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- DirectorPark Chan-wookStarsChoi Min-sikYoo Ji-taeKang Hye-jeongAfter being kidnapped and imprisoned for fifteen years, Oh Dae-Su is released, only to find that he must track down his captor in five days.First viewing blew me away, second made me question hype, third consolidated my decision that this is easily worthy of being at the top of many lists and remains one of the most impactful and beautifully constructed films and stories ever put to screen. It does get REALLY dark though.
- DirectorBong Joon HoStarsSong Kang-hoKim Sang-kyungKim Roe-haIn a small Korean province in 1986, two detectives struggle with the case of multiple young women being found raped and murdered by an unknown culprit.Some of the greatest writing and acting combined leads to a very grounded and gritty story that makes you shed tears of laughter, sorrow and fear all within the same scene. This detective thriller rivals the likes of Zodiac and is arguably a much more competent film all around. A story and film I shall definitely not forget any time soon.
- DirectorPark Chan-wookStarsKim Min-heeHa Jung-wooCho Jin-woongA woman is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, but secretly she is involved in a plot to defraud her.Beauty on screen is the best way to describe this gem of a film. The sets, cinematography, costumes, story, script etc. are all constructed to such a high degree that every frame seems to take your breath away. Couple that fact with the incredibly emotional and engaging tale filled with many intelligent twists and turns, and the top quality cast that battle each other equally to rule the screen, and you have a milestone in cinema. This one can't be missed.
- DirectorNa Hong-jinStarsJun KunimuraHwang Jung-minKwak Do-wonSoon after a stranger arrives in a little village, a mysterious sickness starts spreading. A policeman, drawn into the incident, is forced to solve the mystery in order to save his daughter.
- DirectorPark Chan-wookStarsSong Kang-hoKim Ok-binChoi Hee-jinThrough a failed medical experiment, a priest is stricken with vampirism and is forced to abandon his ascetic ways.I can see why this is such a polarising film but I personally feel this is Park Chan-Wook's most underrated film. Both the lead stars give their careers best work (particularly Song Kang-ho) and help to immerse the viewer in one of the most beautifully told love stories in cinema even if it is depressing and slow at times. This tale of desire, passion and loss personifies precisely what a vampire's tale should be in my eyes and offers a very different perspective to what we see in western cinema. *cough* Twilight.
- DirectorPark Chan-wookStarsLee Yeong-aeLee Byung-hunSong Kang-hoAfter a shooting incident at the North-South Korean border DMZ leaves two North Korean soldiers dead, a neutral Swiss and Swedish team investigates what actually happened.The whole plot revolves around a small group of soldiers on both sides of the DMZ on the Korean border. This film is both tragic and inspiring at once and shows the viewer an unbiased view, not of the politics of Korea or the war, but rather the humanity behind both nations and the heritage that both peoples ultimately share with one another. This was even given as a gift to Kim Jong-Il a few years ago which sums up how powerful it must be.
- DirectorPark Chan-wookStarsSong Kang-hoShin Ha-kyunBae DoonaA recently laid off factory worker kidnaps his former boss' friend's daughter, hoping to use the ransom money to pay for his sister's kidney transplant.Easily Park Chan-Wook's most misunderstood film. It's impossible to describe this one with such limited space but I guarantee that it's genuinely a LIFE CHANGER and I refuse to spoil any elements of the plot or characters. Just go experience this for yourself as there isn't really another film like this one. Despite this praise, I'd still say it lags just the slightest behind Oldboy but it comes down to preference with this one.
- DirectorJung Doo HongKim Jee-woonStarsLee Byung-hunShin Min-aKim Yeong-cheolThings go wrong for a high ranking mobster when he doesn't follow his boss's orders.
- DirectorKim Jee-woonStarsLim Soo-jungYum Jung-ahKim Kap-suAfter being institutionalized in a mental hospital, Su-mi reunites with her sister, Su-yeon, and they return to live at their country home. But strange events plague the house, leading to surprising revelations and a shocking conclusion.
- DirectorKim Ki-dukStarsKim Ki-dukOh Yeong-suJong-ho KimA boy is raised by a Buddhist monk in an isolated floating temple where the years pass like the seasons.
