Korean movies, with their rich history and variety of genres, have gained global audiences in recent years. Unmissable films like “Parasite”, “Oldboy” and “Burning” have turned the spotlight on this unique cinematography, capable of combining compelling stories with masterful direction and deep attention to detail. But what is the history of Korean cinema? How has it evolved over time? And what are the Korean directors and the films that contributed to its success?
The origins of Korean cinema
The first film screenings in Korea date back to 1897, with the arrival of an American missionary who brought a projector with him. Korean movie production only began in 1908, with the making of documentary and propaganda shorts. The first Korean fictional film, “Arirang”, was made in 1926 and marked the beginning of a new era for Korean cinema.
The Golden Era of Korean Cinema (1930-1945)
The 1930s and 1940s were a time of great excitement for Korean cinema. During this period, known as the Golden Age, numerous films were made that explored several genres, including melodrama, comedy, and historical film. Directors such as Na Un-gyu and Ahn Jong-hwa laid the foundation for the development of Korean cinema and created works that are still considered classics.
The post-war period (1945-1990)
After World War II and the Korean War, Korean cinema faced a period of difficulty. Government censorship and a lack of resources limited the creativity of filmmakers and the production of films. However, some directors managed to create innovative and valuable works, such as Kim Ki-young and Shin Sang-ok.
The New Korean Cinema (1990-present)
From the 1990s onwards, Korean cinema experienced a renaissance, known as New Korean Cinema. Directors such as Park Chan-wook (“Oldboy”), Kim Ki-duk (“Iron 3”) and Bong Joon-ho (“Parasite”) have brought Korean cinema to international attention, winning prestigious awards at festivals around the world. New Korean Cinema is characterized by its variety of genres, its attention to social issues and its ability to combine traditional elements with Western influences.
The Future of Korean Cinema
Korean cinema continues to grow and evolve. New generations of directors are emerging on the international scene, with films that explore new themes and experiment with innovative languages. The future of Korean cinema appears bright, with the certainty that it will continue to give audiences around the world exciting stories and works of great artistic value.
Best Korean Directors
Kim Ki-young
Kim Ki-young was a renowned South Korean director who made significant contributions to the country’s film industry. Born in 1919, Kim began his career in the late 1940s and directed numerous films that are now considered classics.
Shin Sang-ok
Shin Sang-ok was a South Korean movie director and producer, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the Korean movie industry. Born in 1926, he began his career in the 1950s and quickly gained recognition for his talent and innovative approach to cinema.
Park Chan-wook
Park Chan-wook is an acclaimed South Korean director known for his bold and visually striking films. With a unique narrative style, he has managed to conquer audiences all over the world. His works often explore themes of revenge, morality and the human psyche, pushing the boundaries of conventional cinema.
Kim Ki-duk
Kim Ki-duk is a famous South Korean director known for his distinct and controversial style. Born on December 20, 1960 in Bonghwa, South Korea, Kim Ki-duk began his career as a screenwriter before moving into directing in the mid-1990s.
Bong Joon-ho
Bong Joon-ho is an acclaimed South Korean director known for his unique storytelling and creative vision. Born on September 14, 1969, in Daegu, South Korea, Bong has made a significant impact on the international film industry with his thought-provoking, genre-bending films.
Lee Chang-dong
Lee Chang-dong is a renowned South Korean director known for his thoughtful and emotional works. With a literary background, Lee Chang-dong brings a unique perspective to his films, often exploring complex themes such as class division, political corruption and human nature.
Kim Jee-woon
Kim Jee-woon is a renowned South Korean director known for his versatility and his ability to move seamlessly between different genres. With a career spanning over two decades, Kim has left an indelible mark on the Korean movie industry.
The Korean movies you absolutely must watch
Here is a detailed overview of some notable Korean movies, with information on genre, director, main actors, plot, audience reception and critics:
Arirang (1926)
Genre: Drama, Silent
Director: Na Un-gyu
Main actors: Na Un-gyu. Choe Yang-ja
Plot: The film tells the story of a young man who returns to his hometown after studying abroad. He finds his village in a state of poverty and despair, under the harsh rule of the Japanese. The young man falls in love with a local woman, but their happiness is threatened by the oppressive Japanese regime.
