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'.
Memories of Murder (2003)
8.1/10
Director: Joon-ho Bong
Starring: Kang-ho Song, Sang-kyung Kim, Roe-ha Kim, Jae-ho Song, Hie-bong Byeon, Seo-hie K...
Based on the true story of Korea's first recorded serial killer, and set during the politically charged '80s this film fairly crackles with tension.... Read more
Silmido (2003)
7.2/10
Director: Kang Woo-Suk
Starring: Sung-kee Ahn, Kyung-gu Sol, Jun-ho Heo, Jae-yeong Joeng, Seong-jin Kang
In 1968, a group of North Korean commandos crossed the border in a failed attempt to assassinate South-Korean president Park Chung-hee. Outraged, Sou... Read more
Oldboy (2003)
8.4/10
Director: Chan-wook Park
Starring: Min-sik Choi, Hye-jeong Kang, Ji-tae Yu
Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik) has been imprisoned in a room for 15 years with no explanation when, barely sane, he is released. Thrown back into the world... Read more
Natural City (2003)
5.8/10
Director: Byung-chun Min
Starring: Ji-tae Yu, Jae-un Lee, Rin Seo, Chan Yoon
Post-apocalypse 2080. Cyborgs with artificial intelligence, great strength and emotion exist but they live just a few short years. Cue star-crossed... Read more
A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
7.2/10
Director: Kim Jee-Woon
Starring: Su-jeong Lim, Geun-yeong Mun, Jung-ah Yum, Kap-su Kim
The Asian pop culture crossover continues with this eerie South Korean horror, with more than a shiver of recognition from the modern Japanese classic... Read more
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter... and Spring (2003)
Director: Kim Ki-duk
Starring: Oh Yeong-Su, Kim Ki-duk, Kim Yeong-min
A tiny Buddhist monastery floats on a raft amidst a breathtaking landscape, tended to by a solitary Monk. Into this serene setting comes a young child... Read more
No Blood No Tears (2002)
6.1/10
She drives a cab on the night shift and meets every scum there is. Gyung-sun lives a scant life day by day, but she used to be a professional safecrac... 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
3 Extremes 2 (2002)
Director: Peter Ho-Sun Chan, Kim Jee-Woon, Nonzee Nimibutr
Starring: Hye-su Kim, Bo-seok Jeong, Suwinit Panjamawat, Leon Lai, Eric Tsang, Eugenia Yua...
Another collection of three chilling shorts from innovative Asian directors. From Korea Ji-woon Kim's, 'Memories' is about a woman (Hye-su Kim) who w... Read more
Sympathy For Mr Vengeance (2002)
7.7/10
Director: Chan-wook Park
Starring: Kang-ho Song, Ha-kyun Shin, Bae Doo-na, Ji-Eun Lim, Bo-bae Han
The first part of Chan-wook Park's revenge trilogy, precursor to the incredible 'Old Boy', centres around a young deaf man, Ryu and his dying sister.... Read more