- DirectorYang Ik-joonStarsKim KkobbiHwan LeeYang Ik-joonA bitter loan shark strikes a friendship with a troubled schoolgirl as he faces his own troubled past with his abusive father.This whole film is the vision and work of one man from writing, directing, producing, editing and starring in the lead role. This personal attachment definitely benefits Breathless at it follows an intimate tale of a gangster who forms an unlikely friendship of sorts and begins to change his outlook on himself, the people around him and life itself. Definitely not for the faint of heart because it's extremely dark, violent, depressing and ultimately life changing. It's not a perfect film but the rough edges don't hinder the emotions and the message.
- DirectorLee Jeong-beomStarsWon BinKim Sae-ronKim Tae-hoonA quiet pawnshop keeper with a violent past takes on a drug-and-organ trafficking ring in hope of saving the child who is his only friend.
- DirectorChang-min ChooStarsLee Byung-hunRyu Seung-ryongHan Hyo-jooA look-alike commoner is secretly hired to take the place of a poisoned king to save his country from falling into chaos.A mixed bag but the good kind. Every genre is here from comedy, action, drama, romance, politics, history with a bit of slightly over the top melodrama attached but the quality is by no means hindered. Easily my favourite comedy of all time because of the great lead performance from Lee Byung-hun, the surprisingly engaging story, excellent period costumes and sets (the palace is unbelievable), and of course the premise which follows a king who requires a body double to protect himself. Not the most original but definitely one of the best
- DirectorBong Joon HoStarsChris EvansJamie BellTilda SwintonIn a future where a failed climate change experiment has killed all life except for the survivors who boarded the Snowpiercer (a train that travels around the globe), a new class system emerges.It's rare a film comes along that is both highly entertaining and tailored to casual audiences yet also hides a much deeper meaning that encourages cinephiles to analyse it to death. Great concept, great cast, great story and progression, great set design and an epic conclusion to satisfy those looking for something a bit more powerful or political than the usual. You're really challenged to ponder deeply after watching.
- DirectorPark Chan-wookStarsNam-mi KangJeong-nam ChoiHye-Sook GoAfter being wrongfully imprisoned for thirteen years and having her child taken away from her, a woman seeks revenge through increasingly brutal means.While it is the weakest link in the Vengeance Trilogy, it's still an excellent film in nearly every aspect with gorgeous cinematography, a stellar cast and strong themes of revenge (obviously), feminism and moral justice. It is also Park Chan-Wook's most stylistic film of the trilogy with very unique costume, prop and editing choices.
- DirectorBong Joon HoStarsSong Kang-hoByun Hee-BongPark Hae-ilA monster emerges from Seoul's Han River and begins attacking people. One victim's loving family does what it can to rescue her from its clutches.On the surface, this is just another monster film. Below that surface, this is actually an extremely complicated political and economical commentary on various issues within the South Korea sphere such as US intervention on the economy, pollution and general totalitarianism. Such a bold and important film is not to be missed. It also happens to be quite a hilariously entertaining film so don't be scared off by my description of what it's all about ;)
- DirectorBong Joon HoStarsKim Hye-jaWon BinJin GooA mother desperately searches for the killer who framed her son for a girl's horrific murder.No film could possibly show the intimate relationship between a mother and son better than Mother. This brutally tragic film shows just how far a mother can go to save a child who can only be innocent in her eyes. The end is one of those that really just works in every way possible and only makes the previous experience feel all the more valued and invites a re-watch. Another unique one that can't really be missed by cinephiles or replaced in cinema.
- DirectorHa YooStarsZo In-sungChun Ho-jinMin Nam-koongA small time thug collecting debts for the local triad is torn between his criminal aspirations and his devotion to family.
- DirectorKim Jee-woonStarsLee Byung-hunSong Kang-hoGong YooKorean resistance fighters smuggle explosives to destroy facilities controlled by Japanese forces in this period action thriller.I'm surprised that this slipped under many critics' and viewers' radars because it's up there at the top of the espionage thriller genre. Song Kang-ho gives a performance rivaling his own in Thirst and we're left to question the credibility of every single character as we never truly trust anyone. I never felt safe watching this and a particular scene on a train has been cemented in my mind for quite a while. Another one that really can't be missed if you enjoy thrillers and particularly plot twist filled spy espionage style films
- DirectorKim Jee-woonStarsLee Byung-hunChoi Min-sikJeon Gook-hwanA secret agent exacts revenge on a serial killer through a series of captures and releases.Violence isn't always a sign of mindlessness in film and this is a great example because I Saw the Devil makes you question the typical "hero" and "villain" structure and sees how far you can go before deciding revenge isn't always the best option. You might walk out still believing it is but the end leaves it open to your opinion and that's what matters. Excellent performances from veteran actors, decent cinematography, top quality gore effects and a memorable story leave you feeling glad you watched this one, even if you feel devoid of life afterwards...
