Lies

Film program, KR 1999, 107 min., korean. OV + dt. UT

By: Jang Sun-woo

With: Sang Hyun Lee, Kim Tae-yeon, Jeon Jye-jin

Y and J meet through phone sex. Eighteen-year-old Y is still a student; J is 38, married, and a sculptor. During their first meeting, they have intimate sex – it is Y’s first time. What follows is a passionate affair, in which J also introduces Y to sadomasochistic practices. Their relationship constantly faces obstacles, only fueling their desire for each other. Jang Sun-woo’s tender yet honest SM film transports us back to the ’90s with surprising depth, while still embracing the delightful absurdities of classic soft porn. Initially banned in South Korea, the film was only granted an “adults only” rating after being invited to the Venice Competition in 1999.

Kai