One of the lesser known aspects of S. Korean cinema is the indie film, which, due to the vast popularity of mainstream productions has been sidelined, even neglected. However, as in Communication and Lies, there are movies of the category that are quite interesting. “The Liar” is definitely one of those.
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A-young is a true sociopath, a pathological liar who does not seem to have any remorse regarding her continuous and troublesome lies. Despite the fact that she works in a beauty clinic, she acts as a true aristocrat, asking from real estate agents to show her the most expensive apartments, and department store clerks the most high-priced appliances. In every case, though, she finds an excuse and does not buy anything. Furthermore, she lies to her colleagues, pretending to be betrothed to a rich teacher, although her actual boyfriend is Tae-ho, an employee at a car dealership.
Behind her constant, fake smile however, hides a truly awful reality. She lives in a cramped house with her overweight, alcoholic sister, and a brother who abandons them in the beginning of the film, as is the case with their parents, who do not seem to care for them. As her lies pile up, and some co-workers begin to suspect her, she is forced to resort to even more, and even theft and embezzlement, in a downward spiral that seems to have no end. The purchase of a fridge and a marriage proposal from her boyfriend signal the beginning of the end.
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Kim Dong-byung directs and pens a film that focuses, almost exclusively, on its protagonist. The fact that she is a liar is established from the beginning, particularly in a wonderful effect that presents the title beside A-young, removing any doubt about her character. As the story progresses, her self-destructive nature also becomes visible, among her cunning tricks. The way A-young becomes more and more enslaved by her lies is one of the film’s biggest assets, as Kim explains the reasons behind her behavior, without, though, justifying them at any point.
His message about where this kind of behaviors lead is indisputable, and is exemplified at the end, where paranoia seems to take over. He presents another evident message, this time regarding consumerism and what modern society holds as standards of success. Through A-young, he actually mocks this image of happiness, that includes a good marriage, a luxurious apartment and the most expensive things money can buy.
Kim retains the usual slow pace of indie films, with no outbursts and the subtle, almost non-existent music, at least until the dramatic finale. The ending, however, is quite peculiar and unexpected, in a surrealistic image that does not fit the film’s realism.
Kim Kkobi is the undisputed star of the film, giving an astonishing performance as A-young. Her depiction of a character who struggles to retain a facade of happiness, underneath her actual drama is magnificent. Particularly her fake smile is magnificent, as she manages to portray both her hypocrisy and the happiness she wants other people to believe. Even more tragic, at points, is Jeon Shin-twan‘s portrayal of Tae-ho, who appears as a simpleton who cannot understand the actual character of his love interest. During the end of the film, another truth about him is revealed, which makes his character
Technically, the film follows the realism of the script, with Lee Sun-young‘s cinematography depicting the everyday circumstances in the megalopolis. The highlight of this prowess is the difference in the depiction of the apartments A-young visits, to her actual one.
“The Liar” is a wonderful piece of indie cinema, although it will probably find appeals just among fans of similar productions.
on my list! thanks