Top 10 Must-See Korean Movies for Beginners

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Summary

  • Korean filmmakers are gaining popularity in the West despite language barriers.
  • Recommendations for those just diving in to Korean cinema include noir thrillers, westerns, and emotional tales.
  • Films like Train to Busan and Oldboy showcase Korea’s talent to newcomer fans.

Over the last ten years, the global appeal of Korean entertainment has skyrocketed significantly. This is evident in the massive success of K-pop groups such as BTS, the captivating Netflix sensation that is Squid Game, the increasing popularity of Manhwa, and, not forgetting, Parasite winning the Academy Award for Best Picture in a foreign language.

There’s a growing number of remarkable Korean filmmakers, and their productions are gaining more recognition in Western culture. The latest example is director Bong Joon-ho’s movie “Mickey 17,” which marks another successful Korean cinematic collaboration. If you’re curious and eager to explore, now is an excellent opportunity! For beginners seeking a good starting point, here are some top Korean films to get you started.

8. Decision To Leave

A Noir Detective Thriller

Among the top Korean films recommended for beginners, you’ll find several names that showcase their creators’ skills, yet these selections also reflect a focus on making the content accessible to new viewers. Some filmmakers and performers have excelled in adapting to a wider audience, demonstrating the significance of accessibility in the rankings. “Decision to Leave,” a romantic mystery by Park Chan-wook, is one such example, marking his debut in this genre.

The narrative revolves around a detective examining an unusual rock-climbing accident that might not be an accident at all. As the case progresses, his feelings for the chief suspect, the victim’s spouse, develop, making the investigation more challenging. Some elements from the director’s earlier work, “The Handmaiden“, are incorporated, although it is both intriguing and significantly more intricate than the current piece.

7. The Good, The Bad, The Weird

A Wild, Wild Western

The Good, The Bad, The Weird” lies at the extreme end, offering an outrageous film experience that is both humorous and engaging, transcending language boundaries. It’s a fast-paced adventure, where various factions are in hot pursuit of an ancient treasure map, making it a thrilling MacGuffin movie.

In this tale, the main character finds himself teaming up with a rather inept companion who shares his quest for the hidden treasure. This pairing results in amusing contrasts reminiscent of an “odd couple” dynamic, and the narrative is filled with thrilling elements typical of the Wild West, such as train heists and intense gunfire from Gatling guns.

6. The Host

A Tense Creature Feature

In 2006, Bong Joon-ho’s debut film, titled “The Host“, gained significant popularity in Western cinemas and eventually became a favorite among movie enthusiasts, earning cult status. This monster or Kaiju movie revolves around an unusual creature that surfaces from the Han River and causes havoc throughout the city.

As a lover of cinema, I must say that this film distinguishes itself remarkably within the realm of modern Hollywood monster movies. What sets it apart is its peculiar rhythm and quirky humor, which creates an intriguing contrast. At first, it’s thrilling and packed with action, but as the story unfolds, it seamlessly merges various genres, offering a more profound exploration of the characters and presenting a refreshingly original perspective on the genre.

5. I’m A Cyborg, But That’s OK

An Unconditional Romance

A remarkably unique film titled “I’m a Cyborg, but That’s OK” by Park Chan-wook, narrates an unusual love story that unfolds between two residents in a psychiatric hospital. Young-goon perceives herself as a cyborg, created for the purpose of safeguarding her grandmother, whereas Il-soon feels driven to steal continuously to prevent himself from vanishing.

In simpler terms, these characters mutually fuel their illusions, resulting in a vibrant mix of seemingly magical scenes that leaves viewers questioning which version of reality is accurate. However, the truth or falsehood of the events doesn’t matter; it’s a tale about endless love between two misplaced individuals who embrace each other for who they truly are, creating a delightful and heartwarming experience.

4. Okja

Caring For The Super Pig

A collaboration between Korean and U.S studios, the film titled “Okja” boasts an international ensemble including Tilda Swinton, Paul Dano, and Steven Yeun. The narrative alternates between the United States and South Korea, with the dialogue adjusted according to each location, resulting in a significant portion of the movie being delivered in English.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but share my heartfelt appreciation for this captivating tale, told from the perspective of a young girl named Mija. Her life on the family farm takes an extraordinary turn when we receive a peculiar creature – a ‘Super Pig.’ Years later, when the company returns to reclaim their asset, Mija finds herself in a heart-wrenching struggle against the cold grasp of industrialization. This moving story, filled with raw emotion and a familiar format, serves as an excellent introduction to Korean cinema for beginners due to its lower language barrier.

3. Train To Busan

A Perfect Zombie Feature

The movie “Train to Busan” is widely considered the ultimate zombie film for enthusiasts of the genre. It masterfully combines fear and excitement, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats throughout as the relentless zombies pose a constant danger to the main characters from the start. No place is ever truly secure, which adds to the electrifying experience of watching it.

In addition, “Train to Busan” skillfully achieves something that many zombie films fall short on – making the audience emotionally invested in these characters. This emotional engagement results in several poignant deaths, some of which include selfless sacrifices, unexpected betrayals, and characters succumbing to the grim and progressively hopeless scenario, eventually losing their will to carry on resisting. For those who have watched zombie movies before, following “Train to Busan” is straightforward due to its expert handling of the subgenre.

2. Parasite

Layers Of Deception

In the critically acclaimed, darkly humorous film “Parasite,” directed by Bong Joon-ho, we delve into domestic conflicts and societal critique. This Oscar-winning masterpiece tells a story about a financially struggling Korean family who gradually infiltrate the life of a wealthy neighbor.

Deception breeds more deceit as fresh family members start taking on peculiar chores around a lavish mansion, eventually displacing the wealthy inhabitants over time. While it might not be as straightforward as “Okja” or “The Host,” given its significance in the director’s career, it’s definitely worth watching for beginners.

1. Old Boy

A Disturbing Revenge Thriller

For numerous individuals, Oldboy might have served as their initial encounter with Korean cinema, given its considerable influence upon its release, pioneering paths in Western audiences long before current trends. It serves wonderfully as an introduction to Park Chan-wook’s distinctive visual approach and quirky humor, making it an ideal starting point for one of the nation’s most gifted filmmakers.

This movie stands among the top Korean films for newcomers due to its popularity and innovative qualities. However, it’s essential to mention that this movie is a rather intense and unsettling story, not everyone may find it appealing. The narrative revolves around Oh Dae-su, who inexplicably gets imprisoned for fifteen years. Upon his sudden release, he embarks on a mission to uncover the culprit behind his ordeal and seek retribution. It’s worth pointing out that while there was an American remake directed by Spike Lee, many would argue that the original version surpasses it in quality.

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2025-02-21 16:34