Korean Films To Avoid?

[ASaroch]

as a relative layman to Korean films, I was just wondering what ones are worth avoiding or are simply overrated?

[Charlie Parker]

kim di duk's films are vastly over-rated to me. Bad Guy is good looking trash. Also the My X is a Y movies, there seems to be lots of them, all stupid fish out of water comedies with poor action.

[monkeyboy]

Wow now that is a wide ranging question. I guess some of it depends on what kind of films you like in general.

Kim ki-duk Is one of those directors you will either love or hate. His films are pretty art-house, and therefore get recommended by critics unreservedly. Which often leads to disappointment but I will defend his 3 Iron with my dying breath!

Are you interested in avoiding the more "popular" titles that are actually trash?

[ASaroch]

Yes I suppose so though I really didn't rate the film that inspired your avatar I'm afraid!

[monkeyboy]

You know that almost sounds like fighting talk

it's cool - if we all liked the same thing, then what a boring world we would all be living in eh? And I have to admit, I was not totally convinced by it the first time around.

Still that does not help you with your question. It all depends on what you like, and what kind of films you want to explore. I am not a real expert on Korean cinema, although I have really been exploring it over the last few months. On the whole, I find that Korean cinema does drama (especially melodrama) really well, and is pretty good at horror and comedy. What I really love is the genre shift that so many Korean films manage.

But, I know that can be difficult for us westerners to handle.

What else have you watched so far? And more importantly, what have you enjoyed?

[ASaroch]

I'm used to emotional gear changes thanks to Hong Kong cinema, so Korean films feel quite comfortable. I've watched and rated highly 'Marathon', 'Man Was A Superman', 'Last Present', 'Memories Of Murder', 'the Host', 'my sassy Girl'. Maybe a need a solid drama to balance things out.

[monkeyboy]

Well I cannot fault the films you have seen so far (although Marathon is one I have yet to see - I have a stack of films as long as my arm to catch up on. Actually more like Mr Tickles arm).

'Man Was A Superman', 'Memories of Murder' and 'My Sassy Girl' are in my top 20 films ever, Korea or not.

I guess it is easier to go through fims you MUST try.

As you can tell from my Avatar - I adore Park Chan-Wook's movies, and all three of the Vengeance Trilogy are well worth a look - but if I had to choose one - then 'Oldboy' is the most satisfying. 'Sympathy for Mister Vengeance' and 'Lady Vengeance' are fine, but I feel a little unblanced. However - you want a great film - go for 'Joint Security Area'

Koreans do Melodrama better than most - but you have to be prepared for some sickly sweet and overly emotional moments. And lots of sick young girls. 'Lovers Concerto', 'Sad Movie', and 'Classic' are great.

You liked 'My Sassy Girl' - then you might like 'Windstruck', a kind of pseudo-sequel - but seriously a movie of two halfs. One of my favorites, but certainly not for everyone.

'Once Upon a Time In High School' is a wonderful film - a school based 1970's set coming of age drama.

'Welcome to Dongmagol' and 'Save The Green Planet' are also super-special.

I am guessing you have seen 'The Good, The Bad and the Weird' if you want to try an Eastern Western - and the cast is superlative.

Finally, there are a couple of similar in concept, but quite different movies I am sure you have heard of 'Il Mare' and 'Ditto', which use a bit of sci-fi sprinkle on top of romantic drama.

I'll think some more for you.

[Drunken Master]

I have seen all of those films you have mentioned, monkeyboy, except for "Man Was a Superman" and "Windstruck", and I have to agree with your comments. "Save The Green Planet" is one hell of great film that keeps you on your toes as it changes mood. I have become quite a fan of Korean films in general over the past few years, with a particular liking for Korean horror films.

I fall into the group of Kim ki-duk lovers myself. Yes he can be a bit art-house, but he usually fills his stories with interesting characters. "The Isle", "3 Iron", "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring" and "The Samaritan Girl" are all great films. I couldn't get into "Real Fiction" or "Bad Guy" though. Still, I guess there is no director who can be bang on the nail every time.

[monkeyboy]

I have to admit, Korean Horror is not something I have explored too deeply. Which is somewhat ironic as I came into asian movies via the J-Horror boom. Any you might recommend? I have seen "Phone", "Tale of Two Sisters" and a couple of the Whispering Corridors franchise.

I just find Korean cinema the most generally satisfying. It is blessed with great production values, along with more "soul" than Japanese cinema, which occasionally I find pretty "cold".

But for sure, I think Andrew should go for "Save The Green Planet" as his next toe in the water. The film is by turns funny, horrific, thought provoking, and imaginative.

[Drunken Master]

Some Korean horror films I've seen and enjoyed are:-
Cello
Doll Master
R-Point
Into The Mirror
The Wig
Wishing Stairs
Memento Mori
Hansel & Gretel
The Red Shoes
The Host (For a good old fashioned monster movie.)
The Quiet Family (For pitch black twisted comedy.)
Say Yes (A well paced psycho thriller.)

The Korean segments in both Three Extremes films are good also.

I'm currently waiting to see:-
Acacia
The Uninvited