Korean cinema has a massive fan base globally! Thanks to their unique themes, unusual treatment of stories, and the production value, Korean cinema has managed to carve out its space in the space of world cinema. It has a flourishing array of films and does not restrict itself to just one genre.
Parasite winning the academy award was probably the peak and proper recognition of Korean cinema, which has been churning out quality films for almost twenty years. Although it may be hogging the limelight because of star-driven movies, in the recent past, Korean cinema has consciously produced intense movies that are driven by stories and characters, rather than stars. Now, let us look at five Korean films that must be watched and added to your watchlist.
Memories of a murder
Directed by the Oscar award-winning director Bong Joon-Ho, this movie is one of his best works by his fans. Starring Kang Ho-Song, who also collaborated with the director in most of his films, including parasite. The movie traces two detectives from a small town and ends up working on a serial killer case.
A big-city cop assists them, what happens next? Do they solve the case? Watch the movie to know more about why it attained its current cult status and the very intriguing climax, which has left many people perplexed, amazed, and walked out of the cinema hall with a doubt in their minds.
The Admiral: Roaring Currents
If you are a fan of war movies, look no further than this one. Set in the seas of South Korea, where a Korean general outsmarts a massive fleet of Japanese ships, is a treat to watch. This movie offers thrills by the minute and is at par with any Hollywood war movie you have seen, if not better. Watch it for its excellent setpiece action sequences set in the middle of the sea.
This movie also highlighted the relationship between South Korea and Japan in the 14th century. It is also known for showcasing the military acumen of the famous Admiral Yi Sun-Shin, who instilled courage and patriotism in his men as the war was happening and led the army to a resounding victory.
The Gangster, The Cop, and The Devil
This is a movie filled with action, deceit, mystery, and whatnot. A crime boss strikes a partnership with a young detective to catch a serial killer. The crime boss is also one of the serial killer’s victim, but he escapes alive.
What happens when the gangster and the cop come together? Do they catch the devil? Watch the movie for its racy screenplay, the occasional tongue-in-cheek humor, and for the thrills. Due to its universal theme and characters, it can be remade globally. Incidentally, Sylvester Stallone had bought the remake rights of this movie to be remade in Hollywood.
Psychokinesis
Psychokinesis is a movie that has been directed by Yeon Sang-Ho. Yes, it is the same director who made the iconic zombie thriller movie Train to Busan. Psychokinesis treats the idea of a superhero in a very different way. What happens when a father gets superpowers and uses it to save his daughter before she loses everything.
This movie has redefined the superhero genre, particularly in the sequences where the father discovers his superpowers. This movie touches upon the superhero genre and throws light on the relationship between father and daughter.
The Handmaiden
The Handmaiden was a movie that hit the screens in 2016. It received critical worldwide acclaim. This movie first hit the screens in Russia before releasing it globally. The story revolves around a con-man who takes the help of an orphaned pickpocket. They devise an elaborate plan to bilk a Japanese woman and plan to steal her inheritance. This movie also touches upon the relationship between South Korean and the Japanese people.
These are some of the movies that have garnered critical and commercial acclaim throughout the world. Some of these movies have gained a cult following in many parts of the world. They have been screened in many film festivals and included as a case study in various film schools. Korean films have so much to offer in terms of themes, treatment, and stories. We only hope they continue to pay the same amount of respect to their craft and continue to enrich us with their movies.