Must Watch Korean Movies: Exploring the Best of Korean Cinema

Introduction

Korean cinema has become increasingly popular over the past few years, and for good reason. South Korean films are filled with captivating stories, memorable characters, and stunning visuals. But what is Korean cinema? And why should we watch Korean movies?

What is Korean Cinema?

Korean cinema is a term used to refer to films produced in South Korea. South Korean films have been gaining international recognition since the early 2000s, and they have since become some of the most critically acclaimed films in the world. South Korean films often focus on social issues, such as gender inequality, class struggle, and the effects of war, and they often contain elements of fantasy, horror, and romance.

Why Should We Watch Korean Movies?

There are many reasons why people should watch Korean films. For one, they can provide an interesting perspective on life in South Korea. South Korean films often feature stories that explore different aspects of life in the country, from its culture and customs to its politics and history. Additionally, South Korean films often feature amazing cinematography and special effects, making them a visual treat for movie lovers. Finally, South Korean films often contain powerful messages about life, love, and humanity, which can be inspiring and thought-provoking.

Top 6 Must-See Korean Movies for Every Movie Lover

If you’re a movie lover looking to explore the best of Korean cinema, here are six must-see films:

The Host

The Host is a 2006 South Korean monster film directed by Bong Joon-ho. The film follows a family living in Seoul who must come together to save their daughter from a monstrous creature that is terrorizing the city. The Host is widely considered to be one of the best South Korean films of all time, and it won numerous awards, including the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.

Oldboy

Oldboy is a 2003 South Korean neo-noir action thriller directed by Park Chan-wook. The film tells the story of a man who is inexplicably imprisoned for 15 years and then released, only to find himself on a quest for revenge. Oldboy received critical acclaim and won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. It is widely considered to be one of the best South Korean films of all time.

Parasite

Parasite is a 2019 South Korean dark comedy directed by Bong Joon-ho. The film tells the story of a poor family who infiltrate the lives of a wealthy family in order to gain financial stability. Parasite was a massive success, becoming the first South Korean film to win the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and becoming the highest-grossing South Korean film of all time.

Snowpiercer

Snowpiercer is a 2013 South Korean science fiction action film directed by Bong Joon-ho. The film follows a group of survivors on a massive train that circles the globe after a post-apocalyptic ice age. Snowpiercer was a commercial and critical success, and it was praised for its unique visuals and thrilling action sequences.

The Wailing

The Wailing is a 2016 South Korean mystery horror film directed by Na Hong-jin. The film follows a police officer who investigates a mysterious disease that is causing people to go mad and die. The Wailing received critical acclaim and was praised for its intense atmosphere and unpredictable plot.

Train to Busan

Train to Busan is a 2016 South Korean zombie horror film directed by Yeon Sang-ho. The film follows a group of passengers on a train from Seoul to Busan who must fight for their lives against hordes of zombies. Train to Busan was a huge success and became one of the highest-grossing South Korean films of all time.

Exploring the Best of Korean Cinema: A Guide to Must-Watch Films

Korean cinema offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of drama, horror, or comedy, there’s sure to be a Korean film that appeals to your taste. Here’s a guide to the best of Korean cinema.

Genres

Korean films span a wide range of genres. From horror films like “The Wailing” to romantic comedies like “My Sassy Girl,” there’s something for every type of movie lover. Additionally, South Korean films often blend several genres together, creating unique and interesting stories.

Storylines

South Korean films often feature complex and compelling storylines. From the thrilling adventure of “Snowpiercer” to the heart-wrenching drama of “Mother,” South Korean films offer stories that will keep you enthralled from start to finish.

Directors

Korean films are often directed by award-winning filmmakers. Directors like Bong Joon-ho (“Parasite”), Park Chan-wook (“Oldboy”), and Kim Ji-woon (“The Good, the Bad, the Weird”) have created some of the most iconic films in Korean cinema.

Introducing the Best of Korean Cinema: 6 Must-Watch Movies

For movie lovers looking to explore the best of Korean cinema, here are six must-watch films:

My Sassy Girl

My Sassy Girl is a 2001 South Korean romantic comedy directed by Kwak Jae-yong. The film follows a young man who falls in love with an eccentric woman. My Sassy Girl was a massive hit and is widely considered to be one of the best South Korean films of all time.

The Handmaiden

The Handmaiden is a 2016 South Korean period thriller directed by Park Chan-wook. The film tells the story of a con man and his female accomplice who attempt to steal a wealthy heiress’ fortune. The Handmaiden was a critical and commercial success, and it won numerous awards, including the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.

Mother

Mother is a 2009 South Korean psychological drama directed by Bong Joon-ho. The film follows a widow who goes to great lengths to protect her son from being wrongfully accused of murder. Mother was a critical success, and it won numerous awards, including the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

Poetry

Poetry is a 2010 South Korean drama directed by Lee Chang-dong. The film follows an elderly woman who discovers her passion for writing poetry while caring for her grandson. Poetry was a critical success, and it won numerous awards, including the Best Screenplay Award at the Cannes Film Festival.

The Man From Nowhere

The Man From Nowhere is a 2010 South Korean action thriller directed by Lee Jeong-beom. The film follows a former special agent who must protect a young girl from a dangerous criminal organization. The Man From Nowhere was a massive hit and became one of the highest-grossing South Korean films of all time.

