A Tale of Two Sisters

Two sisters return home after a stay in a mental institution, only to encounter unsettling events that strain their bond with their stepmother. The house feels off, doors creak on their own, and voices echo in empty rooms. Su-mi, the elder sister, and Su-yeon try to cling to what feels real while rumors and whispers gnaw at their trust in Eun-joo. As the days pass, fragments of memory surface, painting a picture of a family past that refuses to stay buried. Unsettling fragments echo through the house. The line between waking nightmare and haunting memory blurs, pulling the sisters into fear and uncertain loyalties. Shadows linger long after the screening, leaving viewers with a lingering sense of unease that night.

Directed by Kim Jee-woon, A Tale of Two Sisters stems from an original screenplay by the director. The 2003 film helped establish his bold approach to genre. It drew international attention to Korean horror cinema and helped set a trend.

Critics praised the film for its claustrophobic mood and unsettling ambiguity, balancing dread with emotional depth. The story probes memory, guilt, and the scars of family life, leaving viewers to question what is real as the danger closes in, long after the credits roll. Audiences linger on the final image.

The film helped popularize a Korean horror style that leans on atmosphere and psychological twists rather than gore. Its visual motifs and calculated shocks influenced later genre entries and sparked discussions about how families and trauma are depicted on screen, shaping a generation of domestic thrillers.

Awards: The film earned recognition from critics and festival circuits, with nominations at major Korean awards for direction and acting. Its standout performances, especially by Lim Soo-jung and Moon Geun-young, helped cement its status as a notable genre work that continues to be discussed in horror circles today.