An other kind of horror

This dubious achievement, trumpeted on the poster and the press materials for Kim Ji-woon's A Tale of Two Sisters, is not exactly worthy of marquee lights on its own. And yet, the latest permutation of the new strain of Asian horror movies does make an innovation of sorts.

An evil stepmother. Overly close, virginal sisters. Extremely high-strung violins. A creaky ghost girl with stringy black hair over her face. A Tale of Two Sisters proves, in a surprising twist, that it's possible to be completely derivative and completely original at the same time.

There are as many types of fear as the Greeks have words for love, and fright is at least as subjective as Eros. That being said, A Tale of Two Sisters did not scare me as much as Ringu or Ju-on. But in a sense, there is something better going on.

What happens is that we actually care about the characters, as we should but hardly ever do in these movies, and their distress becomes our distress (an effect that did not quite translate with Ms. Watts and Ms. Gellar or their Japanese counterparts).

This may be because the story is based on a fairytale that has become an archetype in Korea and already been filmed five times, and fairytales usually know what they're doing.

The story scrutinizes two young sisters, Soo-mi and Soo-yeon, who go to live with their ineffectual father and sadistic stepmom after their mother dies. They cling to each other for comfort as bad stuff starts happening in the house, which may be psychological torture, or something worse. It plays on life and death, waking and dreaming, and folds time like a Chinese fan, as the opposition between the ferocious Soo-mi and her stepmother devolves into an ultra-violent game of hide, seek and stab.

Two Sisters, which is distributed by legendary Toronto International Film Festival "Midnight Madness!" programmer Colin Geddes, has already become a legend. Its baroque twisty turns and heavily laden mood of dread and horror fit in with the genre's motives, which are less to make sense from a narrative point of view than to let cold fear and cringing run through your veins long after the picture has faded. Ju-on didn't exactly contain much of its own interior logic, but will you ever totally get that meowing kid out of your head? In a sense, the displacement we feel as a result of the "Other" cultural texture in these movies only elaborates on the disconcertment of details.

Two Sisters, after all, fits into the "there's Something Evil in this house" sub-genre, and filial ties soaked in blood have worked ever since at least The Shining. Now, if Jack Nicholson were Thai and the Overlook Hotel were in Chiang Mai, he would not have been the same kind of dull boy - and we wouldn't have been the same kind of scared.

A Tale of Two Sisters
 
 

