Korean Movies
In my opinion most of the movies listed below are "better" than most mainstream American movies. "Better" but not directly comparable as Korean movies often have an altogether different way of expressing themselves. This difference has seen a rise to success of movies in countries outside of korea due to people becoming bored of watching.............. in my humble opinion......."the same old s#!+."
A quick note on these first two movies; In korean movies there, generally, is no hero, no perfect story, no universal understanding like in American movies that we all come to know. There is a type of frustration of "why won't he help him><" or "what's he doing that for??><" that you don't often see in movies, but in my opinion experience it in real life.
"Memories of Murder"(2003); Based on the true story of a serial killer who was active in korea from 1986-1991 and still at large. A case the korean public followed closely and the killer is still at large. The film follows the detectives pursuing the case and really gives you the sense of frustration they experience.
Btw Huge lol 62 mins in.
"The Chaser"(2008); Again based on a true story of a serial killer and can make your skin crawl with annoyance if you don't give it the respect of a real life experience. One of my favourites.
Films that put korea on the film-making map.
"Teaguki;Brotherhood"(2004); An awesome epic about the korean war. A must see.
"Silmido"(2003); Another war epic, not as good, but still very very very good.
"The King and the Clown"(2005); 16th century epic. well not really, its about trying to make a king laugh...er... you have to watch it to understand.
"The Host"(2006); A box-office phenomenon, very popular and well known. Not really my favourite but not bad either.
"Friend"(2002); if downloading use "chingoo." An excellent movie, a little too long in the tooth but still not the only movie to do that to us. (uses dialect which is unusual in korean movies).
"JSA: joint security area"(2000); American remake in the works.
Most people know of the vengeance trilogy that was brought to us by Park Chan-wook. which includes "Oldboy," "Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance" and "Lady Vengeance." These films all have the common tone of vengeance and the effect it has on people and their motive for obtaining it.
"Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance" (2002); Another one of my personal favourite movies ever. Explores some dark substance matter with a slightly comedic touch. Some things in this movie don't really translate for westerners unfortunately. And with an American remake that just announced that could cause problems, but I hope they can do it justice
"Oldboy"(2003); One of the more internationally known korean films, a movie I highly regard even if there is a particularly sick twist. **Spoiler alert** Let me assure korean people historically are very much against incest, even so much so that most korean women keep their name after marriage. In korea incest is certainly the highest of disgraces. American remake will be interesting but why when there is already such a good movie.
"Lady Vengeance"(2005); Not the greatest film ever but if you look at the three movies together, it becomes something of a finale to the other movies as well as itself.
And worth a mention..
"A Tale of Two Sisters"(2003); Some scary shizz and was remade by hollywood as "The Uninvited"(2009)
"The Good, The Bad and The Weird"(2008); Not really a comedy but.......meh..... just watch it, to hard to talk about this one.
"Tidal Wave"(2009); Think disaster movie in korean.
"D-War"(2007); AKA Dragon Wars. It does exactly what it says on the tin. terrible stoyline><
I haven't seen yet but recommended to me...
"Shiri"(1999)
"JSA: joint security area"(2000); American remake in the works.
"My Wife's a Gangster"(2001); has two sequels, an action/comedy.
"My Sassy Girl"(2001); A rom-com that's gonna be remade.
"Il Mere"(2000); was remade as "The Lakehouse."