As a huge fan of K-dramas who also became a fan of Korean cinema, I can say that Korean films are some of the best things anyone can experience. Korean films are cinematic masterpieces, able to tell a compelling story in less than three hours, leaving you speechless because they are just that good. Korean films span different genres, and they all excel in their own way. Now, let’s look at some of the best Korean movies you shouldn’t miss out on!
Fantasy Films
Korean cinema is excellent at intertwining fantasy with different genres. A personal favorite in this genre is Cha Tae Hyun and Ju Ji Hoon’s “Along With The Gods: The Two Worlds.” This fantasy drama takes viewers on an exciting journey through the afterlife. The story follows a brave firefighter who dies in the line of duty and has to go through seven trials over 49 days to determine his fate in the afterlife. Each trial reveals different aspects of his life, testing his virtues and uncovering the secrets he kept hidden. This film is known for its intriguing concept that offers a fascinating glimpse into Korean folklore and beliefs about the afterlife, and for its emotional depth, making us reflect on our lives and the consequences of our actions.
Another exciting and unique romance fantasy Korean film is Han Hyo Joo and Park Seo Jun’s “The Beauty Inside.“ It centers around Yi Soo, a woman who falls in love with Woo Jin, not your typical “ordinary man” because he wakes up every day in a different body! He could be anyone, regardless of age, gender, or nationality, yet Yi Soo’s deep affection for Woo Jin transcends his ever-changing appearance, focusing on the unchanging person within. It’s the kind of film that screams “I will always choose you” despite whatever physical appearance because of the true connection within, and we all think that’s beautiful.
Romance Films
A tearjerker fantasy romance film is Son Ye Jin and So Ji Sub’s “Be With You.“ It is a deeply touching romantic drama about a father struggling to raise his young son after the untimely death of his beloved wife. Before she passed away, she made a promise to return during the rainy season, and miraculously, she reappeared one year later, with no memory of her being a mother. This is the kind of film that will make you emotional because of its heart-wrenching story about family, love, and coping with the death of loved ones.
A timeless classic that opened more doors for Korean cinema is Jun Ji Hyun and Lee Jung Jae’s “Il Mare.” It’s a time-slip romance between an architect who moves into a secluded lake house and a voice actress who previously lived in the same house. Through a mysterious mailbox, they begin to exchange letters without knowing they are living in two different years – 1997 and 1999! This film beautifully combines time-travel elements into a beautiful connection between two people. It captures the essence of longing and the timeless nature of love.
A romantic comedy that will not only make you laugh but also make you cry is Park Bo Young and Kim Young Kwang’s “On Your Wedding Day.” The film centers on a couple who met in high school and their relationship that spans a decade. They experience numerous ups and downs as they navigate the complexities of growing up, pursuing dreams, and facing life’s unexpected challenges, yet timing always seems to be against them. This is such a realistic movie that resonates with everyone since it deals with the bittersweet journey of first love and will make you realize that life doesn’t always go as planned, and that’s okay.
Thriller Films
Definitely at the top of the thriller genre is the worldwide phenomenon “Train To Busan” starring Gong Yoo and Jung Yu Mi! It tells the story of a workaholic father and his daughter who board a train to Busan just as a zombie outbreak occurs. This film is known for its thrilling, intense action sequences that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Despite being a zombie film, it also has emotional depth, evoking a wide range of emotions by showing a father’s love for his daughter, sacrifice, and the different stories of the passengers on the train.
One of the best psychological thrillers is Sol Kyung Gu and Kim Nam Gil’s “Memoir of a Murderer.” The film follows an ex-serial killer who has left his murderous past behind to lead a quiet life with his beloved daughter and starts to suffer from Alzheimer’s. His life takes a turn when a younger serial killer enters his daughter’s life. Korean cinema excels at gripping thrillers, and this film mixes the plot of a serial killer with Alzheimer’s disease to create a sense of confusion and make us question what is real and what is a figment of his fragmented mind.
Known as Won Bin’s last film, “The Man From Nowhere“ is an action thriller about a pawnshop owner with a mysterious and violent past. His only connection to the outside world is a young girl who lives next door. When he finds out the young girl and her mother are kidnapped by a ruthless drug trafficking ring, he is drawn out of his isolation and sets on a relentless quest to rescue her. This intense film is known for its crazy action scenes and its heartwarming portrayal of the bond between a man with a mysterious past and a young girl, making it a must-watch.
Korean cinema makes some of the best disaster films, and Ha Jung Woo’s “Tunnel“ is an example of that. The film centers around an ordinary car salesman whose life takes a drastic turn when a poorly constructed tunnel collapses, trapping him inside his vehicle with limited resources. It’s the kind of film that will make you uncomfortable because it really feels like you’re also inside the collapsed tunnel. The film effectively portrays the psychological and physical toll of entrapment. Aside from being a realistic disaster film, it also touches on the topics of governmental inefficiency and the power of collective effort to save a life.
Slice of Life Films
A hidden gem in Korean cinema is Esom’s “Microhabitat,“ which deals with the complexities of modern life and the sacrifices we make to preserve our personal joys. The film revolves around the life of a thirty-something woman who is willing to give up her basic necessities to protect what she treasures most: cigarettes, whiskey, and her boyfriend. This is an eye-opening film as it highlights the struggles of those living paycheck to paycheck and realistically portrays the economic pressure that many experience.
One of the most soothing and heartwarming Korean films ever is Kim Tae Ri’s “Little Forest,“ which offers an escape from the busy city life. The story follows a young woman who returns to her rural hometown after getting burned out in the city. There, she reconnects with life’s simple pleasures as she cooks meals using ingredients she grows herself. This is a relaxing film, especially when the main character cooks her own meals and starts to enjoy the mundane things in life.
Yes, there are many more gems in Korean cinema that we didn’t talk about here, but let’s save those for next time. In the meantime, you can watch all of these films available for streaming on KOCOWA+ with professional subtitles!
