My Top 5 Korean films (As of now)

(Note:This is not a review post. It includes a synopsis, and a few impressions.)

A few months back I listed my top 5 favorite Japanese films,(http://christian-journeyjapan.blogspot.com/2009/07/popcorn-and-pocky-movie-time.html)
We`ll I would not call this soon but it`s finally here so pipe down.

Let me start by saying this was a pretty difficult process for me. I absolutely adore Korean films and watch at least 2 a week. There are just so many I love and a Top 5 list doesn`t do it justice. In fact, I should do a top 10 but I thought I would give it the same format as its Japanese predecessor. Also take note, that I tend to watch romantic/comedies the most cause I just find them beyond cute, and because Asian horror or thriller in general tends to scare me. (Sorry "Old Boy") On this list however you will see a decent variety as I have picked the ones that made the most impact on me, or entertained me the most and pushed a lot of the romantic ones down the list. Had this been a top 10 list I am sure at least 6 of the 10 would be romantic/comedies. What can I say, I am a sucker for that kinda stuff.

I now present you the Top 5

5. Kwasok Scandal (Speedy Scandal) 2008

This is a Korea's highest grossing comedy of all time and with good reason. It tells the story of a former male pop star who is now older and working as a DJ living for himself until a mysterious young woman and her son show up claiming to be the his daughter and grandson. I really had a good time with this one. Its humor isn`t bound by culture. The breakout star of this movie and the one that delivers the most laughs is undoubtedly the young boy played by Wang Seok-hyeon. It`s a great cast, and the three main characters have great chemistry with each other.



4. Daenseo-ui sunjeong (Innocent Steps) 2005


This is just one of the many movies in a genre I feel Korea does better than anyone, and that`s romantic/comedies. The story isn`t terribly original as it is a dance movie about two people falling in love with each other while learning to dance but its in its presentation that makes it shine. Jang Chae-rin played by the adorable ~Geun-Young Moon~ (Who also stars in "My Little Bride" another favorite of mine)is a girl who comes from China to Korea in hopes of learning how to dance and entering a professional dance competition. It`s here that she meets Na Young-sae an ex professional dancer who lost his will to compete after losing his last partner to his old rival. Not only is this movie cute, but its music is lively and fitting for such a dance movie. A movie the whole family and even better for couples!
(Could not find English trailer)


3.Haeundae (Tsunami) 2009

Haeundae is not only a "disaster movie" but it also happens to be the first of its kind for Korea. It also happens to be much more thought provoking, exciting, and emotional than any disaster movie America has yet to release. Set in the port city of Busan "Haeundae" is about a town that is ravaged by a huge Tsunami but what sets this a part from other movies is how much the characters are set up before the disaster hits. We are shown the lives of a variety of different people and become to know them so well that when the Tsunami finally comes, you will find yourself cheering for those who make it and crying for those who don`t, and like most Asian movies anybody can die, even your favorites. Its these emotions that made me fall in love with this movie recently when I saw it on a plane ride to Korea. If you are looking for American style BOOM, BANG, POW, then you wont find it here. Its not until near the end when the action begins, but when it comes it comes hard and its just as exciting as any "2012" could hope to be. The effects are also noteworthy for a Korean film. Sit back and enjoy the ride, you will be emotionally exhausted when its over. There is a scene involving water and electricity that is just chilling.


2. Welcome to Dongmakgol 2005

Imagine the war going on between North Korea and South Korea. A small group of men from each side of the war find themselves lost and they all take residence in a small town, a town where the residents have no knowledge of war and live a care free peaceful life with each other. This is the heart of "Welcome to Dongmakgol". Its a story about two sides of the war coming together for the good of a village. What I liked the most about this movie is that both the South and North sides of Korea are shown as human beings with hearts. They both fight because they believe what they are doing is right, and it is not either of them who are portrayed as the monsters. It is war itself (and slightly the Americans it seems, hehe) The movie is a perfect blend, of comedy, and drama and will no doubt have you shedding some tears after laughing. "Welcome to Dongmakgol" will stay with you for awhile after watching it. I`d love to find my own Dongmakgol.
(Could not find English trailer)



1. Gwoemul (The Host) 2006




Another in the line of Korean firsts is "Gwoemul" a Korean monster movie. When I first saw this movie I had no idea what to expect other than some sort of monster. I didn`t know if I would be getting some sort of cheesy Godzilla, or a boring film that couldn`t afford to give the monster any screen time and was interesting enough to keep my attention when it wasn`t being shown. What I did get was in the same vein as "Haeundae" although released much earlier. "Gwoemul" is a monster movie with heart. My biggest compliment to Asian movies in general is that they know how to develop characters. "Gwoemul" does not waste any time getting started but gives you just enough character development so that you care what happens. In this case it is the story of a father who`s daughter is kidnapped by a mysterious monster from out of the Han River. Together with his remaining family members he sets out to find the monster and rescue his daughter. The monster itself while not the best CGI you can find, is still original and quite menacing. The movie consistently walks a fine line between humor, horror, and sorrow. The father played by Kang-ho Song stands out as the best role, as a man determined to get back his lost daughter while dealing with the quirks of his family, one of which is his sister played by Bae Du-na who I absolutely love. She also stars in one of my top 5 Japanese movies "Linda,Linda,Linda"
"Gwoemul" is what "Cloverfield" became before "Cloverfield" existed, a character driven monster movie. Do yourself a favor and check it out.






Honorable Mentions
1. Eorin shinbu (My Little Bride) 2004
2. Tae Guk Gi (The Brotherhood Of War) 2004
3. Yeongeo wanjeonjeong (Please Teach Me English) 2003
4. Gudseura Geum-suna (Saving My Hubby) 2002