Reception: Arirang was a huge success upon its release, attracting large and emotional audiences. The film helped strengthen Korea’s sense of national identity during a time of foreign oppression.
In Search of Love (1929)
Genre: Silent film, Drama
Director: To Woon-gyu
Plot: Salangeul chajaseo tells the story of three individuals who have lost hope in their lives in Korea under Japanese occupation. These three characters meet and embark on a journey to find love and meaning in a difficult time. The film explores themes of loss, hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Reception: Upon its release in 1929, the film received positive reception from audiences and critics.
The Housemaid (1960):
Genre: Drama, thriller
Director: Kim Ki-young
Main actors: Kim Jin-kyu, Lee Eun-kyung, Em Yeong-shin
Plot: A wealthy businessman hires a young woman as a maid for his family. Soon, the woman begins to seduce the owner of the house, unleashing a series of tragic and violent events involving jealousy, obsessions and social tensions.
Reception: Considered a masterpiece of Korean cinema, the film was praised for its suspense, social commentary, and the actors’ intense performances.
Aimless Bullet (1960):
Genre: Dramatic
Director: Yu Hyun-mok
Main actors: Kim Jin-kyu, Lee Eun-kyung, Kim Young-ok
Plot: The film portrays the struggles of a public accountant, Cheol-ho, who desperately tries to support his family amidst the harsh realities of post-Korean War South Korea. He faces immense financial strain while caring for his senile mother, disabled brother, prostitute sister, and two children. Hopelessness and unemployment pervade the society, leading Cheol-ho and others to make desperate choices with tragic consequences.
Reception: Though critically acclaimed and considered a groundbreaking film for its realistic depiction of the social and economic aftermath of war, “Aimless Bullet” was banned in 1961 due to its portrayal of the country’s societal issues and criticism of the government’s handling of the situation. It wasn’t until 1998 that the film was finally released in South Korea.
Io Island (1977):
Genre: Dramatic
Director: Kim Ki-young
Main actors: Yun So-young, Kim Ki-young
Plot: A businessman travels to an island to uncover the mystery behind a man’s disappearance. The island is ruled by women and hides secrets that will challenge his worldview. The film explores feminist themes and the destructive impact of human greed on the environment and human relationships.
Reception: “Io Island” received mixed reviews upon its release. The film is known for its graphic and disturbing scenes, which were cut from the theatrical version at the time. Despite its strong content, the film is praised for its unique narrative and director Kim Ki-young’s artistic approach. Some critics consider it a feminist film that critiques capitalism and its negative impact on society.
Bad Movie (1997):
Genre: Docudrama
Director: Jang Sun-woo
main: Hang Seul-ki, Park Kyeong-won, Lee Jae-kyeong
Plot:
Bad Movie is a semi-documentary film that offers a raw and realistic look at the lives of some marginalized and homeless teenagers in Seoul. Through a series of interconnected episodes, the film explores their experiences of violence, poverty, drug abuse and prostitution.
Reception:
Upon its release, Bad Movie generated heated debate. Its frank and often disturbing depiction of the lives of the marginalized drew criticism from some sectors of Korean society, who considered it immoral and outrageous.
Whispering Corridors (1998):
Genre: Horror, thriller
Director: Park Ki-Hyung
Main actors: Kim Min-hee, Lee Mi-yeon, Park Ye-jin
Plot: In a girls’ high school, a series of mysterious student suicides leads to suspicions of the presence of a ghost or a curse.
Reception: The film is considered a classic of Korean horror cinema due to its atmosphere.
Shiri (1999):
Genre: Action, thriller, espionage
Director: Kang Je-gyu
Main actors: Choi Min-sik, Song Kang-ho, Han Suk-kyu
Plot: South Korea is on high alert after a series of terrorist attacks by a mysterious North Korean agent known only as “Shiri.” A South Korean intelligence agent, Yu-jin, is tasked with going undercover to infiltrate a group of arms dealers suspected of having ties to the North. Meanwhile, an army officer named Tae-suk accidentally encounters a young North Korean woman, who is on the run from the organization she used to work for. Their lives become intertwined in a dangerous game of deception and tension as they try to uncover Shiri’s identity and prevent a potential mass attack.
