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= Overall recommendable
= Watch at your risk
= 5/5 - classic = 4/5 - must watch = 3/5 - decent = 2/5 - few redeeming qualities = 1/5 - just terrible Movies:
Incredible war movie. Many have termed it the Korean Saving Private Ryan. I can completely see that here. The story is uniquely Korean, however the themes are relatable. I must point out that the significance of the themes might not fully reach a typical Western audience member but I was especially moved. It is also an incredibly graphic movie and should not be viewed in a boisterous manner. The movie demands a captive audience and a mindful attitude to truly appreciate the content. Ultimately, the movie delivers the reverence needed to appreciate the division between North and South Korea. It's a long movie that utilizes every minute wisely.
My personal favorite dramatic movie. This is definitely in a class of its own. It's one of those films that transcends Korean cinema and speaks on a personal level. The level of character depth and growth is powerful enough without the mention of special needs individuals. Having said that, the lead female role is especially convincing as a differently-abled autistic young woman. The only words I can use to describe the lead male's character (other than brilliantly performed) is 눈치 없다 times twenty. You walk away feeling like the world is an all-around crappy place but you have warm feelings for the movie itself. One of the most memorable pieces of film I've ever seen.
올드보이 (Old Boy) - 2003 - Revenge - - Background Information and Plot Summary
Part two of three of 박찬욱's revenge film trilogy. This is a disturbingly sick revenge film with no real modern western equivalent. 박 찬욱 borrows the story from the Japanese manga from the same name to deliver a truly disgusting film. I loved how brutal and candid the main character's portrayal. Those who have seen the film may disagree, but I was partly reminded of Tom Hanks in Castaway in that both characters seem painfully real. Almost like an inner monologue states This is exactly what might happen if that happened to me. Old Boy's success is international and it's recognition is well deserved. The only real fault to the movie is the title. In America, "Alumni" is a more appropriate name for former classmates; "Old Boy" gives an American audience the impression that the movie will be about a senior citizen. Regardless, it's a movie that shouldn't be overlooked as simply a gorey flick.
A hardcore military training movie very loosely based on a real life South Korean elite unit. This film is brutal and coarse. It is also about as full of testosterone as three Rocky movies put together. It touches a unique period in South Korea's past - a time when frequent attacks were made on North Korea in attempts to unify the separated nations. I also especially like how the director painted such a specific portrait. The film also depicts a Full Metal Jacket-like roughness to military units and the unique group mentality that forms within ranks - but frankly this film does it better. Blasphemous, I know, but hey. I thoroughly enjoyed this bloody, raw military film.
괴물 (The Host) - 2006 - Monster/Horror - - Background Information and Plot Summary
Truly a captivating and original monster horror flick. It's not poetic by any means, but it is very entertaining and innovative. It certainly does not follow the constraints of the "monster movie" genre. There are some scary parts for sure but it is ultimately a suspense film with sprinklings of drama, horror, and even humor. I want to point out that there is some seriously well-composed music written for this film. I stopped several times throughout the movie to appreciate the score; it's that good. Unfortunately, the few English-language scenes are just laughable. Come on South Korea, I know you can make a good film that has believable English dialogue. The special effects rival anything ILM (company responsible for the Star Wars movies) has done. Do not fall into the crowd that insists that this is the Korean Godzilla because it's so much more than that.
영어완전정복 (Please teach me English) - 2003 - Romantic Comedy - - Background Information and Plot Summary 
This warm-hearted comedy is about learning English in Korea. It's insanely cute and overly comical at times, but the overall feel is quite light. The western actors are downright terrible at times, but the comedic aura quickly washes it away. Anyone studying Korean should watch this movie to see a humorous Korean equivalent to learning a foreign language as adults. The dream sequences and cartoonization is appropriate and even-distributed. However, the ending is a bit perplexing. In fact, everything from the hotel lobby scene to the end is kind of hard to follow. Also, it's certainly not without its share of flaws and stereotypes. Never-the-less, there are some incredibly funny scenes as well as some cute moments from everyone's favorite Maxim coffee CF queen. 
Part one of three of 박찬욱's revenge film trilogy. I feel that this film got overlooked by Old Boy's success. The director has a specific theme to this film and it is quite apparent. However, some might be distracted by it's lack of focus on a single main character. It reminded me of Pulp Fiction in that the story traveled from one perspective to another, however, in this movie, the change was chronological instead of fixed and repeating. Otherwise, it is a graphic expose in human torture and pain. It's hard to feel sorry for anyone, but take comfort that karma plays a big role in the outcome. You will positively walk away feeling like garbage. 친구 (Friend) - 2001 - Biopic/Mobster - - Background Information and Plot Summary
This is an awesome movie. Period. Having said that, the film depicts the director's selected auto-biography in his hometown 부산. The entire film is in 경상도 사투리 (Gyeongsandgo dialect). For me, the first part reminds me of a Korean Stand By Me while the second half is more like The Godfather. Either way, it's a dynamic story told through several decades. There's a lot to take in with this movie - dialectal speech, friendship, loyalty, organized crime - it's hard to categorize this film other than "great". I especially like the Korean-style ending. Let me just say that American films usually have a feel-good happy ending; therefore, I love it when I'm pleasantly surprised by an unpleasant ending.
