Ten Must-See Korean Movies

Currently, Korea produces some of the world's highest-quality films. Their films are distinguished by their creativity, intricacy, and ability to cross genres. Due to a lack of innovation, predictable narratives, and a concentration on employing CGI instead of genuine and relevant stories, the film industry in the United States has taken a considerable blow in recent years. The top-grossing films are usually based on previously released content or are part of a franchise. Hopefully, this tendency will reverse soon, as plots and performances in popular American films are at an all-time low. To get out of this funk, American cinema might look to Korea for inspiration on how to regularly make high-quality movies that connect with and move their audiences.

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Hallyuwood

Hallyuwood is the name given to the Korean film industry. It is a colloquial term that combines the phrases Hallyu (Korean Wave) and wood from "Hollywood" to characterize the Korean-language film and entertainment business.

Popular Genres

Korean films are just as diverse in terms of genre as their western counterparts in Hollywood. Popular genres include Historical/Melodrama, Action, Horror/Thriller, Comedy, Romance, and War-themed movies. Korean filmmakers are known for their ability to cross and blend genres with ease and subtlety. A wide genre like horror, for example, contains a plethora of subgenres. If you enjoy horror flicks, Korea produces some of the most terrifying films ever made. If you are looking for great advice and more specifically the top 10 of anything from tech to lifestyle, health to entertainment, then top10.com is a must-see site where you can research your favorite film genre and more.

The Ones You Must Not Miss

In no particular order, here are ten must-see Korean movies.

"Parasite" (2019) is a multi-award-winning movie that swept the international film world off its feet. It is a cross between thriller, drama, and comedy: a commercial potboiler with a social and class undercurrent that seamlessly transitions between Shakespearean-style melodrama and Hitchcockian suspense. The film is set in South Korea and follows the Kims, a slum family, as they trick their way into working for the Parks, an affluent family. When a threat to expose them surfaces in the form of the family's ex-maid, their good fortune comes to an end.

"The Handmaiden" (2016) takes place in Korea under the Japanese occupation in the 1930s. The film tells the narrative of Sookee, who has been hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress. It's an epic, sumptuous thriller with rich characterisation and several significant plot twists you won't see coming - as well as graphic sex scenes that make it best appreciated in hand-chosen groups.

"Oldboy" (2003) is a dramatic action mystery film about a belligerent drunk who spends time in and out of prison. He is kidnapped in South Korea and wakes up in a windowless cell where he is confined for 15 years. Upon his unexpected release, he has five days to hunt and murder his captor. What follows is a furious and violent descent into the depths of a vendetta.

"Train to Busan" (2016) is a South Korean thriller/horror/action film that follows Seok-woo and his daughter as they travel from Seoul to Busan on a fast train. The planet is overrun by zombies throughout their voyage, compelling the passengers to battle for their lives and protect their families. This becomes a brutally violent struggle for survival that serves as both a thoroughbred zombie horror and a social criticism.

"Mother - 2009" (2009) is a gripping crime thriller that is set in Korea. The plot revolves around a widow and her mentally challenged son who live in a tiny village. When a terrible murder occurs and the widow's son is accused, his mother will take matters into her own hands to prove his innocence.

"Secret Sunshine" (2007) follows the quest for a new beginning as a widow and her son move to the modest village of Miryang (which translates as "Secret Sunshine"). It is a sensitive and heart-breaking examination of bereavement, religion, and culture. Emotionally draining drama at its best – if that is what you enjoy!

"I Saw the Devil" (2010) is an action/crime/serial killer movie about a NIS agent who goes rogue after his fiancée is brutally murdered. It's a nasty, twisted vengeance drama filled with psychopaths, cruel violence, and more blood than you can imagine - but with a streak of black humor if you can handle it.

"The Host" (2006) is a dramatic action horror set in Seoul. When a monster is discovered in Han River, one family must do everything possible to free their daughter from the monster's clutches. It has been compared to Godzilla and other monster greats.

"Poetry" (2010) has been named the best Korean film of the century by many critics and film lovers. It is an intricate and nuanced drama rich in emotional and psychological dimensions that you may need to watch more than once to fully appreciate. Follow the link for more information: hancinema.net/korean_movie_Poetry.

"The King and the Clown" (2005) is a tragicomedy set against the backdrop of 15th-century Korea. It's a subtly nuanced examination of sexuality, love, envy, and lunacy. The rich plot, compelling monologues, and dramatic themes combine to create a tragic conundrum that bears striking resemblance to Shakespearean tragedy.

Other titles worth a mention include "Burning" (2018), "Taegukgi" (2004), and "The Wailing" (2016).

Hallyuwood has delivered some of the most intriguing films in the world. As you explore deeper into Korean culture through film, be prepared to get emotionally immersed in the plot twists of these films. Get that super-sized tub of popcorn ready!