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The main purpose of this thread is to recommend or find recommendations for Korean movies. If discussing plot or content of movies, use a spoiler tag!
Over the past year or so, I've been watching a lot of Korean movies. I was surprised by the combination of near-Hollywood level production values and independent movie-style grittiness. I searched the forum for similar threads, but the ones I found are defunct/old so I decided to make this one.
My favorites/recommendations are as follows (in no particular order):
Oldboy (2003)
IMDB Link (8.4)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/XWhwZ.jpg)
Arguably the most (in)famous of modern Korean cinema is this gem. It's a stylish revenge movie with film noir elements; Min-sik Choi showcases some of the finest acting in modern film.
Sympathy for Lady Vengeance (2005)
IMDB Link (7.7)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/7BURv.jpg)
For those who enjoyed Oldboy, this movie is made by the same Director. It's a bit more 'restrained,' for lack of a better word, but every bit as compelling in my opinion.
The Host (2006)
IMDB Link (7.1)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/ZzZLm.jpg)
I honestly find this movie hard to describe. On the surface, it's a conventional monster film with high quality CGI effects. But it packs action, drama and a lot of dark comedy, and garnishes the package with some socio-political commentary. Most importantly, it's a very entertaining movie. Your friends who 'don't like foreign films' will probably still enjoy The Host.
The Chaser (2008)
IMDB Link (7.9)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/iRBtH.jpg)
A somber thriller that follows a second-rate pimp trying to find one of his girls, who has been taken by a serial killer targeting prostitutes. The police offer little help and are burdened by a sea of bureaucracy and red tape.
Memories of Murder (2003)
IMDB Link (8.1)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/bmFed.jpg)
A crime drama that is based on a real life serial killer in a small, countryside town in South Korea. It's at times tragic, at times funny and keeps you gripped until the credits roll. Generally considered one of the best Korean films.
The Secret Reunion (2010)
IMDB Link (7.2)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/gtIi3.jpg)
I would argue this is the most 'lighthearted' non-romance movie on this list. A former North Korean assassin and disgraced South Korean spy-hunter cross paths years after their game of cat and mouse. It's simply fun to watch, with just the right amount of drama to compliment the comedy.
Joint Security Area (2002)
IMDB Link (7.8)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/g1s7u.jpg)
A military drama that takes place at the South/North Korean border, where a murder has taken place. This threatens to cause an international incident. A Swiss national of Korean descent seeks to investigate and uncover the truth.
My Sassy Girl (2001)
IMDB Link (8.2)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/bU8de.jpg)
I don't typically enjoy or watch romantic comedy movies, but this one is very touching without being sentimental or melodramatic. I can't think of much more description that would do this movie justice, but many others in this thread enjoyed it as well, so you can take that as a recommendation. :D
Mother (2009)
IMDB Link (7.9)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/PujX1.jpg)
A movie about a mother whose mentally challenged son is accused of raping and murdering a young girl. To prove her son's innocence, she must investigate on her own and delve into a shady underworld. Simply a brilliant performance from the lead actress Kim Hya-ja.
I Saw the Devil (2010)
IMDB Link (7.9)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/kOqfz.jpg)
A game of cat and mouse between a depraved serial killer and a special agent whose wife was brutally murdered by the former. This thriller is fast paced and visceral; even with scenes of gore and obscenity that rival the bloodiest of horror movies. If you are not used to Korean cinema, I wouldn't recommend this as your first movie. But if you could stomach and enjoy Oldboy or The Chaser, you will probably enjoy this as well.
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As I come across or think of more, I will update this post accordingly. Hoping you guys will recommend some more Korean films as well! Also hoping this might interest some people in exploring Korean cinema, and foreign films in general.
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Definitely recommend My Sassy Girl (2001) and A Moment to Remember (2004) for anyone interested in romance. =)
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On May 24 2011 16:47 skyR wrote:
Definitely recommend My Sassy Girl (2001) and A Moment to Remember (2004) for anyone interested in romance. =)
Oh my, I can't believe I forgot My Sassy Girl. Going to update my list. (Haven't seen Moment to Remember but will probably check it out.)
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my favorite was my sassy girl lol. Saw that when i was in a young lad and loved it
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I really love The Chaser and Memories of Murder. If they were English-language films at least the latter would be Oscar material. Although it can be hard to watch, I also like The Way Home (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Way_Home).
P.S. Woochi is hilariously silly.
