East Asian Films

Korean Films (some that weren't directed by Kim Ki-duk or Park Chan-wook)

  I notice that this site is prone to sticking to the big guns working in Korean cinema today.  The biggest two primarily being Kim Ki-duk and Park Chan-wook.  It's is difficult not to talk about these directors.  They are world-class in every way.  There are also a few, and they are really only a handful, other good Korean films out there.  I would like to share a few of them.  Perhaps there are some of you who could lend your thoughts.

      Nowhere to Hide  (1999)  Myung Se-Lee -   This is a fast-paced, in-your-face, trying-to-hard-to-go-over-the-top-but-fun-anyway, blatantly violent, rollercoaster of an action film.  The Korean title, 인전사정 볼 것 없다, literally means, "I don't give a @#!$%."  There are fight scenes that go on endlessly where men land haymaker after haymaker, shots that would lay out a WBF Heavyweight, and just keep on spitting blood and throwing more haymakers.  It uses some good slow-motion sequences (the one in the rain on the stairs is quite memorable)  It is completely testosterone driven.  This one is worth a check if that your cup of tea.

     Plastic Tree  (2003)  Lee Il-Seon -  This is my favorite Korean film.  This is one I would hope to get some conversation going about because the ending is just absolutely fantastic.  It is not a great cinematic achievement and the performances are not of the highest level, but this film just works for me.  It shows the Korea I have seen.  Might be a bit more difficult to find than the others, but well worth it.

     A Dirty Carnival  (2006)  Yu Ha -   This is a great little movie about organized crime.  The lead character gives a solid performance.  This is just an all around entertaining film.  It is often overlooked.

     Il Mare  (2000)  Lee Hyun-seung -  I have not seen this one yet, but I have been meaning to.  Apparently it is quite interesting.  Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock's The Lake House is a remake.  I didn't see that one, either.

     The King and The Clown  (2005)  Lee Jun-ik -  I didn't care too much for this one myself, but it was immensely popular here.  It was also the first "mainstream" Korean film, that I am aware of, to tackle the ever-shunned topic of homosexuality in this country.  Has a bit of slapstick comedy and traditional Korean performances as well.

     Marathon  (2005)  Jeong Yoon-chul  -  Again, I am ashamed to admit I have not seen this one yet.  However, this is based on the true story of an autistic marathon runner.  From what I hear, it will make you feel so good you will cry.  

     My Sassy Girl  (2001)  Kwak Jae-yong  - This is a huge favorite among the young couples in this city.  I was a bit defensive going into this one.  I generally do not like romantic-comedies, but this is unlike any romantic-comedy you have ever seen.  I absolutely love this film.  Fun and completely original.  I believe the American remake is being filmed now. 

     Road Movie  (2002)  Kim In-sik  -  If The King and The Clown is the first "mainstream" Korean film to tackle the ever-shunned topic of homosexulity in Korea, this is the first one ever.  It is intense and honest to the point of discomfort.  What a great film!  Think of Gregg Araki's The Doom Generation without all the goth and pointless gore.  I was very surprised to see how brave and bold this film was.  It is quite uncommon among Korean films.  

   p.s.  I liked the goth and pointless gore in The Doom Generation.

       Silmido  (2003)  Kang Woo-suk -  Another true story.  This one is unbelievable........it really happened.  Some of the acting is overdone, but the Koreans really feel this one.  Must see for anyone interested in Korean history. 

      Virgin Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors  (2000)   Hong Sang-su -  The Korean title is "오! 수정."  Translated it is, "Oh! Su-jung," the female character's name.  This little black and white gem is actually a very tragic tale in more ways than one.  It realistically depicts how older men treat younger women in Korean society (Japan is similar).  However, in reality it is often a married older man who seduces a younger woman.  Here, it is a bit toned down (but not much).  I love this film.  This is cinema, pure cinema, in the way the pretentious like to talk about it.  The lead actress, Lee Eun-ju, committed suicide a couple years ago.  Truly tragic. 

      Sex is Zero  (2002)   Yoon-Je-kyoon  -  I really didn't like this movie, but I know a lot of people who did.  This makes American Pie look like Saturday morning entertainment.

      The Way Home  (2002)  Lee Jeong-hyang  -  I haven't seen this one either, but it is critically acclaimed.  I am hoping ot see it soon.  I expect it to be mature and sensitive in a Central Station type vein. 

Thought I would supply a few of those to gt some more Korean film discussion brewing....thanks for reading.

        And here are a few I would like to suggest passing on.......The Red Shoes, Hanbando, and Typhoon.

Re: Korean Films (some that weren't directed by Kim Ki-duk or Park Chan-wook)

Re: Korean Films (some that weren't directed by Kim Ki-duk or Park Chan-wook)

   That's true, it is more difficult to find Kim Ki-duk films here than any other filmmaker.  I think it is because he deals with social issues that most Koreans would rather not acknowledge the existence of.   Being a foreigner, I do not pay any attention to the delicacy of his material and just enjoy his films.  He is the most interesting Korean filmmaker in my opinion.  However, on pure talent, Park Chan-wook probably has him beat.  HHAHAHAHAHA.  I was initially trying to start a thread that avoided those two names.  

   Not sure what you mean by  "add them to the film lists that have been setup with your rating."

Re: Korean Films (some that weren't directed by Kim Ki-duk or Park Chan-wook)

i second the thanks for your suggestions : >

Sex is Zero  (2002) is on my rental queue and i will be on the lookout for Road Movie  (2002) & The King and The Clown ; p.s.  i like greg araki films too (including Doom Generation)

"The Way Home  (2002)"- I saw this flicked and i liked it ;it's a heartwarming-original script about a boys relationship with his grandmother; i hope u like this flick as much as i did