When Parasite won the Oscar for Best Picture, many people were shocked that a foreign film would take home the ultimate prize. But the fact is, Korea has been producing really great films for quite some time now.
I’m a huge fan of I Saw the Devil and The Host, in particular.
Here are 15 more Korean films to check out if you enjoyed Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite.
These responses come from the Buzzfeed Community.
1. Train To Busan
“Train To Busan is my favorite zombie movie ever. It is brilliant and will tug on your heartstrings in ways that you wouldn’t expect.”
2. Forgotten
“This is exactly the sort of movie that will mess with your mind AND has an unexpected ending, which is why it’s so good!”
3. The Vengeance Trilogy (Sympathy for Mr Vengeance, Oldboy, and Lady Vengeance).
“In Oldboy, there’s this awesome fight choreography and the twist ending will leave you feeling sick to your stomach in a Greek tragedy sort of way.”
4. A Hard Day
“A Hard Day is great for fans of Parasite. It’s got the same kind of dark humour mixed in with suspense — which makes it hilarious, but also so thrilling. Plus, Lee Sun-kyun, who plays the rich dad in Parasite, is in it.”
5. Okja
“It’s definitely a different vibe than Parasite, but just as amazing in its own way.”
6. The Wailing
“The Wailing is FUCKING scary. Do not watch it, but also, do — if you get my gist.”
7. I Saw the Devil
“This movie is a non-stop thriller with a gut wrenching ending that’ll stay with you.”
8. A Taxi Driver
“A Taxi Driver has such an amazing story and characters. It’ll make you feel all sorts of emotions.”
9. Hwayi: A Monster Boy
“The storytelling and acting in Hwayi is brilliant! The boy’s distinct relationships with each ‘dad’ stand out so well and the character development he goes through with each of them is fantastically done. 100% would recommend!”
10. The Age of Shadows
“This beautiful movie will have you on the edge of your seat. It’s about the Korean resistance during the Japanese occupation of Korea, a history not everyone knows about and shouldn’t be forgotten to time. It also stars Song Kang-ho and Gong Yoo from Parasite!”
11. Ode to My Father
“God, that shit had me bawling.”
12. The Handmaiden
“The Handmaiden is definitely a must-watch! It touches on different topics, like class differences, abuse of women and sexual exploration.”
13. 1987: When The Day Comes
“Like Parasite, 1987 focuses on a dark topic, but there’s comedic relief through the acting.”
14. The Host
“The Host is one of Bong Joon-ho’s earlier works and it’s done up like a classic horror movie. What’s not to love?”
15. Joint Security Area
“What makes Joint Security Area brilliant is that it’s dark, thrilling and full of suspense, but also utterly heart wrenching. Plus, it offers a great look into the Korean psyche.”
Update your queue with these gems ASAP!
Do you have any great Korean flicks to add to the list?
Let us know in the comments!
