go back and watch certain scenes to fully confirm that what I understood was true. However, the ending managed to shock me. And I realized how well the things were connected with each other. We are given subtle hints about the ghost and the sisters right from the beginning. I would say it requires a lot of observation to be able to figure out things before the movie ends.

Since it is psychological horror, that element is definitely present in it. While I never got scared watching this film, it managed to surprise me and creep me out. The wardrobe scenes and the younger sister getting her period were both creepy.

Unfortunately, this movie falls short of a few things which don't allow it to be a masterpiece. Still, the overall effort is really good. I initially felt that the movie was overrated, but it is definitely not.

It has a good rewatch value because I think these kinds of movies get better with each watch.

Leggi di Più

SEE MORE DRAMA AND MOVIE REVIEWS HERE: http://dramadevoted.tumblr.com

Story: At first I had only seen the American remake, titled The Uninvited, which was wonderful. That one had scared me several times and held me in suspense. When I learned it was a remake I was so excited to watch the first. Originals are always better than the remakes. I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a great scary and suspenseful movie. I jumped more than once and ever screamed in fright several times. Even though I had seen the remake and had an idea of what was going to happen, it was still original and the ending still shocked me. I never knew what to expect and slept with the closet light on that night.

Music: It’s a scary movie so you can guess what the music is like. Classical stuff that builds up the suspense and then clashes so that it scares you. But other than those parts there were some really beautiful compositions that flow so nicely and make you want to smile. I'll be 100% honest with you: it is one of the most beautiful soundtracks I've listened too.

Cast/Acting: I think everyone did a great job. They all seemed genuine in their parts. They were wary when things were uncertain, scared when something strange happened. Im Soo Jung and Moon Geun Young were brilliant and much better actors than the girls in the remake. (They’re still good, I just prefer the original).

Leggi di Più

This is a decent horror movie for all those who love a good horror movie but with a ''lower scare rate''. Before I watched this movie I've watched it's 2009 American remake by Guard brothers, starring Emily Browning and Elizabeth Banks. Sadly I was not really impressed. It was a slow-paced, horror yet no horror movie. Therefore I hesitated whether I should watch the original, Korean version. I did and was not disappointed.  I felt it was far better than the American remake. The whole cast is rather decent, with Moon Geun Young's talent shining especially bright. The story itself is okay, with scenery and music decent enough for this movie to be watchable. I probably would not watch this movie again. It's a one-time watch move, with no true, big memorable moment. But overall it was ok.

Saruman approved.

Leggi di Più

From the beautifully eerie house and a haunting unsettling score, to the quelling cinematography and a cast of acting brilliance, this film gives all that you want from a hint on a horror perspective.

Directed by Jee Woon Kim (A Bittersweet Life, The Last Stand) takes psychology and ghosts to a twisty level starring Kap-su Kim (I Saw The Devil) Jung-ah Yum (The Mimic) Soo jung Lim (I'm a Cyborg, but that's ok) and Geun young Moon (Innocent Steps) .

From the beginning, its tensely silence sets a viewer up nicely when the first great shot of the film focuses in, and what a ride it is leading up to a haunted house filled with disparity amongst the people who live in it. Although there is quite a slow pacing of this unique filmmaking, it centers in on characters in a way that M. Night Shyamalan did with his "The Sixth Sense", only there was more to explore with the living.

The performance level from the cast was outstanding with Jung-ah Yum practically stealing every scene. But make no mistake, Geun young Moon and Soo Jung Lim delivered their parts along side Kap Su Kim. All four dominate their roles and create something unitedly special.

For a film that was released in 2003, it really stands the test of time and can be re-watched when called for. It's a masterpiece of film work to its finest and one not to be denied.

Leggi di Più

Bestest movie ever! I work in psychology so this is something I am interested in. I loved the actress and the story. I don't really pay attention to the music unless it is bad. So, the music had to be good for me not to notice anything. I looked this up and there are so many remakes of this in different countries. I am from the US but I just don't think that the American version could be as well done as this one. Watch this movie, it will make you think. And, if you don't have a psychology background you may have to watch it a couple times to understand some of the concepts that are underlying in the story. This movie is right up there w/ "12 Monkeys" & "Memento" for me. Go check them out.



http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114746/



http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0209144/

Leggi di Più

It's a film that stands out for its ability to create an eerie and immersive atmosphere. Kim Jee-woon's direction is masterful, with an impeccable use of tension and suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The narrative is complex and layered, inviting the viewer to unravel the mysteries and relationships between the characters.

The performances are outstanding, especially those of the two leads, who manage to convey a deep emotional charge and vulnerability. The cinematography also deserves a special mention; each shot is carefully composed to heighten the sense of unease and beauty at the same time.

However, while the story is captivating, it can be somewhat confusing at times, which may leave some viewers a little lost. Still, the film manages to be a memorable experience that stays with you long after the end credits roll.

Overall, it's a standout work in the psychological horror genre, with an execution that almost borders on perfection. A film that undoubtedly deserves its place among the greats of Asian horror cinema.

Leggi di Più

Whoa, I don't know what to put in the headline

This is one of those movies that makes you question reality. I had to go read the spoilers in the comments to actually fully understand what had happened. Not predictable at all.
How do we deal with pain and guilt? We all deal with it in a different way, don't we.
The cast was very well chosen and they each fulfill their roles perfectly in my opinion.
I thought it was going to be just another ghost story but in the end it had a lot more to it. There were so many questions and twists and turns, that I couldn't exactly keep up. But the story kept throwing you off. Just as you think you had it figured out it to another turn.
I really really liked it although I had to go read up on it a bit and when I had it figured out I realized how brilliant it was.

If you are looking for something unpredictable this one is for you. My brain was on fire trying to come up with the next solution.

Leggi di Più