- DirectorNa Hong-jinStarsLee Yoo-miHa Jung-wooLee Hee-joonWhen the attempt to kill a professor goes wrong, a series of violent events are triggered which force a taxi driver to run for his life.
- DirectorHan-min KimStarsChoi Min-sikRyu Seung-ryongCho Jin-woongAdmiral Yi Sun-sin faces a tough challenge when he is forced to defend his nation with just 13 battleships against 300 Japanese enemy ships in the Battle of Myeongryang.Arguably the greatest battle in cinema occurs for majority of this film and not once does it feel repetitive or boring. The battle constantly develops along with the characters and stays surprisingly true to history (although not entirely) and even the moments leading up to the battle are suitably entertaining and help to effectively set up each major character so you care about them to some extent and therefore fear their deaths when it comes close. Choi Min-sik is unbelievable in the title role and makes bringing Korea's greatest historical figure to life a joy to experience. No Korean can miss this but neither should anyone else, especially those interested in history or naval conflict
- DirectorKim Jee-woonStarsSong Kang-hoLee Byung-hunJung Woo-sungThe story of two outlaws and a bounty hunter in 1940s Manchuria and their rivalry to possess a treasure map while being pursued by the Japanese army and Chinese bandits.There's no point seriously reviewing this on an artistic level but in terms of solid film and entertainment, this is what you've come for. Song Kang-ho and Lee Byung-hun in the same film was enough to convince Koreans to go see this one and they weren't disappointed. The action sequences are of the highest quality I've ever seen (specifically a chase scene in the final act), the soundtrack is pumping all throughout, the story is actually intriguing for an action focussed film and the biggest strength is that it's of this high quality and humour all the way through. I was never bored with this one and probably never will be even as I continue to re-watch it.
- DirectorNa Hong-jinStarsKim Yoon-seokHa Jung-wooSeo Yeong-hieA disgraced ex-policeman who runs a small ring of prostitutes finds himself in a race against time when one of his women goes missing.
- DirectorYeon Sang-hoStarsGong YooJung Yu-miMa Dong-seokWhile a zombie virus breaks out in South Korea, passengers struggle to survive on the train from Seoul to Busan.
- DirectorPark Hoon-jungStarsLee Jung-jaeChoi Min-sikHwang Jung-minAn undercover cop finds it difficult to play both a cop and a goon.The gangster world is obviously a brutal place and many South Korean films therefore focus on this underworld but New World definitely offers a fresh perspective with characters who don't just feel like standard "gangsters and cops" but more like people. Sadly, I feel this one is slightly overrated because despite the arc of the main character (which is amazing) a lot is left wasted in this film, particularly Choi Min-sik
- DirectorLee Joon-ikStarsSong Kang-hoYoo Ah-inMoon Geun-youngSet in 18th century Korea, long-ruling King Yeongjo's struggle with his son, Sado, sees the king take extreme measures in order to deal with his heir.
- DirectorJung Byung-gilStarsKim Ok-binShin Ha-kyunSung JunA female assassin leaves a trail of bodies behind her as she seeks revenge.There's no doubt that a lot is absent in terms of story and character but what is present is some outstanding film making, fight choreography, and acting that definitely lifts the plot much further than you'd expect. An adrenaline rush almost the whole way through but does sag a bit towards the middle and leaves the viewer wanting a bit more by the end.
- DirectorJung Byung-gilStarsJeong Jae-yeongPark Shi-hooJung Hae-kyunLee Du-Seok publishes an autobiography describing murders he committed after the statute of limitations expires. A detective and one of the victim's mothers search for the author while an anonymous person claims to be the real killer.Don't read anything about the plot AT ALL. Walk in with no spoilers and you'll be able to appreciate a fairly well crafted plot with some memorable twists but apart from that, the appeal does run admittedly thin... Not the best out there but not even close to the worst and is still highly enjoyable and worth your time.
- DirectorIm Kwon-taekStarsKim Myung-gonJung-hae OhKim Kyu-chulDespite its falling popularity, a father teaches his two children the Korean musical tradition of Pansori (one singer accompanied by one drummer).