Featuring vibrant cityscapes, awe-inspiring mountain ranges, and charming traditional villages, South Korea offers a distinctive backdrop for cinema. To experience Korean culture, history, and societal norms without leaving your house, consider watching these five films as they transport you into their world.
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Parasite
(2019)
Parasite
, which claimed four Academy Awards and the Palme d’Or at Cannes, offers a captivating dive into the urban landscape of Seoul. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, this movie stands out for highlighting the socioeconomic disparities prevalent in South Korea’s capital. Through the story of a struggling family trying to insinuate themselves into the household of a affluent clan, viewers explore two contrasting facets of Seoul: the impoverished districts prone to flooding with minimal precipitation, and the quiet opulence of an elitist society detached from broader societal issues.
The director masterfully portrays Korean society, offering an insightful look at all aspects of this East Asian nation. Through impeccable artistry, the movie takes viewers on a voyage through the heart of Korea.
true
South Korea
.
Burning
(2018)
For an entirely distinct theme, Lee Chang-dong’s
Burning
is a psychological thriller that provides a reflective and enigmatic ambiance as it moves from Seoul to plunge you deeply into the countryside of South Korea.
The movie centers around a budding author who encounters a cryptic stranger; this individual’s affluence and peculiar actions spark numerous queries. Utilizing extensive views of desolate farmlands paired with entrancing twilight vistas, the filmmaker guides viewers through a realm where the quietude and expansiveness heighten the protagonists’ feelings of isolation and doubt. Herein lies the charm of Korea’s rustic hinterlands—calming pastoral scenes enveloped in an aura both eerie and personal.
Last Train to Busan
(2016)
Last Train to Busan
Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, this film propels viewers onto a chaotic journey from Seoul to Busan. A significant success in South Korean filmmaking, it plunges audiences into a zombie-apocalypse-stricken world where survivors fight for their lives onboard a speeding train turned hellish battleground.
Apart from the stunning violent scenes, the movie offers an exploration of various aspects of the nation: bustling modern cities and quaint, old-fashioned railway hubs. This gripping film also provides a look at the coastal city of Busan, delving into weighty issues like social inequality and moral decay.
The Handmaiden
(2016)
Park Chan-wook’s masterpiece,
The Handmaiden
is an aesthetically rich voyage through time set in Japanese-occupied Korea during the 1930s. The storyline draws inspiration from Sarah Waters’ British novel.
Fingersmith
is moved to an era when Japanese elements would intermingle with the architecture, costumes, and
culture of Korea
.
In this movie, we follow the tale of a servant and an heiress entangled in a web of deceit and longing. The film is visually stunning, featuring meticulously maintained gardens and elegant interiors reminiscent of grand aristocratic residences. A must-see experience!
Little Forest
(2018)
Little Forest
provides a refreshing escape from the fast-paced urban environment. The movie centers around a young lady who departs from Seoul to revisit her rural hometown. This tranquil film explores the uncomplicated lifestyle of the Korean hinterlands, where nature’s cycles dictate activities like farming and preparing meals. Through gentle, lyrical cinematography, the lens frames wintry scenes blanketed in snow, lively colorful vistas during springtime, and bountiful yields as summer wanes.
Beyond serving as an authentic tribute to the straightforward way of living,
Little Forest
It offers an immersive experience into traditional Korean cuisine, where every dish is crafted with affection and attention. If you enjoy thoughtful movies,
Little Forest
is indeed an extraordinary filmic adventure.