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Asian horror gives us the atmosphere most western horror lacks...     I loved a Tale of Two Sisters...its the little glimpses that scare the most--more a feeling of foreboding than the in-your-face-leave-nothing-to-the-imagination of the slasher and monster horror films made in America. Asian horror is full of atmosphere--and disturbs in sinister ways one wouldnt even think of normally-and thats what makes them so deliciously scary! Im a huge fan of Asian horror--of course Ringu and Ju-on--but The Eye was great too and The Audition was fantastic as well. Asian culture in general fascinates me- I love the art, the food...would LOVE to visit there one day. Its all about atmosphere. A Tale of Two Sisters was heartbreaking and creepy at the same time--and I thought about it for days after I saw it--thats how i judge a truly good horror movie. If that feeling of foreboding lingers with me--or out of the blue I remember the scene from The Eye in the elevator (when the old man with half his face missing glides up behind her-the brilliant cinematography focusing on his stagnant feet not touching the floor as he moves forward) i know i've really been affected! Asain horror does it to me every time!
Jennifer Broussard-Dagner		June 23rd, 2006
What's that looking at us from under the cupboard?     I remember going to see this movie some time ago, not quite knowing what to expect. I'm a big fan of Japanese horror although I find the pace sometimes a bit too slow. I know this is a typical style element of the genre, but I'm spoilt by Hollywood 'fast-food-like' paced and easy to swallow movies. So this movie takes it's time to elaborate on the characters, the setting and the slowly evolving plot. What I liked most was the suspense that lurked around the corner. Typically 'lurked' because that's what kept me firmly holding on to my seat; in a Poltergeist sort-of way the presence of something nasty and vicious presents intself to the viewer. Sometimes subtle, and sometimes so sudden you feel yourself thrust backwards because of the shock. Especially the 'something looked at me from under the cupboard' scene is especially terrifying. This flic is about good and bad, but not from the angle you'd expect it. It's also about the love between the two sisters. It left me feeling miserable at the end, not because I didnt like the film but because of my compassion for the sister. I definetly recommend this film if you can stand the pace, and if you're into Japanese horror.
Elvin Dechesne	{71 votes}	March 10th, 2005
Like Nothing You've Ever Seen     What I love about Asian cinema, specifically the Korean cinema, is the sheer fact that they're always trying new things and doing things which you've never seen before. They also make their films beautiful and truly each of them is one of a kind. That description can surely apply to one of their greatest and most recent horror films 'A Tale Of Two Sisters'. A lot of people complain that all North American horror films are the same thing basically and that they need something new in the horror genre and that is exactly why I would recommend everyone to check out A Tale Of Two Sisters. It's a whole new type of horror and when I watched it I got a feeling that I was watching a weird mix between all of the greatest horror movies like the Shining, The Exorcist, etc. After watching it, you will truly appreciate Korean cinema and you will see what I mean when I say that it is truly one of a kind!
Patricia Stevenson	{2 votes}	April 13th, 2005
Horror - Asian style.     This movie is not your common American horror film and we are all the better for it. It goes to show you that the US is also scrambling to get these Japan horror movies made on US soil based on the success these Asian films have had. I mean these movies are essential for the international circuit. It goes to show how a carefully crafted scarey movie, well-paced and intense should be filmed. These kind of films like Ringu and Ju-Oh are at times slow and not all that glossy but provide what US horrors don`t - intrigue and suspense with the payoff. I won`t put it passed the US studios to be eying this little gem, if they haven`t already. I fully recommend this movie.
Angelo Vernucci	{4 votes}	April 9th, 2005
Brilliant; refreshing; intelligently new.     This movie was an all time shocker and should end up in any respectable collection. For those of you who are horror fans and even for people who are basically uneffected by most horror movies this is a must see and even a must see again. I am glad that in the article Melora made a reference to The Shining as that was what was brought to mind after the conclusion of the film. This movie had elements that you could relate to the Sixth Sense, The Shining and of course the obvious comparisons of Ringu and Ju on. However there really is not much point in drawing a comparison between this film and any others as I would say this is a originial and unique piece of work; the story line was intelligent, the casting was brilliant and the cinematography (which for me can make or break a film) was beautiful and creepy! The young ladies that they cast for the sisters gave incredible perfomances. As far as the story line goes it has been a long time since I felt such compassion for a charater in any film. This one really pulled at the heart strings. You are drawn in and you the viewer go through their pain and experience their suffering along with them. For those of you who have seen the film, that moment of realization for the older sister finally brought me to tears. I am going to go buy this movie this afternoon.
Damian Pedey	{2 votes}	April 2nd, 2005
Girl with long dark hair wearing a shredded dress... must be the latest asian horror flic     I'm the type of horror moviegoer who is gung ho about going to a horror flic and gets kicks out of trying to convince my roomate who expresses her absolute horror for horror flics. Not cause she does not like them, but because she is just a big old scaredy cat (can I actually say that without sounding like I'm ten?) Now when I am actually watching a horror flic that is a different story. I usually have my face covered with my jacket during parts that are eerily silent or with screeching scores and tend to only look up to catch enough of the movie to get the plot. So is it really worth it for someone like me to pay 10 -13 to catch about 30 minutes of the film? Oh well I guess its all about the chills and the joy of coming home to an empty apartment late at night (Yeah right). Now that you know what i think about horror movies can I just ask... what's with the creepy girl with long black hair and a shredded dress in every asian scary movie?
Tanya Parvez	{17 votes}	March 14th, 2005
What's with the Lesbo thing?     This tale of two sisters business sounds like it might have the potential to be scary, but if it = anything like the flick with that Gellar chick then I'll pass. Was "The Grudge" supposed to be scary or something, I mean come on! If that clickety-click noise would have started up one more time after the Gellar-girl of course manages to survive I think I would have muted the rest of the film, but still would've been able to get the gist of things no doubt. N-E-hoo, one thing I am wondering, is what is with the Lesbian stuff? I mean haven't we gotten beyond this? Or is it so necessary for the already girly and virginal looking Oriental chicks to put on the Lesbo charm when performing for Westerners like us? I mean really, what a shame. I'm sure that the Asian culture is capable of OH, so much more.
Dawn Manhertz	{10 votes}	March 14th, 2005
Chilling Tale     This sounds like a film with a lot of suspense and horror! I bet it would scare even the hardiest of horror movie fans. I do believe I should see it. I love movies that send chils up your spine and give you nightmares for days afterward.
Nancy Garbish	{10 votes}	March 12th, 2005
