11 Best Korean Movies That Capture The Whirlwind Of Great Art And Cinematography

Prepare to cry, wail, and get your heartbroken while watching this 2013 gem! Hope is directed by Lee Joon-ik, who also directed the lovely K drama The King. The story is about a little girl named Hope who gets sexually molested, capturing her and her family's journey of despair, grief, and eventually moving ahead. This movie captures psychological and emotional pressure and puts forth some harsh realities of the institutions of society. The acting, the dialogues, and the cinematography are intricate throughout.

IMDB Rating: 8.1/10

Based on a true case from 1990, Children is a mystery-thriller that delves into the recreation and investigation of the 'disappearance of the five children,' who went frog-hunting and never returned home. The story takes a gripping turn when a documentary filmmaker who is trying to solve the case begins to suspect one of the parents. Despite its slightly slow pace, the cinematography is captivating and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

IMDB Rating: 7.1/10

Silenced is one of the most heartbreaking works of cinema, showcasing the brilliant acting of Gong Yoo (the beloved Goblin we all adore). The plot unravels a dark secret within the walls of a school for deaf children, triggered by the arrival of a new faculty member. Inspired by a real case of mass sexual abuse at the Gwangju Inhwa School, the film led to significant policy changes following its release. The performances are raw and powerful, leaving a lasting impact that will take time to recover from.

IMDB Rating: 8/10

From the director of the critically acclaimed Parasite, Memories of Murder is a remarkable piece of cinema that no cinephile should miss. The film follows three desperate detectives as they try to catch a sadistic rapist and killer who terrorised a small province in 1980s South Korea. Through masterful direction and cinematography, Bong Joon-ho not only captures the investigation and the psychology of a killer but also delivers haunting frames that showcase his exceptional talent as a filmmaker.

IMDB Rating: 8.1/10

Based on Haruki Murakami's short story Barn Burning, Burning is a 2018 psychological drama that becomes more unpredictable with each frame. If you enjoy abstract, open-ended films, this one is perfect for you. It delves into complex dilemmas of ethics and morality, questioning the boundaries between right and wrong, all within a seemingly simple plot where two friends reconnect, leading to their lives becoming increasingly intertwined.

IMDB Rating: 7.4/10

For those who enjoy action and drama, Oldboy is a must-watch, with a gripping plot that holds strong until the end. The story follows a man who, after being held captive for years, is suddenly released with resources like a cell phone, money, and new clothes. His quest to uncover the identity of his captor leads to some of the most iconic fight scenes in Korean cinema, including a legendary one-take sequence in a narrow corridor. The cinematography and direction of the action scenes are unparalleled, though be warned—some of the violence can be intense and difficult to watch.

IMDB Rating: 8.3/10

Falling into the same category of brilliant cinematography as Oldboy, Mother is a gut-wrenching tale of a mother who leaves no stone unturned to clear her son's name of a murder he didn't commit. The lead actress carries the film from start to finish with her outstanding performance, delivering several flawless moments that leave the audience breathless. The direction is exceptional, making this film a must-add to your watchlist, especially if you're just beginning to explore the world of Korean cinema.

IMDB Rating: 7.7/10

For folks who love horror movies, A Tale Of Two Sisters needs to be on your radar. Released in 2003, this psychological horror film is a haunting and atmospheric film that builds tension like a few others. It follows the return of two sisters to their country house from a mental facility. Both sisters start experiencing strange and unexplained events around the house, leading to a series of shocking revelations by the end of the film.

IMDB Rating: 7.1/10

No one does zombie movies like the Koreans, and this one is a prime example of it. Following a father and a daughter on a harrowing journey to Busan, the only safe place to be after a zombie outbreak. It checks all the boxes for a great watch with new alliances, crises, and moral dilemmas. The final frame will leave you in tears, making it the perfect choice to kick off a weekend watch party.

IMDB Rating: 7.6/10

A masterful blend of romance and mystery, Decision To Leave is regarded as a 'ravishing spin on a timeless story of romantic obsession.' A detective investigating the death of a man in the mountains ends up developing feelings for his wife. The movie explores themes of unrequited love, grief, and longing and reminisces in great complexity and intricacy, with deception, desire, and a web of lies at its core.

IMDB Rating: 7.3/10

With four Oscars and many more prestigious awards to its name, Parasite embodies the finest cinema ever made. The dark comedy talks about the disparity between rich and poor, class discrimination, greed, and the socioeconomic reality of society in an engaging way with exceptional twists and turns that you don't want to turn from the screen for a split second. This movie makes one think and a little uncomfortable, showing the power of true cinematic storytelling. 

IMDB Rating: 8.5/10