Part of Critical-Film's 2009 September Screams

Kim Ji-woon's A Tale of Two Sisters holds two distinct records within the scope of Korean horror cinema. It claims the record for highest grossing Korean horror film, as well as being the first Korean horror film to screen in American cinemas. Upon watching the film, the reason is only too apparent. A Tale of Two Sisters is a fantastic exercise in both psychological and emotional storytelling, as well as being a terrific example of truly suspenseful film making.

I will refrain from giving away any plot details, as the film is so incredibly well constructed. What I will tell you is that the film is a brilliant combination of both psychological and supernatural horror, and is at times truly terrifying. In fact it carries what I would personally classify as one of the single scariest scenes ever put to film. The terror doesn't stop at that scene however, as Kim Ji-woon manages to inject a feeling of sheer dread into nearly every scene. Characters seem threatening; environments seem threatening; the film rarely feels 'safe'. There is always a threat of something terrifying lingering just around the corner, and as an audience is hard to deny the affect this has on us.

Characters are limited to a primary cast of four: The two sisters, Su-Mi and Su-Yeong, their father, and his less than sympathetic wife, their stepmother. There are a few minor characters that pop up throughout the film, yet this is rare. The only characters that matter are the family, and by keeping the cast quite small, Kim Ji-woon manages to craft a more intimate picture; one that is rich with emotion, as every relationship is believable and unique. As details of the plot are revealed, these relationships only become more believable and emotionally involving for the viewer.

In addition to being smartly written, unique and involving, not to mention truly scary, the film is simply beautiful to look at. Every shot is incredibly well framed, and the set design is fantastic, filled with vibrant colors, and eccentric backdrops, such as wallpapers. The camera moves so purposefully; so deliberately, amping the suspense up even further. It's one of those rare films, in which everything seems to come together so perfectly.

Now... the 'but'. It's a small 'but'. You have to be patient, A Tale of Two Sisters is a film in which the most detailed intricacies will be revealed... in time. There may be points in your initial viewing in which you feel that you may not quite be following along with the film, but relax, it will all come together for you. The films still benefits from multiple viewings, however, as some of the smaller details will be more recognizable after you understand the entire plot.

As I can't divulge any details, this review is somewhat shorter than I would like. As a film critic it is my duty to tell you why (or why not) you should (or, perhaps shouldn't) see a film. However, if by discussing the film I risk spoiling it for you, ruining the magic, then I must keep my comments to a minimum. I will say this, though, A Tale of Two Sisters is the best Korean film I have seen to date, and I suggest everyone (horror fan or not) see it. It is not simply a brilliant horror film, it is a masterpiece of psychological terror an emotion, and a brilliant film, period.