Today, Korea has one of the largest film industries globally, and its inventive narrative has earned them recognition. So, I heartily suggest Korean movies if you’re in the mood to watch anything that wasn’t made in Hollywood. The best news is that you may accomplish it without even going to a movie theatre because most internet streaming providers have acknowledged this desire in users. They have a big library of Korean films and are now broadcasting films from all over the globe. Here is a list of excellent Korean films available on Hulu that you can watch right now, without further ado.
A Taxi Driver (2017)
In some classic films, the cab has played a significant role. From Jafar Panahi’s “Taxi” to Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver,” the life of a person travelling the city and encountering a variety of people makes a fantastic beginning point for any narrative. This 2017 drama-action film from South Korea follows a similar methodology. It’s interesting to note that German journalist Jürgen Hinzpeter’s actual experiences served as the inspiration for this movie. The main character of the movie is Kim Man-seob, a cab driver who takes on Peter, a foreign journalist who wants to visit Gwangju to learn about the large-scale protests taking place there. Even though every road is closed, the pair manages to escape. The film centres on their trip to the city and what they observe there, including demonstrators and the military. The film masterfully depicts the tensions that exist in a city as seen through the eyes of an outsider who finds everything around him puzzling.
Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017)
The main character of the fantasy action movie “Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds” is Kim Ja-hong (Cha Tae-hyun), a firefighter. Kim encounters three grim reapers as soon as he passes away, and they carry him to the afterlife’s courts where, after considering all of his transgressions during his lifetime, he will be judged on his destiny. It is revealed to us that Kim will face seven distinct trials and that it will take 49 days for a decision regarding his afterlife to be made. We follow Kim’s narrative along with the three grim reapers as they attempt to shield him at every turn in the judgement. This epic movie is known for its outstanding action scenes and gorgeous art direction.
Happy End (1999)
A few decades ago, women in patriarchal Korea were not very likely to leave their houses in search of employment in order to provide for their families. The main character of this movie is Choi Bora, a lady who had a prosperous career before quitting to be married. Choi Bora feels compelled to return to her work when her spouse is unable to secure employment for himself. She runs into her ex-boyfriend there, and they begin a very passionate sexual relationship. Her husband is aware that his wife is having an extramarital affair, but he is unable to take action as she provides the family’s only source of income. Even though Choi Bora initially likes her adulterous affair, things quickly get ugly. The film has a depressing tone and depicts the harsh reality of metropolitan life, where power and wealth rule even in the smallest social structures, such as families.
The Chaser (2008)
“The Chaser,” one of the best action-thriller films you’ll ever see in Korea, tells the tale of Joong-ho, a former police detective turned hustler. One of the girls that work for Joong-ho all of a sudden disappears. Due of his financial difficulties, he seeks his former police contacts whether they have any information regarding her location. The man who abducted the prostitute, who we were led to assume was missing, is then revealed to us. After much work, Joong-ho, who only knows the district from whence he hails, manages to locate the man. But the situation gets worse when this criminal, even after being apprehended and confessing to the act, is not found guilty of the killings because there is insufficient proof. Before the police release Joong-ho, he has twelve hours to gather any evidence against the criminal. You won’t be able to take your eyes off “The Chaser” for even a moment because of its powerful narrative and directing. Every element of the movie, including the art design and acting, has been carefully considered to provide the plot with the necessary level of authenticity.
The Good, The Bad, The Weird (2008)
One genre that is common in the US is the western. The lifestyle portrayed in these films is based on a period of American history and is largely true to the region. This hasn’t stopped international filmmakers from producing westerns in their native tongues, either. The genre’s influence can be seen everywhere, from Bollywood’s curry westerns to Italy’s spaghetti westerns. The movie in question, “The Good, The Bad, The Weird,” obviously borrows its title from “The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly,” one of the best westerns ever made. The film, which is set in 1930s Manchuria, revolves around three people, all of whom are looking for a map that will guide them to a hidden treasure. Do-won, a bounty hunter known as “The Good,” is determined to keep the map out of the hands of Chang-yee, a robber known as “The Bad.” When Chang-yee does succeed in obtaining the map, Yoon Tae-goo (also known as “The Weird”), a thief, takes it.
The Housemaid (2010)
“The Housemaid” made its film festival debut in 2010 and was a Palme d’Or competitor. The main character of the movie is Eun-yi Whoo, a lady who works as a nanny for a wealthy family after first being employed at a restaurant. This family’s older daughter Nami needs to be taken care of by Eun-yi when Hae-ra, the wife, is pregnant. Under her new employment, Eun-yi’s life is going well until Hoon, the spouse of Hae-ra, starts making out with her. He finally succeeds in seducing her by playing music for her and offering her alcohol. They start dating, but they don’t keep their relationship a secret for very long. As soon as it’s found, Eun-yi’s life descends into chaos as she encounters some truly awful circumstances. The movie parodies the lifestyles of the wealthiest members of society. They view people as nothing more than props to play with and exploit them for their own gain. The film’s cinematography is also deserving of special recognition.
