Lies (2000)

Jang Sun Woo's GOJITMAL (LIES) is a disturbing, sexually charged, highly erotic film based on a book by Jang Jung Il, TELL ME A LIE, that was banned in Korea for its pornographic content. The film tells the story of Y (Kim Tae Yeon), an 18-year-old girl ready to explore her sexuality, and J (Lee Sang Hyun), a married 38-year-old sculptor who is excited at the chance to deflower her. What starts out as a minor sexual tryst, however, soon turns into an obsessive relationship laden with guilt, lies, and sado-masochism--Y and J both need the pain of whipping in order to satisfied their naked desires. The film is shot in a documentary-like cinema verité style, using a handheld camera, and many scenes contain only the natural atmospheric sounds--as well as the sound of the camera humming in the background. The lead actors, both making their acting debut, sometimes talk to the camera as themselves, discussing their decisions to take on the challenging roles. Filled with disturbing images, full frontal male and female nudity, and experimental cinematic techniques, LIES is a compelling, difficult, fascinating film that the viewer must be prepared for.