Reception: Shiri was a massive success both in South Korea and internationally. It grossed over $51 million at the box office and became the highest-grossing film in Korean cinema history at that time. It was praised by critics for its adrenaline-pumping action, suspense, performances, and its ability to explore the complexities of relations. However, it was also criticized by some for its portrayal of North Koreans, which was seen as stereotypical.
Peppermint Candy (2000):
Genre: Dramatic
Director: Lee Chang-dong
Main actors: Sol Kyung-gu, Moon So-ri
Plot: The film unfolds in reverse chronological order. It opens with the apparent suicide of Kim Yong-ho, a middle-aged man, and then traverses back through seven significant episodes from his life, spanning over 20 years. Each episode sheds light on the personal and societal factors that contribute to his eventual despair. We see him navigate love, loss, political turmoil, and economic hardship in a rapidly changing South Korea.
Reception: “Peppermint Candy” was critically acclaimed, winning numerous awards including the Grand Bell Award for Best Film in 2000. It is praised for its innovative storytelling technique, nuanced character study, and poignant exploration of historical and social issues in Korea. The film is considered a major work by director Lee Chang-dong and has been lauded for its ability to evoke empathy and spark thought-provoking conversations.
Joint Security Area (2000):
Genre: Drama, thriller
Director: Park Chan-wook
Main actors: Lee Byung-hun, Song Kang-ho, Shin Ha-kyun
Plot: A shooting incident erupts in the tense Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea, leaving two North Korean soldiers dead and a wounded South Korean soldier fleeing the scene. To maintain the fragile peace, a neutral team of investigators led by a Swiss Major, Sophie Jean, arrives to uncover the truth behind the incident. As they interview both sides, conflicting narratives and hidden agendas emerge, forcing them to question everything they thought they knew.
Reception: “Joint Security Area” was a critical and commercial success. It became the highest-grossing film in Korean film history at the time and garnered numerous awards, including Best Film at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and Grand Bell Awards. The film is praised for its suspenseful storytelling, layered characters, and exploration of the complexities surrounding inter-Korean relations. It is considered a pivotal work in the filmography of director Park Chan-wook, showcasing his signature style and establishing him as a major figure in Korean cinema.
The Isle (2000):
The Isle (2000)
Genre: Psychological thriller, Drama
Director: Kim Ki-duk
Cast: Kim Seung-woo, Seo Woo
Plot: Park, a wealthy businessman, kidnaps a young schoolgirl, Hyun-soo, and imprisons her on a deserted island. He attempts to control and manipulate her, subjecting her to physical and emotional abuse. As time passes, a complex and disturbing relationship develops between them, blurring the lines between victim and captor.
Reception: “The Isle” received mixed to positive reviews. Critics praised the film’s visual beauty, its exploration of complex themes of power and violence, and the strong performances of the lead actors. However, some criticized the film’s pacing and found its graphic content to be excessive. The film has gained a cult following over the years and is considered a significant work of Korean New Wave cinema.
A Tale of Two Sisters (2003):
Genre: Horror, psicologico, thriller
Director: Kim Jee-woon
Main actors: Im Soo-jung, Moon Geun-young, Kim Kap-soo
Plot: Two sisters return home after a period of hospitalization in a psychiatric hospital. Finding themselves living with their strict stepmother and an oppressive atmosphere, the girls begin to suspect that there is something dark and dangerous behind the home.
Reception: The film was praised for its haunting atmosphere, evocative images and intense performances by the protagonists.
Memories of Murder (2003):
Genre: Thriller, detective, crime
Director: Bong Joon-ho
Main actors: Song Kang-ho, Kim Sang-kyung, Roe Seung-wan
Plot: Based on true events, the film tells the story of two detectives who try to solve a series of brutal murders of young women in a provincial town. Frustration and a lack of clues lead to tensions between the detectives and a reflection on the nature of evil.
Reception: Considered a masterpiece of Korean cinema, the film has been praised for its constant tension, realistic portrayal of detective investigations, and implicit social criticism.
