It's not long ago that Korean movies get famous globally, since some movies won awards in major film fastival. Parasite is one of those. But there are also thousands of other quality movies in Korea which is not get to be watched by people outside of Korea but is so much fun. So, as moviegoer and also native Korean I'd like to recommend the best movies to dig in.
1. Joint security area
This movie was filmed about 20 years ago, this movie's plot is about the accident that both south korean and north korean soldier were shot dead(kill each other) in the DMZ and the investigation after the accident. The atmosphere of the movie is so mystrious and the story is very intense. The movie stars Lee Young-ae, Lee Byung-hun and Song Kang-ho, all three are now super stars in Korea. This movie reflects the dark side of Korea as a divided nation, but it also has good jokes, funny and sad at the same time. Very famous movie when I was young, but many people is not aware of it recently, which is the reason I recommend.
2. Memories of murder
Based on the story of real series of killings once happend in Korea, this is the director Bong Joon-ho's early work which made it possible for him to be where he is now. After more than 30 years this murder case first occured, the real serial killer who korean people thought vanished suddenly confessed his crime in the prison where he was put because of other crime he commited and this was a big news, and people were shocked. People who likes mystery genre will love this one.
3. Rules of Dating
Koreans are not so straightforward, especially when it comes to sex and love. But I don't think this only applies to Korean people. That's why you'll feel kind of hit the spot! A man and a women starts a strange relationship with each other's own purpose. This movie was not made seriously, but it makes you think a lot. I'd say this is a dark version of movie <500 hundred days of summer>.
4. Spirit Of Jeet Keun Do
Bruce Lee was famous in Korea in 70's. Ordinary student who likes Bruce Lee train himself to defeat the bully in high school. Although high school students are not adult, school makes them to witness the irregularities of the society. This movie is very good coming of age story, and you can feel how harsh it was to be a high school students in 70's.
5. Tazza: The High Rollers
Have you ever thought about becoming a gambler? Often gamblers are described as brilliant and attractive character. But in real their life sucks, and this movie shows how suck it is to live a life of gambler. 'War of flowers' is the most famous card game in Korea. There's many ways to win, you can count the card, you can pull the wool over eyes, but always the winner is the one who has the strongest heart.
