Communication & Lies

Shot in black-and-white, this story told partly in flashbacks with excellent acting focuses on a cleaning woman and a teacher. She displays self-destructive behaviour as a result of a terrible tragedy. He is unhappy, has suppressed feelings and incessantly phones the council about all kinds of trifles. Where she seeks extremes, including excessive sex and lies, he is introverted. When these two damaged souls meet at work, a bond results and they go traveling together. But their inability to communicate breaks the vulnerable relationship and this again has tragic consequences.

Directed by Lee Seung-won, Communication & Lies leans on a strong ensemble — Jang Sun, Kim Kwon-hoo, Kim Sun-young — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2017.