Save The Green Planet (2003):
Genre: Black comedy, science fiction
Director: Jang Joon-hwan
Main actors: Shin Ha-kyun, Baek Sung-hyun, Hwang Jung-min
Plot: Byeong-gu, a down-on-his-luck blue-collar worker, becomes increasingly obsessed with the idea that aliens from the Andromeda galaxy are planning to destroy Earth. He believes that Kang Man-shik, the head of a chemical production company, is the leader of these aliens disguised as a human. Driven by this delusion, Byeong-gu kidnaps Kang and attempts to torture a confession out of him, hoping to save the green planet. As the film progresses, the lines between reality and delusion blur, forcing the viewer to question Byeong-gu’s sanity and the true nature of the events unfolding.
Reception: “Save the Green Planet!” received a mixed response from critics. Some praised its unique blend of dark humor and suspense, while others found it overly violent and disturbing. However, the film gained a cult following over time and is now considered a significant entry in Korean New Wave cinema. It is known for its bold visual style, unconventional narrative, and powerful performances by the lead actors, particularly Shin Ha-kyun as Byeong-gu.
Oldboy (2003):
Genre: Thriller, action, mystery
Director: Park Chan-wook
Main actors: Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jung
Plot: Oh Dae-su, a businessman, is kidnapped for no apparent reason and imprisoned in a hotel room for fifteen years. With no explanation and no contact with the outside world, Dae-su can only do but train and try to figure out who did this to him and why. One day, he is suddenly released, still unaware of the reasons for his abduction and imprisonment. With a newfound goal of revenge, Dae-su immerses himself in an obsessive quest to find out who wronged him and get even. However, the truth he discovers is shocking and twisted, calling into question everything he thought he knew.
Reception: “Oldboy” was a huge success both in Korea and internationally. It won numerous awards, including the Grand Prix Speciale of the Jury at the Cannes Film Festival, and was praised by critics for its suspenseful plot, dynamic directing, intense action scenes, and powerful performances by the actors, particularly Choi Min-sik as Oh Dae-su. However, the film was also criticized for its graphic violence and controversial content. Despite this, “Oldboy” is considered a classic of Korean cinema and one of the most influential films of the 21st century.
The President’s Last Bang (2005):
Genre: Drama, historical, comedy
Director: Im Sang-soo
Main actors: Choi Min-sik, Lee Sung-jae, Jeon Do-yeon
Plot: This controversial film delves into the events surrounding the 1979 assassination of Park Chung-hee, the then-president of South Korea. It portrays Park’s life of excess and leisure, marked by lavish surroundings, heavy drinking, and womanizing. The film focuses heavily on Kim Jae-kyu, the disillusioned head of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA). Motivated by personal grievances, a terminal illness, and concerns for the country’s direction, Kim ultimately assassinates President Park.
Reception:
“The President’s Last Bang” drew both criticism and praise. It was a box office hit in South Korea, sparking fierce debate. Critics argued it was disrespectful towards the historical figure and potentially incendiary due to the still-sensitive topic of Park Chung-hee’s assassination. Its portrayal of high-ranking Korean officials drinking and carousing caused additional backlash amongst some. Im Sang-soo claimed a desire to challenge common perceptions and expose the hidden side of that period in Korean history.
The Chaser (2008):
Genre: Thriller, detective story
Director: Na Hong-jin
Main actors: Kim Yun-seok, Seo Young-ju, Ha Jung-woo
Plot: The Chaser is a gritty and suspenseful film that follows the story of Eom Joong-ho, a disgraced ex-policeman who now runs a small prostitution ring in Seoul. When several of his women go missing, he fears they have been kidnapped by a serial killer. Desperate to find them and collect the money they owe him, Joong-ho embarks on a relentless pursuit of the killer, venturing into the city’s dark underbelly and crossing paths with violent criminals and corrupt authorities. He is joined by Park Young-min, a tenacious young detective who is also determined to catch the murderer. Despite their different motives, they are forced to work together in a tense and uneasy alliance.
Reception: The Chaser was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its gripping story, intense action sequences, gritty realism, and stellar performances by the lead actors, particularly Kim Yoon-seok as Eom Joong-ho. The film sparked a wave of interest in Korean thrillers and is considered a modern classic of the genre. It also established Na Hong-jin as a promising director and paved the way for his successful films like “The Yellow Sea” and “The Wailing.”
