Korean Cinema
Dubbed the 'new Hong Kong', Korean cinema has taken the international film world by storm with its brutal and confrontational style and original political perspectives. Encompassing both the North and South Korean industries it is the films from the south that have become worldwide hits. From border security thriller, 'JSA' to the haunting 'Oasis' to the mesmerising madness of 'Old Boy', Korean cinema is bold, diverse and here to stay.
Pictured: Horror-chiller already slated for an American remake, 'A Tale of Two Sisters'.
Musa: The Warrior (2001)
6.2/10
Director: Sung-su Kim
Starring: Woo-sung Jung, Zhang Ziyi, Sung-kee Ahn, Jin-mo Ju, Yong-woo Park
It is 1375 and tribal clans are at war. When the Korean peace envoys are betrayed, they escape and stumble across a Ming Princess (Zhang Ziyi) and the... Read more
No Mercy for the Rude (2006)
7.2/10
Director: Cheol-hie Park
Starring: Ha-kyun Shin, Ji-hye Yun, Min-jun Kim, Su-heui Go, Byeong-ok Kim
Brutal violence blends with post-modern comedy and absurd set-pieces in this hip Korean flick about a man with a severe speech impediment who refuses... Read more
Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000)
7.1/10
Director: Boon Joon-ho
Starring: Bae Doo-na, Sung-jae Lee
The first film from Korean director Boon Joon-ho ('Memories of Murder', 'The Host') is a dark comedy about a man who has decided dogs are not his best... Read more
Chihwaseon ( aka Painted Fire ) (2002)
Director: Im Kwon Taek
Starring: Sung-kee Ahn, Min-sik Choi
AKA 'Painted Fire'. In a time of political and social unrest in 19th century Korea, an uncouth, self-taught painter explores his natural talent amidst... Read more
Aachi and Ssipak (2006)
6.9/10
Director: Jo Beom-Jin
Set in a futuristic world powered entirely by human excrement, and a government anxious to control this sole, important source of energy. Special sens... Read more
Secret Sunshine (2007)
7.5/10
Director: Lee Chang-Dong
Starring: Do-yeon Jeon, Kang-ho Song
A master of intensely emotional human dramas, director Lee Chang-dong is a luminary of contemporary Korean cinema, and his place on the international... Read more
Dragon Wars (2007)
3.6/10
Director: Shim Hyung-rae
Starring: Jason Behr, Robert Forster, Amanda Brooks
A.k.a. 'D-War'. Hundreds of flying, fire-breathing dragons descend upon Los Angeles, in this special effects-filled sci-fi actioner. Now, a reporter m... Read more
Haeundae ( Tidal Wave ) (2009)
6.4/10
Director: Je-gyun Yun
Starring: Jeong-hwa Eom, Ji-won Ha, Kyung-gu Sol, Joong-Hoon Park
During the summer, the beach resort of Haeundae is packed with up to one million vacationing Koreans. On one such day, marine geologist Kim Hwi (Joong... Read more
Arahan (2004)
6.8/10
Director: Seung-wan Ryoo
Starring: Seung-beom Ryu, So-yi Yoon, Sung-kee Ahn
Justice-seeking cop Sang-hwan, trying to rid the world of criminals, shuns no efforts to unravel the mysteries of Taoist power. Luck is on his side as... Read more
My Way (2011)
7.8/10
Director: Je-kyu Kang
Starring: Jo Odagiri, Dong-gun Jang
Aspiring (and rival) marathon runners Jun-shik (Dong-gun Jang) and Tatsuo (Jo Odagiri) must put their dreams of glory on hold when they are conscripte... Read more