Thirst

Thirst is a 2009 South Korean vampire horror film directed by Park Chan-wook. The film follows a priest who becomes a vampire after undergoing an experimental medical procedure. Thirst was a critical and commercial success, and it won numerous awards, including the Prix du Jury at the Cannes Film Festival.

5 Korean Films You Shouldn’t Miss Out On

Here are five more must-watch Korean films:

The King and the Clown

The King and the Clown is a 2005 South Korean historical drama directed by Lee Joon-ik. The film follows two clowns who perform satirical skits about the king and end up getting into serious trouble. The King and the Clown was a massive success and became one of the highest-grossing South Korean films of all time.

Secret Sunshine

Secret Sunshine is a 2007 South Korean drama directed by Lee Chang-dong. The film follows a woman who moves to a new town with her son and struggles to cope with her grief. Secret Sunshine was a critical success and won numerous awards, including the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival.

War of the Arrows

War of the Arrows is a 2011 South Korean historical action film directed by Kim Han-min. The film follows a young archer who must protect his sister from a group of invading soldiers. War of the Arrows was a critical and commercial success, and it won numerous awards, including the Grand Prize at the Fantasia International Film Festival.

A Tale of Two Sisters

A Tale of Two Sisters is a 2003 South Korean psychological horror film directed by Kim Jee-woon. The film follows two sisters who return to their family home and discover dark secrets hidden within. A Tale of Two Sisters received critical acclaim and was praised for its unique visuals and eerie atmosphere.

I Saw the Devil

I Saw the Devil is a 2010 South Korean action thriller directed by Kim Jee-woon. The film follows a secret agent who goes on a mission to take down a serial killer. I Saw the Devil was a critical and commercial success, and it won numerous awards, including the Grand Prize at the Sitges Film Festival.

10 Must Watch Korean Movies That Will Make You Feel Good

Sometimes we just need a feel-good movie to lift our spirits. Here are 10 must-watch Korean films that will make you feel good:

My Little Bride

My Little Bride is a 2004 South Korean romantic comedy directed by Kim Ho-jun. The film follows a high school student who is forced to marry his teacher’s daughter. My Little Bride was a massive hit and became one of the highest-grossing South Korean films of all time.

Sunny

Sunny is a 2011 South Korean drama directed by Kang Hyeong-cheol. The film follows a group of friends who reunite after many years apart. Sunny was a critical and commercial success, and it won numerous awards, including the Grand Prize at the Shanghai International Film Festival.

Miracle in Cell No. 7

Miracle in Cell No. 7 is a 2013 South Korean comedy-drama directed by Lee Hwan-kyung. The film follows a mentally challenged man who is wrongly convicted of murder and sent to prison. Miracle in Cell No. 7 was a huge success and became one of the highest-grossing South Korean films of all time.

Architecture 101

Architecture 101 is a 2012 South Korean romantic drama directed by Lee Yong-ju. The film follows a man who reminisces about his first love and the architecture class they took together. Architecture 101 was a critical and commercial success, and it won numerous awards, including the Grand Prize at the Busan International Film Festival.

A Werewolf Boy

A Werewolf Boy is a 2012 South Korean fantasy romance film directed by Jo Sung-hee. The film follows a teenage girl who befriends a feral boy who turns out to be a werewolf. A Werewolf Boy was a critical and commercial success, and it won numerous awards, including the Grand Prize at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival.

Masquerade

Masquerade is a 2012 South Korean historical drama directed by Choo Chang-min. The film follows a king who disguises himself as a commoner in order to find out the truth about his kingdom. Masquerade was a critical and commercial success, and it won numerous awards, including the Grand Prize at the PaekSang Arts Awards.

The Attorney

The Attorney is a 2013 South Korean courtroom drama directed by Yang Woo-suk. The film follows a struggling lawyer who takes on a case involving a group of students arrested for protesting. The Attorney was a critical and commercial success, and it won numerous awards, including the Grand Prize at the Blue Dragon Film Awards.

The Thieves

The Thieves is a 2012 South Korean heist film directed by Choi Dong-hoon. The film follows a team of thieves who plan to steal a diamond from a casino. The Thieves was a critical and commercial success, and it became one of the highest-grossing South Korean films of all time.

The Admiral: Roaring Currents

The Admiral: Roaring Currents is a 2014 South Korean historical action film directed by Kim Han-min. The film follows a naval commander who must lead a small fleet against a much larger Japanese navy. The Admiral: Roaring Currents was a massive success and became one of the highest-grossing South Korean films of all time.

Gangnam Blues

Gangnam Blues is a 2015 South Korean crime drama directed by Yoo Ha. The film follows a young man who gets caught up in a power struggle between rival gangs in Seoul. Gangnam Blues was a critical and commercial success, and it won numerous awards, including the Grand Prize at the Seoul International Film Festival.

Discovering the Best of Korean Cinema: 6 Must See Movies

Whether you’re a fan of drama, horror, or comedy, there’s sure to be a Korean film that appeals to your taste. Here are six must-see Korean films:

The Berlin File

The Berlin File is a 2013 South Korean action thriller directed by Ryoo Seung-wan. The film follows a North Korean spy who must uncover the truth behind a mysterious assassination plot. The Berlin File was a critical and commercial success, and it won numerous awards, including the Best Action Film Award at the Asian Film Awards.

The Face Reader

The Face Reader is a 2013 South Korean historical drama directed by Han Jae-rim. The film follows a face reader who is hired to read the faces of members of the royal court. The Face Reader was a critical and commercial success, and it won numerous awards, including the Grand Prize at the Baeksang Arts Awards.