Review of A Tale of Two Sisters (2003) by Shelly B — 21 May 2009

On the surface it seems like a typical Asian horror film, with two sisters who live in a scary house that has ghosts. Nothing we haven't seen before, which is disappointing, but as typical as the premise is, A Tale of Two Sisters is wonderfully executed.

Let me say that the directing was the biggest shock for me; I was expecting a pretty cool horror movie, but the actual way some shots are set up, especially during moments of high tension, is brilliant! They could have easily gone with just a straight up scare fest, but they didn't, and that's what I love.

My gripes are few. Towards the end it's strength seems to dwindle a bit, and the premise is really very cliched.

The plot was a little too ambiguous so it does lack the "instant gratification" of solving the mystery, forcing the viewer to interpret and figure out what just happened for themselves. I liked this approach, as it felt much more involving, but it is easily possible to come away confused.

Great directing and a real story? Check and check. If you like horror, and can track it down, go for it.