Over the past two decades, Korean cinema has risen to global prominence, becoming known for its unique storytelling, complex characters, and stunning visuals. These films often blend multiple genres, from bone-chilling thrillers to deeply emotional dramas, creating stories that stay with viewers long after the credits roll. For those looking to dive into the world of Korean filmmaking, there are certain movies that are considered essential viewing.
This list brings together a collection of acclaimed and popular Korean films that offer a great look into the diverse range of genres and styles the country’s cinema has to offer.
Parasite (2019)
Bong Joon-ho’s masterpiece is a dark comedy and thriller that won the Academy Award for Best Picture, making history as the first non-English language film to do so. The movie follows the unemployed Kim family as they scheme to get jobs working for the wealthy Park family, leading to a series of unexpected and disturbing events. It is a sharp examination of class inequality that is both funny and suspenseful.
Oldboy (2003)
Part of director Park Chan-wook’s famous “Vengeance Trilogy,” Oldboy is a brutal and stylish thriller that put Korean cinema on the map for many international audiences. The film follows a man named Oh Dae-su who is kidnapped and held captive for 15 years in a locked room. When he is suddenly released, he has only five days to find his captor and get his revenge, leading to a shocking conclusion.
Train to Busan (2016)
This zombie action thriller redefined the genre with its fast-paced plot and focus on human drama. The movie is set aboard a high-speed train from Seoul to Busan as a zombie apocalypse breaks out across the country. A group of passengers, including a work-obsessed father and his young daughter, must fight to survive and reach the supposedly safe city of Busan.
The Handmaiden (2016)
Another film from director Park Chan-wook, The Handmaiden is a psychological thriller and erotic romance. Set in 1930s Korea during the Japanese occupation, the movie follows a con artist who becomes the handmaiden to a wealthy heiress as part of a plot to defraud her. The story is told through three different parts, filled with twists and turns.
Memories of Murder (2003)
A classic crime thriller, Memories of Murder is directed by Bong Joon-ho and is based on the real-life Hwaseong serial murders that took place in South Korea between 1986 and 1991. The film follows two detectives trying to solve the case with limited resources and outdated methods. It is a tense and atmospheric film that critiques the social and political climate of the time.
I Saw the Devil (2010)
For those who can handle a very intense revenge story, I Saw the Devil is a masterpiece of the genre. After his fiancée is a victim of a crime, a secret agent goes on a brutal mission to hunt down the serial killer. The movie shows a gruesome cat-and-mouse game between the two men, questioning the line between justice and revenge.
Burning (2018)
Based on a short story by Haruki Murakami, Burning is a slow-burn psychological mystery that keeps viewers guessing. The story is about an aspiring writer, Jong-su, who meets a childhood friend, Hae-mi. Hae-mi introduces him to a mysterious and wealthy man named Ben, creating a strange love triangle that takes a dark turn when Hae-mi disappears.
A Taxi Driver (2017)
Based on a true story, A Taxi Driver is a historical drama that tells the story of a Seoul taxi driver who gets caught up in the Gwangju Uprising of 1980. Unaware of the political turmoil, he agrees to drive a German journalist to Gwangju for a high fee. The film shows the bravery of ordinary citizens and journalists who worked to reveal the truth of the event to the world.
The Wailing (2016)
Director Na Hong-jin’s supernatural horror film is a chilling and complex movie. The story is set in a small rural village where a mysterious plague starts spreading after a stranger arrives. A police officer must investigate the strange events to save his daughter, while facing evil forces and a confusing mix of rumors and superstitions.
Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013)
A true tear-jerker, Miracle in Cell No. 7 is a comedy-drama about a mentally challenged man who is wrongly accused and imprisoned. Inside the prison, his cellmates work together to help him see his young daughter again. The film is known for its strong emotional storytelling and the bond between the characters.
Mother (2009)
Directed by Bong Joon-ho, this crime thriller follows a mother’s journey to prove her mentally disabled son’s innocence after he is accused of a crime. The mother’s dedication takes her down a dark path as she tries to uncover the truth. The film is a mix of a mystery and a powerful look at a mother’s love.
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Credits: Reddit, Wikipedia