A Tale Of Two Sisters: Korean Horror     A Tale of Two Sisters is not your predictable supernatural horror movie. Kim Jee-woon has definitely surpassed his other works, and has taken a whole new approach to making this film, a movie which already has an odd story. The result is a film that, if it were ostentatious enough, may be called experimental. Thankfully though, Kim's only goal is to arbitrarily scare the pants off his viewers, and this he does admirably. On paper, A Tale of Two Sisters' first half would seem pretty slow, mainly a family of weirdos hanging around a house, but Kim manages to tweak-up the tension bit by bit until you realize you're about to fall off your seat and start biting on your fingertips because you've already chewed off all your nails. By the end, things are happening so fast that it's hard for a human brain to work out all this weirdness suddenly being hurled at them. The story will not leave you indifferent, and the mix between the fantasy/supernatural element and reality is perfectly harmonized to create an atmosphere rarely achieved in cinema. There's an obvious lack of music here and much of the sound is provided by either loud, ominous creaking doors or floorboards (which add tenfold to the feeling of dread throughout) or harsh power-electronics to accompany the shock sequences, rattling your fillings as well as your nerves. This adds to a cold, depressing atmosphere that may be a little much for more fragile viewers to take and there's a distinct lack of humor here, black or otherwise, which may not fare well with mainstream audiences. For the more open-minded, however, A Tale of Two Sisters is a unique, innovative film, and a good indication that Korea is rapidly becoming the new Hong Kong as far as cutting-edge filmmaking goes. It is not surprising to see that an American company has already bought the rights for a remake.
Julia Boggia	{15 votes}	March 12th, 2005
A Tale of Two Sisters     This sounds like a pretty good movie. You don't have to be "devotee of Asian horror movies, " to enjoy this movie. We were all brought up with the fair tales from our childhood days , this is the adult version of the evil side of those fairy tales.I thought that was very smart to take the idea of the fairy tales to create horror movies. The problem is that it was not a big American movie company doing it or a world wide well known movie director.But at least it entered in the International Film Festival . I hope I get a chance to see it because it sounds good. If it wasn't for Hour we may not have known about this movie.
Maria Cecillia Silva	{11 votes}	March 11th, 2005
Film Review 101/A Tale of Two Sisters     Unless you're a devotee of Asian horror movies odds are that you'll kindly ignore this paper's quaint review (odds are more than likely that you will do just that *especially* if you are one) and move on to the next movie. Why? If you're like me you know that most critics simply don't get the grisly beauty of this genre and those that do know better than to woo new fans. Of course, there's also the fact that if you have the right connections that you already have a DVD of the movie somewhere nearby or know someone who can lend it to you. Fantasia. This is where most of us first saw this eerie little family flick. Although this movie isn't as gruesome as one imagines it could have been but strangely it is far more effective and moving because of it. There's creeps galore to be had and the performances really sell the twisted conceit of the movie. You really can't knock the acting given what you're looking at, ok? Is it worth seeing? Yes. Is it great? Well, that's a matter of perspective but I certainly liked it. What you decide is entirely up to you but I do suggest that you give it whirl before you do. 'Nuff said.
Pedro Eggers	{28 votes}	March 10th, 2005
Thanks for your article, it says it very well!     I was flipping through the pages of Fantasia Festival when I first came across the name of this movie. I liked the title and put a little "x" beside it. Later, reading the short summaries in the fantasia booklet I got so intrigued by this movie I went on my own little investigation. After couple of disappointing imitations I came across the official website of Tale of Two Sisters; http://www.twosisters.co.kr. I right away got entangled in its esthetics and the slight chill that it sent down my spine while browsing it late evening. Simple, but though out to the last detail it lures you in with its echo in your ear and its calm before the storm, as prediction of something vicious hovers over you. This website set the mood with exactitude to what the movie has to offer. I am used to the slow and steadily evolving pace in Asian horror but this movie exploits it better than ever. It builds its climaxes past the expected into a play of nerves where you're hanging by the thread. The feeling it leaves you with is far better than I ever experienced in its genre sorting in for me in a class apart. Although far less known than Ju-on or Ringu, I am convinced that even Hollywood producers would not dare to remake a shiny version of this story as it is not the script but its pace that makes this a masterpiece, tailored with the precision of a master.
Katia Minarikova	{16 votes}	March 10th, 2005
Asian horror feast.     the last true horror film from hollywood was 1978. john carpenter's hallloween starring jamie lee curtis was a brilliantly written tale about 'pure evil', in the form of a man-child named michael. however, in the wake of halloween hollywood produced a string of inferior films around the archetypes inspired by john carpenter: and the birth of the 'slasher' film was created, which birthed characters such as jason from the friday the thirteenth franchise and freddy of the wes craven a nightmare on elm street by-products. from this point forth, the horror film died upon the masks and razor sharp talons of parody - used to money-making affect by wes craven's send-up scream films. however - in aisa, the film-makers were concerned with storytelling and creating a mood of dread that harken to the essence of horror. this essence of horror didn't need logic but required that logic becomes suspended, in the face of a horror that would truly sheer sanity at the doorstep. writers such as h.p. lovecraft understood this level of horror that too many 'sophisicated' individuals like to point out about films such as ringu, and gu-on. perhaps because both films were able to express true dread without the need for gloss. horror remains an essential genre in literature and in film. through the examination of shadows, we are compelled to realise that between the spaces of reality exists realms that exert ominous influences upon reality. to deny this means an ignorance that will continue to provide humanity with horrors such as genocide, or the news buzz of the father who comes home to his family to murder them and himself without 'reason'. films such as ringu and gu-on, and now a tale of two sisters, are vital in the explorations of those shadows that we possess. spiritual evils do abound, and writers from shakespeare to edgar allen poe to lovecraft to contemporary horror writers, have understood this as an essential fact of life. open your minds and see this film.
Gary Womac	{5 votes}	March 10th, 2005
Its different Horror...     Tale of Two sister is definately a different category of horror, and this article has thrown enough light on it. I would definately recommend to see such an movie, because of its different taste from the conventional horror. The best part it that it is an Asian Horror, and the movie is basically slow in a way, but it still catches the interest. Its the third hghest grosssing film in Korea in 2003, and this says most of it... People Power, mostly good movies do better business, go for it...
Shafquat Sheikh	{6 votes}	March 11th, 2005

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