Movie Review: 'Thread of Lies' Beautifully Unravels The Harsh Realities Of Adolescence
Adapted from the bestselling 2009 Kim Ryeo Ryeong novel, Thread of Lies explores the mysterious suicide of fourteen year-old Cheon Ji and the ramifications her death has on those who were connected to her. Cheon Ji (Kim Hyang Gi) is a seemingly happy, diligent student. Her mother, Hyeon Sook (Kim Hee Ae), works as at the sample station within the local grocery store to support her two daughters. As the film opens it becomes apparent that money is tight within the single parent household. Cheon Ji who is aware of the financial situation within her family furtively demands an mp3 player. Her older sister Manji (Go Ah Sung) is startled to see her sister become demanding over such a mundane object, yet does not confront her. Although, the family is not argumentative it is apparent that work at the grocery store and life has taken a toll on Hyeon Sook, with the daughters resigned in their circumstances.
When Cheon Ji commits suicide, her mother and older sister are completely blindsided. She did not display any signs of depression and met her obligations at school. In what initially appears to be a much needed change of scenery, Hyeon Sook relocates with Manji to a different neighborhood. Hyeon Sook and Manji move next to the perplexing Choo Sang Bak (Yoo An In), whose long hair creates an air of dubious morality. Their relocation also places the mother and daughter within the same apartment building as Hwa Yeon (Kim Yoo Jung), a girl who was once thought to be the best friend of Cheon Ji.
The symbolic thread, the true nature of Hwa Yeon is slowly unraveled. Hwa Yeon is a beautiful middle school student, whose quest for popularity has led her to become vicious in her bullying techniques. Fashioning herself after the best female aggressors, Hwa Yeon resorts to rumors, extortion, and cyber bullying. Thread of Lies demonstrates depth within its storytelling, turning Hwa Yeon, straw man for the perils of adolescence into one of the most pathetic characters in the film.
As Hyeon Sook struggles to cope with the death of her most beloved daughter, she is tormented by deadbeat ex-boyfriend Kwak Man Ho (Sung Dong Il). There are no accidental or unnecessary characters in this film, which is a nonlinear narrative. As the secrets that were held by Cheon Ji slowly unfold, the circle of those impacted by her death increases. Both Hyeon Sook and Manji face the chilling reality that they may not have been the most engaged or caring family members.
The moral tone of Thread of Lies is one of the most interesting aspects of the film. While bullying and even the act of suicide are often glorified, the acts are approached with subtlety which delivers a striking blow to the psyche. As neighbors, Hyeon Sook (Kim Hee Ae) and Choo Sang Bak (Yoo Ah In) develop an unique relationship dynamic which transcends their age differences, with the actors now starring in the controversial drama Secret Love Affair. Although, she maintained a strong presence on television Kim Hee Ae returned after a twenty-one year absence from film to star in Thread of Lies. Actresses Kim Hyang Gi (A Werewolf Boy), Go Ah Sung (The Host, Snowpiercer), and Kim Yoo Jung (Commitment, Moon Embracing The Sun) deliver stellar performances in the film, reflecting their extensive careers as child actors.
While the subject matter remains taboo, Thread of Lies provides an opportunity for adolescents, teens, and their families to begin an open dialogue about the driving forces behind suicide.
Directed by Lee Han, Thread of Lies was well received by audiences in Korea, securing the number spot for viewership during its run. Thread of Lies is the first production of CGV's MovieCOLLAGE, a curatorial brand created to deliver high quality art house, documentary, and independent films to Korea. Thread of Lies opens on March 21 at CGV Cinemas Los Angeles (621 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005).
Running Time: 117 minutes
Rating: NR
