Shenanigans

Must watch Korean movies - II

Scribbled on Sunday, September 14th, 2008

Here am again with a second list of must watch Korean movies. Han cinema is much diverse than what you get in Hollywood. There are those undisputed horror flick and then there are those sweet rom-coms. Melodrama has been an undivided part of 70% movies. Music has always been a plus point for me when it comes to watching a Korean movie. One thing I appreciate is that they have come up with movies out of mainstream, it means you get to see the imagination of director and some never before seen scripts. In no particular order, here is the list (with brief review):p A Millionaire’s First Love (The guy is a Millionaire’s son, quite a lavish life…huh…with least bit of concern with anybody. But to claim his dad’s capital he has to pass through a test, now the test is a secret you will find out. But the story doesn’t end here, in the course of it he finds someone who will be the happiest moment in his life. The drama rehersal scene where a tiny little secret is revealed is a tear jerking moment. Yup if you liked A Moment to Remember then do watch this one. Though I would have to say that school concept was a bit stupid in my opinion but the girl’s acting is just awesome.)

Resurrection of The Little Match Girl (This is a sci-fi movie based on a poem with some awesome cinematography and makeup/costume design. Soundtrack is worth listening, notably the “Dreams come True” by S.E.S and “Seom by Kangta”. The story is based on virtual reality and video game. Some strange comic scenes are guaranteed. If there is any least bit of similarity then you can relate it to Matrix, but that too is too far to be similar. Don’t miss this movie, its a cult classic.)

Welcome to Dongmakgol (An officer with two other comrades from North Korea and two runaway soldiers from South Korea happen to encounter each other in a village named Dongmakgol. There the people are kind of shut off from outside world, atleast they enjoy their living without worrying about petty things. No disputes and hatred among the villagers, a peace and calm Dongmakgol. But something weird happens and USA orders air raid over the forest where this village is situated, unknown to everyone. Now will the officer and other soldier try to save the town or they indulge into an embroil. You will appreciate the simple life of villagers. A must watch movie to see what’s the real face of war, every side loses. Except for one uber stupid wild boar hunt scene, this movie is awesome. You will see some lush green scenery)

Love Phobia (It’s in the league of Lover’s Concerto. A boy fell in love with a girl in yellow raincoat named Ari. So why does she is said to be cursed, even touching her will be an onset for bad luck. Whats about this stupid logic, see it and you will appreciate the wisdom. She disappears after few days. The boy, who is now in high school, gets a call from her. 10 years has passed but still they spend some good time together. Then again after few days she disappears leaving the boy alone. So what is the reason about sudden disappearances ? There are some reference to crop/magic circles too and a twist at the end which will blow you away. The movie is simplistic in approach, neither the girl is extremely beautifu but she is kind of attractive. Another classic movie where you see some amazing acting talent.)

Please Teach me English (If you are looking for an innocent clean comedy then this one is for you. The girl is a geeky public official, yes she is beautiful but stupid. one day a customer comes to her and inquires about the bill in English, from that they onward she is elected to learn English. The guy is a Footwear saloon salesman, his reason to learn Englsih is to say “I love you” to someone, but who is that someone is a secret you should divulge while watching this movie. The girl falls in love with the guy with some really funny sequences. The thing I like about this movie is the realistic portrayal of every character, I mean it happens in real life too. The crying girl at the last half hour is priceless, don’t get me wrong but she just looks so good in every mood…lolz. Ending is done brilliantly, though quite funny.)

The Chaser (I was awaiting for a good movie like Memories of Murder. And then someone came up with The Chaser. Its one of the greatest hit in Korea this year. So is it similar to Memories of Murder ? YES basic plot is same but NO as the serial killer is apprehended within half an hour of movie time. It avoids the cliches of typical thriller movies intelligently. There are moments of hope and then darkness. One man is trying to save someone, but will he reach in time or the killer will succeed ? Watch and see if you can predict it well. This movie uncovers some exploits in our own law which needs a proof and witness to do anything. Enjoy the acting from one cute kid too, there are some funny moments too to make this movie light.)

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring (Another Kim Ki Duk’s masterpiece. Almost all the movies by him are about the important questions posed in life. There is less to no verbal dialog in his movies. This movie is to be enjoyed when you are in a calm, relaxing and thoughtful mood. A monk lives in a house floating between water with an orphan child. A complete life cycle is depicted in the movie, Some great cinematography. Some questions, of which you wanted to get an answer are elaborated in this movie. If you watch it with a thoughtful mood you will be gifted with a priceless wisdom.)

Bad Guy (Ok first thing is that one shouldn’t watch this movie if he/she is offended by some rated content and cruelty to women. But then if you do have an open view, this movie will be another step towards understanding the real evil in our society, the flawed design. If one was not a bad guy, will the girl he wanted will listen to him. We all are the same, same flesh…same anatomy but then there is artificial division of society which engenders the evil. This movie is a look on the same thing. But remember understanding it takes more than just your pretending_to_be_open_minded attitude. Was the Bad Guy really bad ?)

This Charming Girl (Yes there is a charm in this movie, but not fairy tale type. Its rough and gritty charm. The girl has a past which is revealed gradually. A tense situation is tackled at the end. Yup I liked the very nature of the character portrayed by the girl, I respect her decisions. Watch it if you are in a thoughtful mood. A really nice movie)

Oldboy (One of the most twisted movie after A Tale of Two Sisters. Some content is explicit. A guy is confined for 15 years in a private prison on her daughter’s birthday and no reasons are stated for such prolonged hiatus from normal life. Then he is released one day to find out why he was left rotting in the private prison.)

The Host (We all like monster movies, except for some dumb monster movies. This movie is kind of funny and blends other mixed emotions. So there is something for everyone in here. The monster is a mutated fish, not a scary one until you try to be a superman. Some satirical American intervention too…lolz)

Failan (It’s a movie which will teach you that one can be so caring about someone without even meeting him/her in person. You will be in a dilemma at the end as to feel good or sad about the protagonist as he got something that he never could have or the melodramatic end. Two persons without even spending some time together started caring and loving each other. Watch it yourself and see the art direction)

Three…Extremes (Last but one of the finest horror you will ever see. Yes, there are three short stories in this single movie by the horror masters from Korea, Japan and Honk-Kong. There is something for everyone, each story is quite different and extreme. Watch it and select the one you liked more. May be you will like to see the full version of Dumplings too after watching its stripped down 1 hour version. Remind you this movie has violence, creepy moments, disturbing visuals and some damn good acting)

Probably I will come up with a Must watch Japanese movies soon ;p

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