The emergence of streaming services such as Amazon Prime has made it simpler for audiences to explore foreign film and widen their perspectives. While Hollywood is growing and broadening its appeal, Korea has seen an enormous increase in the number of viewers. Korean films have attracted attention because of their novel subjects, intriguing cultures, and inventive narratives. Korean films are highly recommended if you’re in the mood to watch anything that wasn’t made in Hollywood. And we can now get them easily because of streaming services.
A Taxi Driver (2017)
“A Taxi Driver,” which is set in 1980 and is based on true events, follows Man-seob, a cab driver in Seoul. Man-seob, a single father, lives hand to mouth and fights for his life. But when he finds out about a foreigner who is prepared to pay a hefty sum of money for a transport to Gwangju City, it appears that fate is on his side. The foreigner in question is a German reporter with a covert motive, which the cab driver is unaware of. Man-seob’s future is in jeopardy as they enter the city and become embroiled in a struggle between the populace and the government over a student demonstration. This is where you can view “A Taxi Driver.”
Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017)
‘Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds’ explores the idea that life exists after death or, more accurately, that life continues beyond death. The film, directed by Yong-hwa Kim, depicts firefighter Ja-hong passing away while performing his duties and being led by three guardians in the hereafter. Ja-hong will need to successfully complete the seven trials in Hell over the course of 49 days in order to be granted permission to reincarnate. King Yeomra’s choice could be influenced by Ja-hong’s deeds on Earth beyond only saving lives, such as his tense relationships with his mother and brother. Can he succeed in passing the exams? The actors Ha Jung-woo, Kim Hyang-gi, Cha Tae-hyun, and Ma Dong-seok are among the cast of “Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds.” Watch the movie right here.
What transpires when a serial killer targets a deaf witness? This subject is tackled in the psychological thriller “Midnight,” which is directed by Kwon Oh Seung. After witnessing a murder, Kyeong-mi (Jin Ki-Joo), a deaf sign language counselor, has her night turned dangerous. Wi Ha-joon, a serial murderer, picks her as his next target because he doesn’t want to leave any witnesses. The movie centers on whether and how Kyeong-mi manages to escape and apprehends the murderer. You may see the suspenseful movie “Midnight” here. It’s nothing less than a terrifying experience.
No Tears for the Dead (2014)
In “No Tears for the Dead,” a professional hitman named Gon is followed as he executes a hit in the United States and unintentionally shoots and kills a little girl. Gon wants to get wasted and forget what happened, but his employer quickly gives him the order to kill the girl’s mother in South Korea in order to wrap things up. Gon travels to South Korea, plagued by guilt, but he is unable to deal the final blow. When Gon learns that the boss had to send another assassin behind the woman due to his actions, he is ready to defend the mother of the girl he killed. Here is a link to stream the film.
The Flu (2013)
We can relate to any film that deals with a pandemic much better now that it’s a reality. In Kim Sung-su’s “The Flu,” we witness what appears to be a foreshadowing of the coronavirus pandemic: a lethal virus spread by the air, people donning masks, those afflicted becoming ill, a sharp increase in the number of fatalities, hospitals experiencing bed shortages, quarantine zones, and a city shutdown. The film, which is set in Bundang, Seoul, depicts the tragedy that we have all experienced while still managing to chill us. A rescue worker searches for the blood serum that will aid in the development of a vaccine as the government decides to execute the afflicted. Jang Hyuk, Soo Ae, Ma Dong-seok, and Park Jung-min are among the cast members. Here is where you may view the film.
The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil (2019)
This intense action movie, directed by Won-Tae Lee, stars Kim Sung-kyu, Kim Moo-Yul, and Ma Dong-seok, nicknamed Don Lee. The primary focus is on the apprehension of a prolific murderer who targets gang leader Jang Dong-Soo (Lee). Dong-Soo thinks the incident wasn’t orchestrated by a rival gang, despite what his men believe. Then, he grudgingly consents to work with Moo-Yul’s detective Jung Tae-suk to find the murderer. You may watch the movie online here to learn how they do it.