A Bittersweet Life (2005):
Genre: Action, noir, thriller
Director: Kim Jee-woon
Main actors: Lee Byung-hun, Shin Min-a, Jeon Ji-hyun
Plot: Sun-woo is a high-ranking enforcer for Kang, a ruthless gangster boss. He is efficient, decisive, and loyal, willing to do whatever it takes to complete his assignments. However, his life takes a drastic turn when he disobeys Kang’s orders by refusing to kill the boss’s cheating mistress. This act of defiance sets off a chain of events that puts Sun-woo in the crosshairs of both his former allies and enemies. As he becomes increasingly isolated and hunted, Sun-woo must fight for his survival while navigating the complexities of loyalty, betrayal, and the search for meaning in a violent and unforgiving world.
Reception: “A Bittersweet Life” was a critical and commercial success. The film won several awards, including Best Director at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and Best Film at the Stockholm International Film Festival. It was praised for its stylish visuals, thrilling action sequences, and compelling performances, particularly Lee Byung-hun’s portrayal of the conflicted Sun-woo. The film is considered a landmark example of the Korean neo-noir genre and a cult classic among action movie enthusiasts.
Mother (2009):
Genre: Drama, thriller
Director: Bong Joon-ho
Main actors: Kim Hye-ja, Won Bin, Jin Goo
Plot: An elderly woman with a mentally disabled son finds her life turned upside down when he is accused of a brutal murder. Convinced of his innocence, the desperate mother embarks on her own investigation, determined to find the real killer and prove her son’s innocence.
Reception: “Mother” was a critical and commercial success, earning international recognition for South Korean cinema. It garnered numerous awards, including the Alfred Bauer Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival and Best Actress for Kim Hye-ja at the Blue Dragon Film Awards. The film was praised for its captivating story, suspenseful atmosphere, and powerful performances, particularly Kim Hye-ja’s portrayal of the tenacious and fiercely protective mother. Additionally, the film’s exploration of themes like social injustice, maternal devotion, and the lengths a mother will go to for her child resonated with audiences worldwide.
I Saw the Devil (2010):
Genre: Thriller, psychological, revenge movie
Director: Kim Jee-woon
Main actors: Lee Byung-hun, Choi Min-sik, Kim Yeong-cheol
Plot: The film follows Kim Soo-hyun, a skilled secret agent, who is devastated by the brutal murder of his pregnant fiancée by a sadistic serial killer, Jang Kyung-chul. Driven by vengeance, Soo-hyun embarks on a relentless pursuit of the killer, vowing to make him suffer for his crimes. However, Soo-hyun’s methods are far from conventional. He captures Kyung-chul, releases him, and then tracks him down again, repeating the cycle of torture and release. As the lines between hunter and hunted blur, both men are forced to confront the depths of their own darkness.
Reception: “I Saw the Devil” received mixed reviews. While praised for its performances, particularly Choi Min-sik’s portrayal of the chilling villain, and its bold exploration of themes like revenge and morality, the film was also criticized for its graphic violence and bleak tone. Despite the controversy, it has gained a cult following and is considered a significant work in Korean cinema, showcasing the complexities of human nature and the psychological cost of vengeance.
Silenced (2011):
Genre: Dramatic, historical
Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Main actors: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Kim Tae-hoon
Plot: Based on a true story, “Silenced” tells the harrowing tale of students at a school for the hearing impaired who are repeatedly sexually assaulted by the faculty members. The film follows two teachers, Kang In-ho and Seo Yoo-jin, who become aware of the abuse and fight to expose it to the world.
Reception: “Silenced” was both a critical and commercial success. It sparked national outrage in South Korea, leading to the reopening of the case and an apology from the government. The film garnered numerous awards, including Best Film at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and Best Actress for Jung Yu-mi. It is praised for its powerful storytelling, unflinching portrayal of a sensitive topic, and outstanding performances by the cast, particularly Gong Yoo and Jung Yu-mi. Additionally, the film is commended for raising awareness about child abuse and the importance of speaking out against injustice.
New World (2013):
Genre: Thriller, detective, crime
Director: Park Hoon-jung
Main actors: Lee Jung-jae, Choi Min-sik, Hwang Jung-min
Plot: “New World” tells the story of undercover police officer Ja-sung, who has been deeply embedded within Goldmoon International, South Korea’s largest crime syndicate, for eight long years. Living a double life, he navigates the treacherous world of organized crime while desperately trying to maintain his true identity. As tensions rise and power struggles erupt within the syndicate, Ja-sung finds himself caught in a web of deceit and betrayal, forced to choose between loyalty to his superiors and the criminal organization he has called home for so long.
