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So Would you like to Know More About Korean Cinema?

  • Mar 11, 2010
South Korea has taken off to new hieights ever since Park Chan-Wook and Kim Ki-Duk had gained international fame. The door has been open to Korean cinema, to the likes of Hong Sang-soo and Lee Chang Dong among many others. Korean directors have been hailed by acclaimed dirtectors such as Scorsese and Tarantino for their awesome cinematography. I've been asked to compile a list of my favorite Korean movies so I'll give it a shot. These are the ones that come off the top of my head...
1
Secret Sunshine
Secret Sunshine
One of the most dramatic movies I've ever seen. Winner of numerous awards including best actress.
See the full review, "A Harrowing Tale About a Woman who Lost Her Religious Faith...".
2
Oasis
Oasis
A very unusual love story...
See the full review, "Not your Standard Romeo and Juliet--POWERFUL and Awe-INSPIRING!!".
3
Thirst (Bakjwi)
Thirst
This Korean vampire movie is one of the best I've ever seen. Directed by Park Chan-Wook
See the full review, "South Korean Director Park Chan Wook's Take On Vampirism and The Seven Deadly Sins".
4
Oldboy
Oldboy
The Ultimate Revenge! Put Park Chan-Wook on the map!
See the full review, "A Gripping Modern tragedy and a Contemporary Classic!".
5
Samaritan Girl
Samaritan Girl
Kim Ki-Duk claimed the title outcast director with this movie.
See the full review, "4 ½ - Stars: A Moving Tale of Sin, Shame, Guilt and the Lack of Communication".
6
The Isle (2001)
The Isle (2001)
The drama of isolation and of loneliness...
See the full review, "Sexy, Erotic and Surreal--Seo Jeong Seduces and Amazes! (Plus: Fish hooks)".
7
A Bittersweet Life
Movie poster
HARD-BOILED ACTION has Never Looked This damned good!
See the full review, "Revenge Has Never Looked this DAMNED GOOD!".
8
The Good The Bad The Weird
Korean original posters
Kim Ji-Woon's Oriental Western has enthralled Asia and Europe!
See the full review, "One Map, Three Villains--WINNER TAKES IT ALL!".
9
A Tale of Two Sisters
A Tale of Two Sisters
Kim Ji-Woon's Horror classic!
See the full review, "Mind-Bending and Beautifully Creepy--Fairy Tales Have NEVER been this Grimm".
10
Peppermint Candy (movie)
Dvd cover
The Korean Momento collides with Irreversible...
See the full review, "4 ½ Stars: A "Backwards" Tale of Life and Love".
11
Shiri
Shiri
The Korean film that opened my eyes to Korean cinema! action, political intrigue and romance!
See the full review, "Blends Action, Tragic Emotions, Espionage and Political Intrigue!".
12
Bad Guy
Dvd cover
Kim Ki-Duk's movie about the a bizarre love story...
See the full review, "Surreal, Engaging and Thought-Provoking; May Well Be One of Kim Ki-Duk's Best".
13
Shadows in The Palace
Movie Poster
Mystery, politics and a ghost story all rolled into one!
See the full review, "A Tense, Gripping South Korean Mystery Horror Thriller".
14
Shadowless Sword
Shadowless Sword
The Korean wuxia film that cemented Korea's position in the martial arts genre.
See the full review, "The Killer BABE Stomps on the Killer Blade in this Korean Wuxia Swordplay Epic!".
15
The Restless
U.S. Dvd cover
ONE AGAINST 10,000 demonic warriors...'nuff said!
See the full review, "3 ½ + Stars: Technically Astounding, this Wuxia Fantasy Film can Charm and Entertain!".
16
A Dirty Carnival
A DIRTY CARNIVAL
Korea does the gangster genre.
See the full review, "YOU Will REAP What You SOW...".
17
Silmido
Slimido
Based on a true story...
See the full review, "Fact Based Story About a True Incident in Korea; Just What Separates Bravery and Cowardice?".
18
Lady Vengeance
Lady Vengeance
Makes KILL BILL appear like Looney Tunes!
See the full review, "Park Chan-Wook's "Vengeance Trilogy" Comes in a Dish Served Cold!!".
19
Green Chair
Green Chair
A love affair between a 32 year old woman and a 19 year old guy. Based on the true incident
See the full review, "3 ½ Stars: A Moving, Endearing Erotic Drama About Forbidden Love".
20
My Sassy Girl
Movie Poster/Dvd Cover
The Best Korean romatic comedy I've seen in years!
See the full review, "4 ½ Stars: An Original, Clever and Unpredictable Romantic Comedy!".
21
April Snow.
APRIL SNOW
The story about love, infidelity and loneliness...
See the full review, "An "ART HOUSE" Korean Romantic Drama Filled With Beautiful Simplicity".
22
Seven Days
Movie Poster
Yoon-Jin Kim...'nuff said!
See the full review, "Thrilling and Fast-Paced! South Korea's Done it Again!".
23
J.S.A. - Joint Security Area
J.S.A. - Joint Security Area
The Film that gave Park Chan Wook the license to make any movie he wants!
See the full review, "Park Chan Wook's Political Thriller Examines a Very REAL and Dire Situation of the Korean People".
24
ARAHAN: Urban Martial Arts Action
poster
Martial arts action, comedy and mysticism!
See the full review, "South Korean Martial Arts Actioner Channels "Kung Fu Hustle" and "Bulletproof Monk"".
25
Fighter in the Wind
Fighter in the Wind
Based on the manga that was inspired by the life of KARATE MASTER Choi Bae-Dul!
See the full review, ""TOUGHEST MAN in the World"...Quoted by the New York Times, 1961".

What did you think of this list?

Helpful
18
Thought-Provoking
15
Fun to Read
18
Well-Organized
15
Post a Comment
June 25, 2011
I've seen a good chunk of this list in the past year. I need to start reviewing every single thing I watch, read, use, play, etc.
 
March 12, 2010
I have seen four of these films and have a couple more already in my queue. Great list (the ones I am familiar with at least).
 
March 11, 2010
I was just about to get ARAHAN when it dropped off NetFlix for some reason. Boy am I pissed!
 
March 11, 2010
I really need to get Netflix or something. Between books and anime and American films and now foreign films...so little time...This is a very helpful list for someone looking to get into this genre. "Secret Sunshine" sounds interesting.
 
March 11, 2010
I've got to watch more of these movies, especially the one that made it to the first place slot. Great list!
 
March 11, 2010
Very nice! I can't believe you have reviews for all of these. That's literally awesome. I realize now how many of your reviews I've yet to read, not to mention how few Korean films I've seen.
March 11, 2010
There was a time when I would buy a lot more Korean movies than any other films from any other country, this list is a mere fraction of the korean movies I've seen but these are the movies that I think most Western viewers would really like.
 
March 11, 2010
I've reviewed every movie...click on the titles.
 
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