korean dvds
Asian movie fans should check out some of the many Korean DVDs currently available. And even if you’ve never seen an Asian movie in your life, you might find its offbeat plotlines and unpredictable endings to be a welcome change of pace from Hollywood repetition. I have listed six high-quality Korean DVDs below, all of which are highly recommended for both Asian moviegoers and those new to the genre.
Welcome to Dongmakgol (2005) – One of the highest grossing Korean movies of all time, Welcome to Dongmakgol is set during the Korean War and centers on an isolated mountain town where the locals are not even aware of the fighting around them. When an American pilot crashes near the town, he is soon joined by North and South Korean forces. Will these enemies continue their fight, or will the calm atmosphere of the town ease tensions? Kang Hye-jeong stands out as a peculiar village girl.
tall gangster (2006) – Director Park Ki Hyeong takes a look at teen violence in this riveting film about a soccer club that gets into a fight with a rival gang for the affections of a tough-talking girl. While it’s far from a comedy, enough black humor is included to keep audiences entertained between scenes of high school brutality.
the king and the clown (2005) – Set in the 16th century and featuring lesser-known actors and homosexual themes, the king and the clown it still managed to become a huge hit among Korean moviegoers. The male leads are a pair of tightrope walkers and clowns who end up serving in the court of a king prone to murderous fits. When the king falls in love with the effeminate Gonggil (Lee Jun Ki), he provokes jealousy among his court (especially his chief concubine), and a plot is hatched to get rid of the artists permanently. Based on the stage play “Yi”, the film offers an in-depth look at the jester and Korean popular culture.
Spring, summer, autumn, winter… and spring (2003) – Instead of his usually violent films, controversial director Kim Ki-duk presents a thoughtful piece set in a Buddhist monastery floating on a peaceful lake. Divided into five segments, the film follows the life of a Buddhist monk from childhood to old age. A huge hit with critics, it was recently added to Roger Ebert’s list of great movies.
100 days with Mr. Cocky (2004) – When a high school student accidentally causes a college student to scratch her Lexus, he draws up a bondage agreement to allow her to pay damages. This begins a strange and often hilarious relationship based on various forms of revenge. An offbeat love story starring Kim Jaewon and Ha Ji-won.
Silmid (2003) – Loosely based on true events, Silmid It begins with North Korean commandos trying to assassinate South Korean President Park Chung-hee. After the mission fails, South Korea retaliates by rounding up prisoners and other social undesirables and training them on the island of Silmido. Their training completed, they are ordered to head to North Korea and assassinate Kim Il-sung. But something goes wrong along the way, and soon these agents face termination at the hands of their own countrymen. The first South Korean film to attract an audience of 10 million people.
Start with these Korean DVDs and you’ll be glad to know there are many more available when you’re done. From critically acclaimed monster movies like The host to witty dramas like older boythere is a whole world of cinema waiting for you out there.