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if you like my sassy girl, i recommend windstruck, although it is more sad
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Once Upon a Time in High School (Maljukgeori janhoksa)
![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4d/Once_Upon_a_Time_in_High_School_movie_poster.jpg/220px-Once_Upon_a_Time_in_High_School_movie_poster.jpg)
The background of the film is set in a high school in South Korea, 1978. The original Korean title literally means "Cruel history of Maljuk street" where filming was located in the present neighborhood of Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu district, Seoul.
+ Show Spoiler +
Welcome to Dongmakgol
![[image loading]](http://www.lovehkfilm.com/panasia/aj6293/welcome_to_dongmakgol.jpg)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475783/
Soldiers from both sides of the Korean divide live among villagers who know nothing of the war.
Im looking for "adeul" "A Day with My Son". cant find it anywhere 
![[image loading]](http://img.csfd.cz/posters/23/234299.jpg)
Lee Gang-sik sits in jail with a life sentence because of murder. His good behavior the last 15 years earns him the opportunity to be released for one day & visit his family. But how will his son, whom he let down for 15 years, react?
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T.O.P.
Hong Kong4685 Posts
Speedy Scandal (2008) was really popular.
IMDB Link (7.3)
![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7a/Speedy_Scandal_film_poster.jpg)
Thanks for reminding me about "The Secret Reunion". I watched 1/4 of it on the airplane before it landed.
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Nice thread! I want to give "The Man from Nowhere" some love since it touched a spot in my heart in such a way that is difficult to explain so I can only say how well done the movie is overall because I just couldn't see anything that was half-assed in it.
I've seen "The Housemaid" although I liked it, I can understand how bland it could be. I'd like to see some of your thoughts toward this movie though. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1314652/
I still have not seen "I Saw the Devil" which will probably give me some hate because I've heard quite amazing things about it so I'll give you my thoughts when I watch it sometime.
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my friend recommended that I watch Old Boy and I did. It was an AMAZING movie. I put it all together just before the main character and I was like OH SHIT. Definitely recommend.
also gave me this pic that shows some other good Korean movies:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/4IT5q.jpg)
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On May 24 2011 17:42 bjwithbraces wrote:
my friend recommended that I watch Old Boy and I did. It was an AMAZING movie. I put it all together just before the main character and I was like OH SHIT. Definitely recommend.
Story spoiler
+ Show Spoiler +Yes, during the scene when he is flipping through the picture book, my heart just stopped and so did my breathing. Without a single word uttered, it was one of the most gut wrenching scenes I've ever experienced in a movie.
If that was your first Korean movie, you should definitely check out some others in this thread! After Oldboy (the first Korean movie I saw) I thought that it would be impossible for others to live up to it. Turns out a lot of Korean cinema is just as compelling and interesting.
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One of my favorite movies of all time I highly recommend it.
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My god windstruck is such a cheesy movie.
+1 to Bittersweet Life. Amazing movie.
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On May 24 2011 17:46 Ocedic wrote:Show nested quote +On May 24 2011 17:42 bjwithbraces wrote:
my friend recommended that I watch Old Boy and I did. It was an AMAZING movie. I put it all together just before the main character and I was like OH SHIT. Definitely recommend. Story spoiler + Show Spoiler +Yes, during the scene when he is flipping through the picture book, my heart just stopped and so did my breathing. Without a single word uttered, it was one of the most gut wrenching scenes I've ever experienced in a movie. If that was your first Korean movie, you should definitely check out some others in this thread! After Oldboy (the first Korean movie I saw) I thought that it would be impossible for others to live up to it. Turns out a lot of Korean cinema is just as compelling and interesting.
I had a discussion with a friend about cinema and we both agreed that in terms of action based movies, the US does it best with the CG and all that but in terms of just pure storyline, foreign movies are the way to go. What do you guys think?
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Recent Korean movies have being pretty shit to be honest.
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EPT![[image loading]](http://i2.squidoocdn.com/resize/squidoo_images/-1/lens1930663_1284823765A-Bittersweet-Life.jpeg)
![[image loading]](http://rebzombie.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/the-good-the-bad-the-weird-poster.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://just1t.info/blackfinal/upload/001a1222_medium.jpeg)
![[image loading]](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_i8RtM5Z5nTk/TNPKmFneHtI/AAAAAAAAEiA/1bNqSxSqvb8/s1600/a_dirty_carnival_korean_movie_poster.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.korean-drama-guide.com/images/Marathon.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/97/The_Isle_Poster.jpg/220px-The_Isle_Poster.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://movie-poster.allsubs.org/posters/104/Plastic_Tree_2003_big_poster.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.koreanmovie.com/upfile/photo_photo/simg/~photo2765.jpg)
