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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A creepy masterpiece that resonates with emotional power,
By Daniel Jolley "darkgenius" (Shelby, North Carolina USA) - See all my reviews (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER) (TOP 100 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: A Tale Of Two Sisters [DVD] [2004] (DVD)
A Tale of Two Sisters is billed as a horror movie, but please don't confuse this fascinating, multi-layered story with the sort of simple-minded horror films coming out of Hollywood. The stigma attached to horror movies in the West doesn't apply when you talk about Asian horror - solely because Asian filmmakers continue to develop horror as an art form built upon subtlety, complexity, and the deepest of human emotions. A Tale of Two Sisters is high art indeed. There are some genuinely creepy scenes in this movie, but that is not where the true horror of the story lies - and that is what makes this such a mesmerizing movie. This isn't a simple tale, as it starts you out feeling a little unbalanced and compels you to figure out what is really going on as reality and fantasy begin to blur more and more. You might be confused at more than one point. And then, once you've had your Aha moment, the film continues to pull you down dark, twisted paths. This is truly an unforgettable film that virtually compels you to watch it through a second time. Then, if you still have questions, there are two distinct commentaries on the DVD (I only watched the one with the director and the actresses who played the two sisters - but it was everything a commentary should be). When you see this film - and you really should see it - it's important that you leave your Westernized expectations behind you. This isn't about things that go bump in the night - although, as I've said, several scenes are deliciously creepy. This is a tragic and exceedingly human story about the love between two sisters, terrible events that shatter the lives of their whole family, and the debilitating effect that regret can have on a person. I am not even going to describe the plot of the film here because it should be seen without any expectations by the viewer. The film is so complex and beautifully structured that every little thing that happens is important. That's why a second viewing leaves you even more impressed than you were after the first viewing. Kim Jee-Woon is a true craftsman of the art of moviemaking, and young Su-jeong Lim and Geun-yeong Mun are really quite amazing in their portrayal of the tragic sisters. Some seem to find the film too confusing, and I'm not sure why this is. It's true that the story invokes flashbacks at times, but there are plenty of clues along the way - and the main revelations are quite forcefully presented. In a sense, the movie moves forward in order to take you backward, back to a beginning in which all things are made clear. It's a rich and amazingly moving way to tell a story, especially when that story resonates with as much emotional power as this one.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A masterpiece - you won't be disappointed!,
By
This review is from: A Tale Of Two Sisters [DVD] [2004] (DVD)
Sadly this film has been much neglected in the West - a real tragedy as it is one of the best psychological/horror/suspense films I have ever seen. This Korean movie (based on an ancient folk-tale) is masterful -and that is no exaggeration. The acting is superb, and the direction outstanding. One viewing may perhaps leave the viewer a little confused (I found myself checking out the internet movie database forums in order to fully understand the beautiful and complex film I had just watched) - multiple viewings are strongly recommended as it works on so many levels. This is no ill-thoughtout slasher horror movie - indeed it puts many other better known titles to shame, this is one of those very rare films that gives you so much more. Every scene is carefully crafted to add not only to the tension and emotion of the picture, but also to the symbolism that flows through the entire piece. This honestly is a true classic of modern cinema. The DVD also comes with many great extras and hidden bonus features. Buy 'A Tale of Two Sisters' before it becomes yet another great Asian film that is left hidden behind a shallow big-budget remake!
50 of 53 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great Ghost story,
By
This review is from: A Tale Of Two Sisters [DVD] [2004] (DVD)
Many reviewers on this page claimed the film to be overly confusing. In response to this I found that although there are points throughout the film where you are wondering what exactly is going on, you later have it explained in simple enough terms for most human beings to understand. And surely the point of creepy ghost stories is to have to work it out along the way! If, like the previous reviewer, you cant wait for remakes of Eastern cinema films because they are generally explained far more simply and more blatent in the scares, then do not buy this film. If however, you actually appreciate the much more intelligent and subtle blend of creepiness and shocks that signifies Asian Horror then you will love this stylish, melencholy and disturbing film, which does have it's fair share of terrifying moments, just not enough to make them boring.
In fact this film (especially when watched in the dark) has possibly the scariest moment in any film I have seen! I watch a lot of Asian cinema, and although I agree that this film should in no way be likened to Ju-On: The Grudge, or the Ringu films, I belive that it is actually far more original and thought provoking than those most famous of Asian horror films. Also, perhaps, scarier! Fans of remakes or blatent, slasher horror stay well clear.... Those who like Asian Cinema or are open-minded horror fans, this is a must have film! GET IT NOW.
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