Name: Lies
Director: Jang Sun-woo
Genre: Drama, Romance
Released: 2000-01-08
Duration: 112 min
Rating: 5.7
Cast: Lee Sang-hyun, Kim Tae-yeon, Choi Hyun-joo, Han Kwon-taek, Jeon Hye-jin

A virgin's sadomasochistic spiral into obsession that'll make 50 Shades look like a Disney Channel original.

Watch(FR)

A virgin's sadomasochistic spiral into obsession that'll make 50 Shades look like a Disney Channel original.

Watch(FR)

psychosexual chaostransgressive AF90s Korean underground

Overview

Drama Romance

A Korean high school student and a married sculptor embark on a sexual odyssey soaked in sadomasochism and love.

KR Korean

Content warning

based on novel or book role playing loss of virginity age difference erotic movie sadomasochism film festival sculptor virginity

power and submissionsexual awakening as destructionclass and age dynamicsperformance versus authenticity

Standout Aspects

Direction

Jang Sun-woo's unflinching, voyeuristic gaze that refuses to aestheticize.

Writing

Adapted from Jang Jung-il's banned novel; every 'lie' is negotiated.

Best for:Solo·Rewatch

Heads up:Sexual Content·Disturbing

Director

Jang Sun-woo

ReleasedJan 8, 2000

Runtime1h 52m

StatusReleased

Vibe

Paceslow

Intensityhigh

Tonedark

Feelheavy

Korea Pictures

Shin Cine Communications

Top Cast

Lee Sang-hyun

Kim Tae-yeon

Jeon Hye-jin

Woo-ri

Kwon Hyeok-pung

J's Senior

Ask about Lies

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Cultural

Banned in Korea upon release; became a cause célèbre at international festivals as proof of Korean cinema's transgressive potential before the Hallyu wave.

Trivia

Director Jang Sun-woo reportedly cast Lee Sang-hyun after a non-actor audition, specifically seeking someone who could perform 'genuine awkwardness' rather than trained technique.

Gallery