Why You Should Be Watching She Is Wow
milliemay's Korean Movie Picks
Over the years, I've managed to accumulate a small but cherished DVD collection, made up of mostly Korean, Japanese and Chinese films. My love for Asian cinema began at a young age, when I saw Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon with my parents one evening, and expanded from there.
Here, for your viewing pleasure, is a list of my favourite Korean movies (in no particular order), and the reasons why I love them so much.
Director: Kong Su Chang
Country: South Korea Genre: Action, Military, Horror Year: 2004
R-Point is set in the 1970s, during the Vietnam War and takes place 150km south of Ho Chi Minh City. It follows nine Korean soldiers who are sent to respond to a distress call from a Korean scouting unit thought to have disappeared six months previously. Upon reaching 'R-Point', the last known location of the missing soldiers, the men begin to experience strange events in the abandoned mansion they encounter there. The leader of the group, Lieutenant Choi Tae In (Kam Woo Sung), tries to get to the bottom of the mysterious disappearance of the soldiers as well as the strange occurrences at R-Point.
WHY DO I LOVE IT?
I have a soft spot for R-Point as it was the first Korean horror film I ever watched. It has an interesting story line and some great acting, especially from the younger members of the cast. It's very well shot, and captures the eeriness of the deserted mansion and surrounding area extremely well. I watched this alone at night, and I slept with the light on afterwards. It's probably not one of the scariest films I've ever watched, but it's certainly creepy enough to make you a little jumpy.
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT.
If you like twist endings; if you like a little suspense and mystery; if you like to creep yourself out... Then this is one to watch!
2. OLD BOY
Director: Park Chan Wook
Ah, Old Boy. This film (again by Park Chan Wook, a part of his Vengeance Trilogy) has swiftly become a cult classic and always seems to appear on people's 'must see' lists, and I am no exception. This movie is about a man (Choi Min Sik) who is kidnapped and held captive in a hotel room for 15 years, with no reason or explanation given to him. Then one day, he is inexplicably released with nothing but a wallet full of cash and a mobile phone. A mysterious caller tells him he should try to work out why he was imprisoned.
Thus begins his journey to find out why he was taken, and why his wife was murdered. He is joined on his quest by a young girl, who promises to help him seek vengeance.
WHY DO I LOVE IT?
It's a brilliant, fast-paced, shocking, tense movie which keeps you guessing until the end. Why was this guy kept a prisoner all those years? What evil mastermind is behind his imprisonment? Who is this mysterious girl?
And then of course, there's the unforgettable scene with the octopus.
Mmmmm, yummy!
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT.
If you like a movie to make you think; if you enjoy the impressive fight-scenes; if you're as obsessed with perfect camera angles as I am... Watch this now!
Caution: Old Boy has some adult scenes ( "strong violence including scenes of torture, sexuality and pervasive language"). Recommended for 18 and above.
3. 3 IRON
Director: Kim Ki Duk
I think 3 Iron could possibly be my favourite film on this list. The story follows the life of Tae Suk, a drifter who exists in a dreamlike world, breaking into people's house while they are away and living there, performing menial tasks like laundry or repairs, and then leaving with little traces left behind. However, one day he discovers that the house he's in is not so empty; Sun Hwa is crying silently in her bedroom, her face bruised from a fight with her abusive husband. Tae Suk takes her away and they both begin to live in strangers' homes together.
WHY DO I LOVE IT?
This film is, quite simply, a masterpiece. With minimal dialogue, it relies on body language and the fantastic acting of Jae Hee and Lee Seung Yeon. The story is so beautiful, with Tae Suk living a life of relative freedom, moving like a shadow and Sun Hwa trapped in an abusive relationship; the way he rescues her is so touching.
There is one amazing scene in a prison cell, as well. I won't say much more *spoilers* but it's really amazingly done.
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT.
If you like an unusual romance; if you're happy with less talk, more action; if you like to root for the underdog... Well, don't waste any more time, watch 3 Iron now!
And here ends my list of favourites. What did you think? Have you seen any of them before? Can you think of any more recommendations for me to add to my collection? Let me know in the comments :)
