With the introduction of streaming services such as Amazon Prime, audiences can now easily widen their horizons and see international films. While Hollywood continues to extend and strengthen its reach, another country has exponentially increased its audience base- Korea. Korean films have sparked interest due to their fresh content, a different culture to explore, and new stories. Korean films are highly recommended if you want to watch something that is not made in Hollywood. And, owing to streaming platforms, they are now available to us.
Based on true events, ‘A cab Driver’ follows Man-seob, a cab driver in Seoul in 1980. Man-seob, a single parent, tries to make ends meet and lives hand to mouth. However, fate appears to smile on him when he learns of a foreign national willing to pay a high price for a transport to Gwangju. The foreigner in question, unbeknownst to the cab driver, is a German reporter with a hidden objective. They become engaged in a scuffle between the government and civilians during a student protest as they drive into the city, leaving Man-seob’s destiny in doubt. You can watch ‘A Taxi Driver’ online right now.
Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017)
‘Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds’ explores the idea that there is more to life than death, or that life continues even after death. The film, directed by Yong-hwa Kim, depicts firefighter Ja-hong dying on the job and being escorted in the afterlife by three guardians. Ja-hong will have to successfully complete the seven trials of Hell over the course of 49 days in order to be approved for reincarnation. However, there is more to Ja-hong’s earthly deeds than only rescuing people that may influence King Yeomra’s decision, including his poor connection with his mother and brother. Will he be able to pass the examinations? ‘Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds’ cast members include Ha Jung-woo, Kim Hyang-gi, Cha Tae-hyun, and Ma Dong-seok. The film can be viewed here.
Blade of the Immortal (2017)
Speaking of swords and daggers, ‘Blade of the Immortal’ is for individuals who aren’t bothered by blood and gore in action films and instead enjoy them. This film, directed by Takashi Miike, the man behind ’13 Assassins,’ depicts the story of an immortal samurai, Manji, who promises to aid and train a young girl, Rin Asano, in order for her to revenge her father’s murder. They team up to take on the villains, the Itt-ry samurais. The film is based on Hiroaki Samura’s popular manga series of the same name. Takuya Kimura, Hana Sugisaki, Sota Fukushi, and Hayato Ichihara star in it. You may watch the film online here.
Burning (2018)
The plot of ‘Burning’ revolves around aspiring novelist Lee Jong-Su, who runs across an old classmate, Hae-mi, and begins a sexual involvement with her. However, with Hae-mi preparing to leave for Africa, she tells Jong-Su to look after her house and her cat, Boil, while she is gone. Jong-Su does all of his responsibilities as a responsible partner, but is disappointed when Hae-mi returns with another man, whom she introduces as Ben. Ben initially appears mysterious, but he eventually exposes his passion of burning down an abandoned greenhouse every two months, which understandably disturbs Jong-Su. Furthermore, with Hae-mi mysteriously departing after a phone conversation, Jong-Su wonders if Ben is behind the entire catastrophe. ‘Burning’ can be experienced here.
Midnight (2021)
What happens when a deaf witness becomes a serial killer’s target? ‘Midnight,’ a psychological thriller directed by Kwon Oh Seung, examines this subject. After witnessing a murder, Kyeong-mi (Jin Ki-Joo), a deaf sign language counsellor, has a typical night turned into a life-threatening one. Do-sik (Wi Ha-joon), a serial killer, does not want to leave any witnesses and hence chooses her as his next target. The film is about if and how Kyeong-mi escapes and brings the killer to justice. ‘Midnight,’ a compelling film that you can view online, is nothing short of a terrifying experience.
No Tears for the Dead (2014)
‘No Tears for the Dead’ follows professional hitman Gon as he shoots and kills a young girl while carrying out a hit in the United States. Despite his attempts to get drunk and forget the incident, Gon’s boss soon orders him to South Korea to murder the girl’s mother in order to tie up all loose ends. Gon travels to South Korea, plagued by guilt, but is unable to deliver the death blow. However, his actions prompt the boss to dispatch another assassin behind the woman, and when Gon learns of this, he prepares to battle for the mother of the girl he killed. You may watch the film online here.
