A Tale of Two Sisters

A Tale of Two Sisters

Year: 2004

Runtime: 115 min

Language: Korean

Director: Ji-woon Kim

DramaMysteryThrillerHorror

After a painful separation, two sisters return home to their family’s isolated country house. There, they find themselves struggling to reconnect and confront unsettling truths about their father and his new wife. Strange and disturbing events begin to occur, blurring the lines between reality and illusion as the sisters grapple with a growing sense of dread and the possibility of a sinister presence within the house. They must uncover the source of the disturbing occurrences before they lose their grip on sanity.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – A Tale of Two Sisters (2004)

Trace every key event in A Tale of Two Sisters (2004) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Su-mi's Arrival at the Estate

Teenage girl Su-mi returns to her family's secluded country estate with her father, Moo-hyeon, and younger sister, Su-yeon. This marks the beginning of a complex family reunion filled with tension and unresolved emotional issues.

Country Estate
2

Chilly Reunion with Eun-joo

Upon their arrival, Su-mi and Su-yeon confront their stepmother, Eun-joo, whose mental health struggles cast a shadow over the family dynamics. The atmosphere is cold and distant, revealing the strains in Eun-joo's marriage to Moo-hyeon.

Country Estate
3

Verbal Confrontations

Su-mi and Eun-joo engage in several heated verbal clashes, showcasing their mutual disdain. Despite Su-mi's pleas about a wardrobe in Su-yeon's room, Moo-hyeon dismisses her concerns, further isolating Su-mi.

Country Estate
4

Su-yeon's Nightmare

One troubling night, Su-yeon suffers a nightmare featuring the ghost of their deceased mother. Seeking comfort, she turns to Su-mi, illustrating the deep bond between the sisters in their time of distress.

Country Estate
5

Shocking Family Discovery

The next day, Su-mi finds family photos revealing that Eun-joo was once their mother's nurse. This alarming revelation raises her suspicions about Eun-joo's involvement in Su-yeon's mysterious bruises, heightening the tension.

Country Estate
6

The Visit from Relatives

The family dynamic shifts dramatically during a dinner visit from their uncle Sun-kyu and aunt Mi-hee. Mi-hee's seizure leads her to claim she saw 'a girl' under the kitchen sink, adding an element of supernatural dread to the atmosphere.

Country Estate
7

Eun-joo's Investigation

Following Mi-hee's claims, Eun-joo investigates the kitchen sink only to be gripped by a ghostly presence when reaching for a hair clip. This occurrence indicates a deeper, haunting mystery affecting the household.

Kitchen
8

Deaths and Vandalism

The relationship between Eun-joo and the sisters deteriorates further with the discovery of a dead bird and the vandalism of private photos. Eun-joo's suspicion leads her to lock Su-yeon in a wardrobe, intensifying the conflict.

Country Estate
9

Moo-hyeon's Revelation

In an explosive moment of confrontation, Moo-hyeon shockingly asserts that Su-yeon is dead, throwing Su-mi into emotional turmoil. This revelation solidifies the mental chaos lingering within the household.

Country Estate
10

The Bloodied Sack

Tensions peak when Su-mi sees Eun-joo dragging a bloodied sack, fueling her fears that it contains Su-yeon. A brutal fight erupts between Su-mi and Eun-joo, culminating in Su-mi losing consciousness.

Country Estate
11

The Truth Unfolds

As the narrative continues, it is revealed that only Su-mi and her father reside in the house. Su-mi struggles with dissociative identity disorder, where her troubled mind has created an illusion of Su-yeon's presence.

Country Estate
12

Eun-joo's Redemption

Despite the mounting tension, Eun-joo attempts to reconcile with Su-mi, promising to visit while trying to address their fractured relationship. However, Su-mi's rejection resonates deeply, highlighting the emotional scars they share.

Country Estate
13

Eun-joo's Demise

Haunted by the tragic resonance of their past, Eun-joo is ultimately confronted by the spirit of Su-yeon. The lost girl's spirit emerges from the wardrobe, leading to a climactic and tragic end for Eun-joo.

Su-yeon’s Former Room
14

A Bittersweet Conclusion

In the aftermath of the chaos, Su-mi experiences a bittersweet moment of peace amidst her tears. This expression signifies a resolution to her inner turmoil, despite the heavy losses and emotional baggage she carries.

Country Estate
15

Flashback to the Affair

In a poignant flashback, the origin of Su-mi's trauma is revealed. A young Moo-hyeon’s affair with Eun-joo while their mother was alive leads to disastrous family conflicts, sealing the fates of Su-mi and Su-yeon.

Country Estate

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 15:39

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A Tale of Two Sisters Summary

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A Tale of Two Sisters Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in A Tale of Two Sisters

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