Reception: “New World” was a critical and commercial success, garnering praise for its intricate plot, suspenseful pacing, and stellar performances by the lead actors, particularly Lee Jung-jae and Choi Min-sik. The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of human nature within the context of a thrilling crime saga.
Right Now, Wrong Then (2013):
Genre: Drama, comedy
Director: Hong Sang-soo
Main actors: Jung Jae-young, Kim Min-hee
Plot: The film tells the story of Ham Chun-su, a well-known director who arrives in a small town for a screening of his film and a meeting with the audience. There, he meets a young painter named Yoon Hee-jung. They spend a day together, eating, drinking, and conversing.
Reception: “Right Now, Wrong Then” was highly acclaimed by critics, winning the Golden Leopard at the Locarno Film Festival and numerous other awards. It is widely considered one of Hong Sang-soo’s best films. Critics praised its exploration of subtle interpersonal dynamics, its repetitive narrative, and the subtle nuances of meaning that emerge from the seemingly imperceptible changes.
The Wailing (2016):
Genre: Horror, thriller, mistero
Director: Na Hong-jin
Main actors: Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min, Chun Woo-hee
Plot: In a remote Korean village, a mysterious illness begins to spread rapidly, causing strange and violent behavior in the residents. A policeman, Jong-goo, whose daughter becomes infected, is drawn into a desperate search for the cause of the outbreak. As he investigates, he encounters a series of suspicious characters, including a strange shaman and a suspected outsider who may hold the key to the village’s misfortune. The film explores themes of fear, superstition, and the desperate lengths people will go to in the face of the unknown.
Reception:
“The Wailing” was a critical and commercial success, receiving praise for its suspenseful atmosphere, its complex characters, and its blend of horror and mystery genres. It garnered awards at several film festivals, including Best Director at the Sitges Film Festival and Best Actor for Kwak Do-won at the Blue Dragon Film Awards.
The Handmaiden (2016):
Genre: Thriller, erotic, historical
Director: Park Chan-wook
Main actors: Kim Min-hee, Kim Tae-ri, Ha Jung-woo
Plot: Set in colonial Korea under Japanese rule during the 1930s, “The Handmaiden” tells the story of a complex web of deceit and manipulation. A wealthy Japanese man, Count Fujiwara, hires a Korean woman, Sook-hee, to be a handmaiden for his young and reclusive wife, Hideko. However, Sook-hee is secretly an accomplice to a con artist, Kim Tae-hoon, who plans to steal Hideko’s fortune. As Sook-hee develops a close bond with Hideko, she finds herself caught in a web of conflicting loyalties and desires. The film explores themes of class, power dynamics, female identity, and the blurred lines between love and betrayal.
Reception: “The Handmaiden” received critical acclaim, praising its stylish visuals, suspenseful plot twists, and captivating performances. It earned numerous awards, including the BAFTA Award for Best Costume Design and nominations for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Train to Busan (2016):
Genre: Action, horror, thriller
Director: Yeon Sang-ho
Main actors: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok
Plot: Seok-woo, a workaholic fund manager, takes his daughter Su-an on a train to Busan to visit her mother. During the journey, a mysterious virus spreads rapidly onboard, transforming the passengers into aggressive, flesh-eating creatures. Trapped on the speeding bullet train barreling towards an unknown fate, Seok-woo and the other survivors must fight for their lives and find a way to reach Busan, the only city rumored to be safe from the infection.
Reception: “Train to Busan” was a massive critical and commercial success worldwide. It was praised for its relentless tension, adrenaline-pumping action sequences, convincing special effects, and emotional performances, particularly Gong Yoo’s portrayal of the protective father. The film received numerous awards and became a cult classic among fans of the genre.