The Flu (2013)
With a pandemic being a reality, we can better relate to any film that deals with it. In Kim Sung-su’s ‘The Flu,’ we witness what today appears to be a foreshadowing of the coronavirus pandemic: a deadly airborne virus, people wearing masks, the sick going ill, a dramatic increase in the death toll, hospitals running out of beds, quarantine zones, and a city shut down. Set in Bundang, Seoul, the film depicts the tragedy that we have all experienced while also giving us chills. While the government plans to exterminate the infected, a rescue worker searches for blood serum that will aid in the development of a vaccine. Jang Hyuk, Soo Ae, Ma Dong-seok, and Park Jung-min are among the cast members. The film can be viewed here.
While technological advancement has resulted in the development of weaponry, we cannot ignore the grandeur of swords, daggers, bows, and arrows. ‘The Great Battle,’ directed by Kim Kwang-sik, depicts the historical event of the Battle of Ansi and its siege, which was fought between the soldiers of Korea’s Goguryeo kingdom and China’s Tang Dynasty. ‘The Great Battle’ is an epic action film starring Jo In Sung, Nam Joo-hyuk, Park Sung-woong, and Park Byung-Eun. You may live the epic right here.
The Last Princess (2016)
‘The Last Princess’ follows Deok-hye, the last princess of the Joseon Dynasty, as she is forced to flee to Japan from a Japan-occupied South Korea. Life in a foreign nation is difficult, and while Deok-hye fights to retain her dignity, the life of luxury she was accustomed to appears to be a vast cry from her current situation. The princess makes numerous attempts to return home, but her efforts are always futile. When Deok-hye runs across her childhood boyfriend, Jang-han, the two resolve to take one final chance to return to the location they once called home. The film is available on Amazon Prime Video here.
The Man from Nowhere (2010)
The plot of ‘The Man from Nowhere’ revolves around Cha Tae-Sik, a pawnshop owner who appears to be a loner yet has a remarkable bond with a young girl named So-mi. On the instruction of her lover, So-mi’s mother, Hyo-Jeong, steals a bag of opium from criminal lord Oh Myung-Gyu. While Myung-Gyu is first unable to recover the opium as Tae-Sik beats his men, the criminal lord quickly realises that the pawnshop owner has a crush on So-mi. As a result, in a last-ditch effort, he kidnaps the little girl, forcing Tae-Sik to overcome impossible odds in order to save his companion. The film is available on Amazon Prime Video here.
The Wailing (2016)
The story revolves around the mountain village of Goksung and depicts how a sudden outbreak of terrible murders and an unknown viral sickness severely devastates the once-peaceful region. With the situation resembling a demonic curse, even the police sergeant’s daughter, Hyo-jin, becomes ill with the terrible disease. The villagers quickly realise, however, that the destruction began when a mysterious, reclusive stranger arrived to live high in the mountains. Despite the community’s determination to have their way with the foreigner, police sergeant Jong-goo accepts the burden of removing the fog and presenting the truth in a gripping tale that holds the audience’s attention until the last scene. ‘The Wailing’ can be viewed here.
Tunnel (2016)
The plot of ‘Tunnel’ revolves around auto salesman Lee Jung-soo, who is rushing home to celebrate his daughter’s birthday. When he passes through a mountain tunnel, however, the structure falls on his truck, trapping the auto salesman within. Although Jung-soo can call home and request assistance, he quickly realises that he may not be rescued for some time, and with only two bottles of water and a birthday cake in the car, survival may not be easy. Despite this, he clings to life and speaks with his loved ones while authorities conduct a rescue attempt. With the rescue operation postponing construction on a second tunnel, citizens begin questioning whether saving a single life is worth the time and money. You may listen to ‘Tunnel’ here.
Train to Busan (2016)
Set in South Korea during a terrible zombie epidemic, ‘Train to Busan’ follows hedge fund manager Seok-woo and his daughter, Soo-an, as they travel from Seoul to the coastal city of Busan. Meanwhile, a chemical spill in another area of the city sparks a terrifying zombie epidemic, sending residents scrambling to find a way out of the carnage. When an infected individual gets on the train Seok-woo and Soo-an are on, every passenger is forced to fight for survival against the clock as the virus spreads like wildfire from carriage to carriage. The film can be viewed here.
Unstoppable (2018)
The film, directed by Kim Min-ho, depicts Don Lee’s character Dong-Chul, a former gangster and boxer, falling into “unstoppable” mode after his wife is kidnapped by Gi-tae, a human trafficker. The audience will undoubtedly react to every punch Dong-Chul strikes on anyone who stand in his path of finding his wife. Min-ho capitalises on Don Lee’s obvious swagger to deliver an action-packed thriller driven by love. The film can be viewed here.
