Janghwa, Hongryeon 2003

John Monaghan, Detroit Free Press: There's no denying the eye for hypnotic imagery employed by writer-director Ji-woon Kim and cinematographer Mo-gae Lee. Read more

Allison Benedikt, Chicago Tribune: It's a stunningly creepy specimen of Asian horror. Read more

Jeff Shannon, Seattle Times: The film seems unnecessarily vague on a rational level, but it's spot-on as a psychological study of a twinlike sibling relationship, and the ways in which memory can suppress trauma and soothe a mourning soul. Read more

Ruthe Stein, San Francisco Chronicle: [Kim] creates stunning images ripe with meaning. Read more

Noel Murray, AV Club: The film feels haunted by the relationship between Im and Moon, who cling to each other in the face of a hostile hostess, even though that may not be their best option. Read more

Renee Graham, Boston Globe: There's a reason why Hollywood has been so busy in recent years remaking Asian horror movies. Scare for scare, they're generally better. Read more

Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times: A tour de force of psychological horror at its creepiest. Read more

Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader: We aren't meant to understand the story fully until the film's closing minutes, so the shocks and suggestions come in a muddled context. Read more

Michael Booth, Denver Post: Plays like a gorgeous painting hanging in a gloomy gallery -- you stand in front of one corner, mesmerized by turquoise wallpaper or a burgundy rug, then a fleeting movement in another corner draws you over. Read more

Jennie Punter, Globe and Mail: It may not be a pretty picture, but A Tale of Two Sisters is definitely a satisfying piece of less-is-more cinematic horror. Read more

Ernest Hardy, L.A. Weekly: The film succeeds again and again at pulling you to the edge of your seat and keeping you there. Read more

Jack Mathews, New York Daily News: Murky and pretty near incomprehensible. Read more

Dana Stevens, New York Times: A somber reflection on memory, adolescence and mourning. Read more

John Terauds, Toronto Star: The gorgeous slow-moving cinematography by Lee Mogae is remarkable. Read more

Time Out: The atmosphere of mounting dread is matched by just-right performances, design and camerawork. Read more

Derek Elley, Variety: Precise direction that goes more for slow chills than quick frights, and a script with some startling twists, makes A Tale of Two Sisters a classy entry in the East Asian psycho-horror stakes. Read more

Michael Atkinson, Village Voice: As a ripe, almost Victorian-tinged contemplation of desperate sisterly devotion, it can be harrowing. Read more