Burning (2018):
Genre: Psychological thriller, mystery
Director: Lee Chang-dong
Main actors: Yoo Ah-in, Steven Yeun, Jeon Jong-seo
Plot: “Burning” follows the story of Jong-su, a struggling aspiring writer, who encounters Hae-mi, a former classmate, at a convenience store. They reconnect and spend time together, venturing on walks and sharing stories. Soon after, Hae-mi asks Jong-su to look after her cat while she travels to Africa. Upon her return, she introduces Jong-su to Ben, a wealthy enigmatic man with a peculiar habit of burning greenhouses. As their encounters with Ben become increasingly strange and unsettling, Jong-su becomes suspicious of Ben’s motives and begins to suspect him of foul play. The film explores themes of alienation, loneliness, desire, and the complexities of human nature, leaving the audience to grapple with ambiguity and unanswered questions.
Reception: “Burning” received critical acclaim, winning awards at several film festivals, including the FIPRESCI Prize at the Venice Film Festival. Praised for its atmospheric visuals, masterful storytelling, and captivating performances, the film garnered recognition for its unique exploration of mystery and its ability to provoke thought and discussion beyond the final scene.
Parasite (2019):
Genre: Thriller, black comedy, drama
Director: Bong Joon-ho
Main actors: Song Kang-ho, Chang-hwan Kim, Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam
Plot: “Parasite” follows the story of a poor family living in a cramped semi-basement apartment. Through a series of deceptions and coincidences, the family members manage to secure employment with a wealthy family, infiltrating their lives as domestic workers. However, their new lives of luxury hide a dark secret and simmering tensions, threatening to topple the precarious house of cards they have built.
Reception: “Parasite” received widespread critical and commercial acclaim. It was praised for its original and suspenseful plot, brilliant social satire, exceptional performances by the cast, and Bong Joon-ho’s masterful direction. The film won numerous awards, including the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film.
The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil (2019):
Genre: Action, thriller, detective
Director: Kim Sung-soo
Main actors: Ma Dong-seok, Kim Sang-joong, Yoon Je-moon
Plot: The film tells the story of Jang Dong-soo, a notorious gangster who barely survives a brutal attack by a mysterious serial killer. With his organization in disarray and his life at stake, Jang reluctantly joins forces with Jung Tae-seok, a relentless police detective known for his ruthless methods. Despite their differences and conflicting goals, they form an uneasy alliance to track down the sadistic killer and bring him to justice.
Reception: “The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil” received mixed reviews. While some praised the film’s action sequences and the performances of the lead actors, particularly Don Lee, others criticized the plot as predictable and the characters as one-dimensional. The film was a moderate box office success in South Korea but did not receive widespread international recognition.
Escape from Mogadishu (2021):
Genre: Drama, historical, thriller
Director: Ryoo Seung-wan
Main actors: Kim Yoon-seok, Jo In-sung, Heo Joon-ho
Plot: Set against the backdrop of the brutal civil war in Somalia during 1991, “Escape from Mogadishu” tells the story of the South Korean and North Korean embassy personnel stationed in the war-torn capital city, Mogadishu. As the conflict escalates and the city descends into chaos, both embassy teams find themselves trapped and in desperate need of escape. With no support from their respective governments, they are forced to overcome their longstanding political and ideological differences and work together to find a way out of Somalia alive.
Reception: “Escape from Mogadishu” received critical acclaim, praising its suspenseful pacing, thrilling action sequences, and nuanced performances by the cast. Critics also commended the film’s ability to explore themes of political division, human survival, and the power of cooperation in the face of adversity. The film won numerous awards at various film festivals and was a box office success in South Korea.
Midnight (2021):
Genre: Thriller, psychological
Director: Kwon Oh-seung
Main actors: Jin Ki-joo, Wi Ha-joon, Gil Hae-yeon
Plot: “Midnight” follows the story of Kyung-mi, a young deaf woman who lives with her mother. While both working at a call center, Kyung-mi abruptly leaves a dinner with a client and picks up her mother. On their way home, Kyung-mi unwittingly witnesses a woman being murdered by a mysterious serial killer. The dangerous criminal, realizing he has been seen, begins to stalk Kyung-mi, setting off a deadly game of cat and mouse through the crowded streets of South Korea. As the police struggle to track down the killer, Kyung-mi must rely on her keen observational skills and intelligence to survive.
Reception: “Midnight” received mixed reviews. Some critics praised the suspense and Jin Ki-joo’s performance, appreciating the portrayal of hearing impairment. Others, however, found the plot predictable and the character development lacking.
