Top 10 MORE Must See Korean Movies

Korean movies have gained quite a popularity since our last list of 10 Must See Korean Movies and why not? They’re a breath of fresh air for film fans sick of the same tired formulas. The Korean film industry just doesn’t have much money to fund a lot of bs projects like Hollywood so they have to pick and choose their scripts so what you get is a lot of quality. To limit this list to just 10 again is criminal, but here we go.

10. The Host

IMDB Synopsis

A monster emerges from Seoul’s Han River and focuses its attention on attacking people. One victim’s loving family does what it can to rescue her from its clutches.

Our Take
You know what sets this monster movie apart from the others? The monster itself. Unlike many other monster-themed films, the creature is fully visible from early on in the film, sometimes for large stretches of time and even in broad daylight. Some may say that takes away the suspense of the creature, but that wasn’t the point of the film. The film is about the Park family’s relationship with each other, the monster is there simply as a catalyst.

9. Mother

IMDB Synopsis

A mother desperately searches for the killer that framed her son for their horrific murder.

Our Take
From the strange opening shot to the suspenseful and gripping climactic scenes, Mother is another well-made thriller from director Bong Joon-ho. This strange, yet beautifully shot film is full of surprises that will have you guessing till the end.

8. Thirst

IMDB Synopsis

Through a failed medical experiment, a priest is stricken with vampirism and is forced to abandon his ascetic ways.

Our Take
From the best director to come out of South Korea, Park Chan-wook, Thirst is a brilliant and gruesome take on the vampire/romance genre. In fact grouping it in a genre with films like Twilight is unfair and just plain wrong. Thirst is almost free of all vampire-movie clichés, it’s unlike any vampire film you have seen and a must watch for not only Korean film fans, but fans of the genre.

7. I Saw the Devil

IMDB Synopsis

When his pregnant fiancee becomes the latest victim of a serial killer, a secret agent blurs the line between good and evil in his pursuit of revenge.

Our Take
Worth the price of admission for the amazing and brutal taxicab scene alone. I Saw the Devil puts two of South Korea’s best actors together in this fantastic horror-thriller. Another brilliant Kim Ji-woon masterpiece that plays with the emotions of the viewer. The film is so violent and shocking it would make Dario Argento blush, but at no point does it get boring. At the end you’ll be asking yourself which character is the real monster.

6. Going By the Book

IMDB Synopsis

A going-by-the-book traffic cop, Do-man is asked to play the role of a bank robber in a robbery prevention training issued by the newly appointed police chief, Seung-woo.

Our Take
A refreshing Korean film that doesn’t involve revenge or tragedy. Going by the Book is a comedy that has a great premise and set up. One of the few films I would actually like to see an American remake of, just because it would translate well for American audiences. If you’re tired of revenge and murder Going by the Book is the perfect film to switch things up.

5. Crying Fist

IMDB Synopsis

Jobless, besieged by creditors, and abandoned by his wife, the once silver medalist Tae-shik has sunk to street hustling, becoming a human punching bag. Meanwhile, young Sang-hwan’s delinquent ways land him behind bars. Both men look to boxing to turn around lives gone astray, aiming for the amateur title, ultimately pitting them against each other, but more importantly, against themselves.

Our Take
Director Ryu Seung-wan’s best film to date, Crying Fist takes the sports/underdog genre and adds some South Korean film magic to it. Actor Ryu Seung-beom shows us he can hold his own against even the great Choi Min-sik with his mesmorizing performance. The two characters never cross paths until the final fight, making it difficult to cheer for one guy over the other. That alone should tell you this is no ordinary sports film.

4. No Mercy

IMDB Synopsis

Sol Kyung-Gu plays a staff member of the National Institute of Scientific Investigation (NISI) in South Korea. He attempts to uncover the identity of a mysterious serial killer who decapitates his victims. Ryoo Seung-Bum plays a environmentalist who holds clues to unravel the mystery.

Our Take
Kim Hyeong-Joon’s directorial debut, a story he also wrote, No Mercy is an unapologetic thriller that grows more compelling as it unfolds. Korean films aren’t afraid to fundamentally depress their audiences without a clichéd “happy ending” that appeals to the masses. No Mercy is no exception, its surprise conclusion will have you clasping your hands over your mouth as you hold back your immediate reaction.

3. The Good, The Bad, The Weird

IMDB Synopsis

The 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.

Our Take
With a nod to the great Sergio Leone, South Korean filmmaker Kim Ji-woon delivers the greatest Korean western to date. A fantastic piece of entertainment from start to finish, The Good The Bad and The Weird is an epic thrill ride that rivals the best Hollywood blockbusters. Director Kim Ji-woon has made some great Korean films (The Quiet Family, A Tale of Two Sisters, A Bittersweet Life), now he brings his talents to America. Kim’s next film, featuring the return of Arnold Schwarzenegger to acting, Last Stand for Lionsgate films will be his U.S. debut.

2. Public Enemy Series

IMDB Synopsis

Ruthless cop Chul-joong and a merciless killer in raincoat run into each other in a small alleyway and form a fatal bond…

Our Take
The Public Enemy series isn’t groundbreaking in terms of theme or story, but its execution and sheer enjoyment make it the best police/crime trilogy from Korea. Starring Korea’s best actor, sorry Choi, Sol Kyung-gu lights up every scene with his presence. It should be noted that Part 3 is a direct sequel to the original Public Enemy, completely dis-regarding the second one. Although many people aren’t fans of the second one, it is a fantastic stand alone film and should be watched.

1. The Front Line

IMDB Synopsis

A drama centered on the Korean War’s final battle that will determine the border between north and south.

Our Take
South Korea’s entry for the 2012 foreign-language Academy Award, The Front Line shows us the senselessness of war through its engaging characters. With some of the best cinematography in any war film ever made, the movie is a showcase of the blood-soaked front line between North and South Korea during the 1950-53 war. A must watch for fans of Tae Guk Gi or any anti-war film.