The Great Battle (2018)
Even if weapons have been developed as a result of technological growth, we cannot discount the majestic nature of swords, daggers, bows, and arrows. The real Battle of Ansi and its siege, fought between the forces of the Tang Dynasty of China and the Goguryeo kingdom of Korea, are shown in the film “The Great Battle,” directed by Kim Kwang-sik. Starring in the epic action film “The Great Battle” are Park Sung-woong, Jo In Sung, Nam Joo-hyuk, and Park Byung-Eun. Here is where you can get the amazing experience.
The Handmaiden (2016)
Park Chan-Wook’s historical sexual thriller “The Handmaiden” is one of the best Korean films available on any OTT platform. Based on Sarah Waters’ 2002 novel Fingersmith, a Welsh author, the film is set in Japan-ruled Korea, but the book’s events take place in the Victorian era.
In the movie, Kim Tae-ri plays Nam Sook-hee, a pickpocket employed by a con artist claiming to be Count Fujiwara. It is Sook-hee’s responsibility to enter Japanese heiress Izumi Hideko’s estate as her handmaiden and persuade her to wed the Count. The Count, who is essentially a con artist, will take her to an asylum after the act is completed and defraud the heiress of her entire wealth. However, when Sook-hee and Hideko start to feel something for one another, things become more difficult. “The Handmaiden,” which is sensual, exciting, and captivating, is a must-see. This is the place where you may accomplish it.
The Last Princess (2016)
“The Last Princess” chronicles the forcible relocation of Deok-hye, the last princess of the Joseon Dynasty, from South Korea, which was conquered by Japan, to Japan. Even though Deok-hye fights to save her dignity, living in the other nation is quite difficult. The luxurious lifestyle she was used to appears very different from where she is now. The princess makes numerous attempts to go home, but her efforts are never successful. But after discovering Jang-han, her childhood sweetheart, Deok-hye decides to give going back to their former home one final go. Here is a link to see the film on Amazon Prime Video.
The Swordsman (2020)
This fast-paced historical action drama, directed by Choi Jaehoon, centers on retired Joseon swordsman Tae Yool (Jang Hyuk), who is gradually losing his vision. But once the Qing invades Joseon, Tae Yool takes up the sword once more to save his daughter Tae Ok (Kim Hyun-Soo), who has been kidnapped by the imperial Qing family member Gurutai (Joe Taslim). When his daughter is being targeted in a battle, can a blind father be able to save her? You may view the movie here to find out.
Train to Busan (2016)
“Train to Busan,” which is set against the backdrop of a terrible zombie epidemic in South Korea, follows hedge fund manager Seok-woo and his daughter Soo-an as they make their way from Seoul to the seaside city of Busan. In the meantime, a horrific zombie outbreak is caused by a chemical leak in another area of the city, sending locals running to escape the carnage. But when an infected individual boards the train that Seok-woo and Soo-an are riding on, the virus spreads like wildfire from one carriage to the next, forcing every passenger to compete with time for survival. Here is where you may view the film.
Tunnel (2016)
The main character of “Tunnel” is auto salesperson Lee Jung-soo, who is eager to get home and celebrate his daughter’s birthday. But as he drives through a tunnel made of mountains, the building falls on top of his car, trapping the car salesman within. With only two bottles of water and a birthday cake in the car, Jung-soo quickly understands that survival might not be the easiest task, even though he can call home and ask for aid. Still, he hangs on for dear life and keeps in touch with his family as the authorities launch a rescue effort. But as the rescue effort puts a stop to construction on a second tunnel, people start to argue over whether it is worth spending time and money to save just one person. Here is a link to stream “Tunnel.”
Unstoppable (2018)
Kim Min-ho, the film’s director, depicts Don Lee, alias Ma Dong-seok’s character, as a former boxer and gangster named Dong-Chul, who enters “unstoppable” mode after his wife is abducted by a person involved in human trafficking named Gi-tae. Every blow that Dong-Chul delivers to anybody who get in the way of his getting his bride is sure to elicit a reaction from the audience. Don Lee’s unquestionable swagger is fully utilized by Min-ho to deliver an action-packed thriller driven by love. Here is where you may view the film.
