Korean cinema anyone?
 

I've been wondering if there are any fans here of Korean Cinema. I never thought I would become a fan of international films, but somehow within the last year and a half or so, I have actually become a rather avid fan, particularly the offerings from the South Korean film makers.

I'm not sure how it happened-I watched one, then two, then three, and as of my latest count, I have something like 44 titles between my physical and digital media collections.

I always thought that watching subtitled films would just be a turn-off; but I've found that I quickly forget that I'm reading subtitles. I'm glad I got over the phobia, because I've found that behind the door there is a sizable selection of films, many of them excellent.

Anyone out there into this genre? I'd be curios to know, and can recommend some good titles to anyone interested.

I can't say I have but you're making me curious

I'm sure the offering from the North Korean one is rather limited :D

Yes I'm sure that's true! :yes:

Pete, I do watch foreign films and being bilingual, I enjoy many Russian movies, new and especially from the 70’s and 80’s. There are plenty of great films from Europe in general. Can’t say I recall watching Korean movies specifically but Japanese and Chinese yes. What is it about Korean movies that you find so alluring? Also, India puts out probably 2-3x as many movies as Hollywood each year. :D

I have only seen one so far and it was a zombie themed movie that was actually really good! Train to Busan. I was impressed as I am not into the whole zombie apocalypse thing. Now I need to watch more movies. Any suggestions for a neophyte?

Serge....I do have a number of foreign films other than Korean (I have a few Spanish films, a few Swedish and probably others as well). But generally speaking,
I've been impressed with the special effects (say, with the action-type films), the depth of the plots (I like a film that requires close attention and/or repeated viewings).
Also, I've found a few of the stories rather intriguing and educational from the historical perspective. For example, The Age of Shadows and Assassination
are both war period films (pre-1945) that deal with resistance fighters opposing Japanese occupation of Korea during that time (which I wasn't even really aware of). The period effects,
and the action sequences in both of these films is excellent. Assassination is particularly good.

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A good espionage/spy/action film that I've enjoyed watching more the once is The Suspect. This one is filmed really well, is action packed, with some great chase scenes.

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The lead star in this one (Gong Woo) also has a role in The Age of Shadows. I do have to admit, I do find some of the South Korean female actresses rather attractive too...:yes:

I'm gradually learning who some of the more well known South Korean actors and actresses are, though I find the names kind of difficult to remember.

Thanks for the suggestions Pete, will have to check them out.

I was born in Korea, so I've always been aware of them even though I'm pretty Americanized (my wife is Caucasian). What's interesting to me is how closed captioning/subtitles can be slightly off because translating a non-Indo-European language into English involves words that don't have direct counterparts, or grammar structure that is completely different.

Korean movies can be emotionally intense. Old Boy (2003) is a good example and is one of the most well-known Korean films stateside and has a US following. I know Korean dramas and soap operas are popular in Asia and even the Middle East because they refrain from gratuitous nudity/language. That may change in the future, who knows? Current films have similar production quality as Hollywood as well. Overall, Korean cinema has come into its own and is among the most popular worldwide. Americans are becoming aware of it now.

ylee....interesting and observant post. I'm personally coming to believe Hollywood could take a few lessons from Korean film makers.

As to the violence, some of the Korean films are violent, but that's also true in Hollywood. I've found that in many cases, the Korean films don't just put violence in just to see who can make the more violent film; it's usually there for a reason.

And oh yes, Old Boy is a good one. I have the Blu Ray. :thumbsup:

I feel bad for people who can't get past subtitles. They are missing out on a lot of great films! I also really enjoyed Old Boy and Train to Busan. A friend of mine who normally avoids subtitled movies really enjoyed Train to Busan as well. Taegukgi is an excellent film and one of the only films that has ever moved me to tears.