With a renewed interest in Korean cinema with Parasite winning 4 Oscars, I thought it might be time for a discussion on Korean cinema. The run of great movies coming out of South Korea from the late 90's to now is simply amazing. The output is even more impressive when you consider how small the movie industry was, heck still is, in South Korea. They run the gamut from some of the most intense scenes shot on film to heartbreaking emotion to some of the funniest stuff ever written. Sometimes all in the same scene. And when it comes to revenge movies, nobody does it like South Korea. Nobody. I think the concept of Han really influences their cinema. Here's a list of my personal favorite Korean movies through the end of 2017: Best Korean Movies Ever Made - IMDb Anyone else enjoy Korean movies?
I'm no expert - but I love I Saw the Devil and Lady Vengeance that came out about ten years ago and bought both immediately after viewing. Both riveting, on the longer side, but fast-paced and the star of Oldboy is in it - and wow. He's great. Min-sik Choi. It took me awhile to finally see these films since I've never liked the film Oldboy itself, it's ugly but not good ugly - I love David Fincher and hate Seven so guess same thing. And yes, Parasite is terrific. Unfortunately, just because of Oscar wins.. well, Life is Beautiful did nothing for Italian cinema here in the US and I could gripe all day about how underappreciated Roberto Benigni is here because... you know, it's the internet..
I actually started a thread back in 2016, which had zero interest: Korean Film recommendations Perhaps this one will be a bit more popular.
Saw 301/302 several years ago, was pretty crazed, good too, better imho than 6.4. 301, 302 (1995) - IMDb Also, saw and liked some movie set in Medieval times and regarded regal succession, also very good, can't think of the name.
I saw that thread from 2016. I would have responded and continued it if it wasn't closed. Maybe the interest in Parasite will draw more people into Korean cinema? Doubtful though, it seems a lot of people just can't get their head around subtitles even if the movie looks interesting to them. Which is a shame because I think South Korea has put out some of the best movies around in the last 20 years. The movies are just so heavy; emotionally, mentally and physically. They always hit me harder than most American movies.
AintGotHalfOf, regarding 301/302 (1995), thanks for the heads up! I've never even heard of it so I'm stoked to check it out.
The Handmaiden is another impressive (and expansive) film from a few years back. Park Chan-wook, the director of Oldboy, again responsible.
One movie I stumbled upon is Time, a movie directed by Kim Ki-Duk. Excellent drama that keeps you guessing until the end.
Two I've liked from the past few years - A Girl at my Door Dohee-ya (2014) - IMDb Burning (2018) - IMDb
Netflix has a good number of Korean movies available. I have only watched a few (names escape me at the moment) and found them to be good. Really good production values.
The Host A Tale of two sisters Thirst I've probably seen more, but these are the ones I remember that I know are Korean. I liked all of them a lot. I loved the unique tonal shifts in The Host and Thirst - at times both are hilarious and at others really frightening. It's done in ways that I've never seen western films do very well if at all.
All of the films I have seen that were directed by Lee Chang Dong have been excellent. Burning was the second best film of 2018. Shoplifters was the one that was better.
I've only seen 4 movies on your list, but I might look out for some more in the future. Thanks for your recommendations.
Castaway on the Moon (2009) is an interesting take on survival film. A suicidal man ends up stranded in the middle of Seoul, and his only connection to the rest of the world is a girl hiding away in her room. Also, the most misleading poster I've come across in a while.
Kingdom is an interesting Korean TV show on Netflix. It's actually a historical period piece … that has zombies. I know, I know, I thought the same thing when I heard about it but it's really good. Typical Korean mashup of styles that works perfectly. Season 2 premieres on March 13th in the US. It's worth checking out in you already have Netflix. Kingdom (TV Series 2019– ) - IMDb
I loved Castaway on the Moon. I dug the whole concept of being stranded on a deserted island in the middle of one of the largest cities on the globe. At least the poster has the duck.
Kim Ki-Duk is one of the best directors to come out of South Korea. He has made one of the prettiest movies I've ever seen, Spring Summer Fall Winter and Spring, and one of the ugliest I've ever seen, Pieta. Both hit you hard. Both highly recommended. His documentary Arirang is one of a kind. Arirang (2011 film) - Wikipedia I don't even know how to desribe it other then it is unique. I wouldn't recommend it unless you are really a fan or you are really into the human condition.
My favourite is Musa (aka The Warrior) from 2001. A really epic film that has elements of westerns, action movies and historical drama. I should imagine people might be put off by the martial arts looking promotional artwork and while there are some well choreographed action scenes it ain't no kung-fu movie.
The Handmaiden and Time, mentioned earlier, are definitely films I'd recommend too. They are both what I call "plot films". Usually that means trouble in my mind because films relying on intricate or "clever" plots have so many ways they can fail. But these don't. Time is exceptionally good and inventive in this sense, I think, but I wouldn't want to say too much about it to anyone who's yet to see it. It connects emotionally too (which I think always trumps plot).
I forgot to mention (no pun intended) probably my fave though bittersweet Korean movie-A moment to remember. This was real heavy (my Mom had alzheimers). A Moment to Remember (2004) - IMDb
By far my favorite South Korean Director is Kim Ki-duk. His movies are so poetic yet hard hitting. Check out The Isle, Address Unknown, Bad Guy, Spring Summer Fall, The Bow and so on. Truly wonderful work.