"Lie," a film that sparked a fierce obscenity controversy and was released with heavy cuts 27 years ago, is set to return to theaters in an unedited, complete version.
Distributor Yeonghwaroun Hyeongjae announced Tuesday that "Lie: 4K Uncut Complete Edition" will open in theaters nationwide on Nov. 11.
When "Lie" first opened in 2000, it drew intense debate over artistic freedom and freedom of expression after critics condemned it as obscene.
The film depicts a romance between a middle-aged married sculptor and a high school girl — a premise considered scandalous at the time, with its explicit portrayal of sexual acts drawing particular criticism.
The controversy had deep roots even before the film's release. The source novel, "Tell Me a Lie," was banned in 1996, and the following year its author, Jang Jeong-il, was sentenced to prison on charges of manufacturing obscene material. The film itself reached audiences only after a drawn-out process that included two rating suspensions and mandatory scene deletions by the Korea Media Rating Board.
Even after its release, the backlash continued: civic groups filed complaints against more than 100 theater owners. The UN Human Rights Committee also weighed in, labeling the film "child pornography" and recommending that screenings be halted and remedial measures be taken.
More than 27 years later, a shift in the social climate has finally made possible the film's first uncensored theatrical run.
The version screening under the title "Lie: 4K Uncut Complete Edition" is the international distribution cut, restored in 4K by the Korean Film Archive.
The film's first promotional poster puts its history of controversy and censorship front and center. Over an image of two figures entwined in a darkened room, the text reads: "27 years — praised by Venice, sealed by Korea"; "112 minutes without a single cut, the most uncomfortable masterpiece"; and "Two rating suspensions, the author's detention, a UN Human Rights Committee recommendation."
The scenes that were once cut amid fierce controversy will now have a chance to be reassessed through the eyes of today's audiences.
paq@heraldcorp.com