I have to admit - I really enjoyed this movie. For some reason, though, it feels so much older than it really is. It has this mid-ninties production feel to it - probably due to a relatively small budget and a castastrophically bad hair style on the lead female's character. Speaking of her, her character speaks English supposedly native but I can say with all honesty, without English subtitles I couldn't understand a word she was saying. It was almost comical - and this is coming from a person who is sensitive to accents and whatnot - I am not someone to insult anyone's accent. But it was just so unbelievable to accept that she was a native speaker of English. Why not just do the Daniel Henney? Bend the character to fit the actor? Anyways, it's a small portion of the dialogue and doesn't distract largely from the outstanding performance of two of my favorite Korean actors. It's a touching story, completely taboo in nature, and completely enjoyable. I strongly recommend this film for a glimpse of male comradery and brotherhood as I feel it is done tastefully here; let alone portrtaying North Korean soldiers with a human quality.
This is a sad film. Know that going in. What else? It reminds me of a Korean Silence of the Lambs. The cinematography is exquisite and it is arguably 송강호's best performance to date. It's fairly accurate in retelling a true life serial murder story from the late 80s in Korea. I love a movie that starts strong - which this film does well. Now, the characters don't exhibit any particularly unique qualities or traits but the formula is done right here. I like to see movies where a director can simply accept a working formula (in this case varied, complementary characters) and move on and focus on something else (in this case, a moment in time with breathtaking cinematography). But really, it's just an all-around solid film. Easy to follow, frightfully depressing at times, but is honest and non-glitzy. Hey, there's even a good cop bad cop dynamic to boot. Well deserved for it's praise. 선생 김봉두 (My teacher Mr. Kim) - 2003 - Comedy/Drama - - Background Information and Plot Summary
A kind of spotty light comedy/drama that tells a story of a corrupt teacher in Seoul who gets demoted to the sticks. His new school houses less than half a dozen students but there's plenty of work to keep him busy. I gotta say that these kids are super cute. There's also an endearing aspect of the film that deals with the teaching profession that I feel doesn't get highlighted. I won't spoil anything but other than the ending, I enjoyed this movie. I cried only a little bit :)
마이 파더 (My Father) - 2007 - Drama - - Background Information and Plot Summary
It's always fun to watch movies that you hope will be good and turn out to be more than what you expected. I had read more than a couple internet reviews of this film prior to watching, something that I normally never do, however I was still pleasantly surprised by the execution, twists, and performances of both Henney and the actor who played his father. It doesn't take much to convince anyone to watch the film, either - It stars everyone's likable model-turned-actor and has a touching premise. However, despite a predictable plot, this movie actually has several uniquenesses that cry for attention - this was a well-written script. I should also point out that although based on a true story, the families involved did not approve the production of this film which is disheartening for me. I wonder what was dramatized and what was real? Hard to say, but either way, it's a touching story with plenty to cry about.
첫눈 (Virgin Snow) -2007 - Romantic Drama - - Background Information and Plot Summary
Again with the 1st half problem! The first half of this movie is quirky and sweet. The Korean-Japanese theme is clear and endearing. You get a feel for the lead male as he attempts to acclimate to his new Japanese surroundings. However, once he gets the girl, she attempts strange almost Korean-like melodramatic qualities. Where is the communication, people? We seriously need to sit everyone down one day and explain that if you think something is up, just ask your boyfriend/girlfriend. It will save you so much heartache and save me from watching unnatural outcomes to good looking young people
웰컴투 동막골 (Welcome to Dongmakgol) - 2005 - War/Comedy - - Background Information and Plot Summary
Ever wonder what it would be like if you mixed all the things you ate in one day and just blended it into a nice, frozen smoothie? That's kind of what this movie does. There's comedy for sure, there's tender dramatic moments, there's bloody war moments, and there's even a several minute long anime-like sequence that is by far the most engaged portion of the film. Unfortunately, mixing lasagna, iced tea, and bananas into the blender makes about as much sense as this movie. I couldn't get into because I wasn't sure exactly what I was getting into. Was it a serious reflection on the small village mentality that encompasses old Korea? Was it a representation of innocence and corruption from the west? What the hell did I just watch? Not terrible, but I probably won't watch it again. Although, 강혜정 does steal the show and does a good job of it, too. It might perplex you that I might recommend this film yet only give it two stars. Watch it and tell me what you think.
원스 어폰 어 타임 (Once upon a time in Korea) - 2008 - Action/Comedy - - Background Information and Plot Summary 
Not a terribly fantastic film, mind you, but recommendable nonetheless. For nothing else than the twists. There are more twists in this movie than they know what to do with. I also commend the filmmakers for recreating a time when Pro-Korean nationalism was a matter of social treason by the Japanese who controlled South Korea. I enjoyed watching it and was probably more entertained by the time setting than the plot but regardless, this is a movie that is worth a viewing. It's got plenty to keep several different types of audience members entertained. Other than that, not bad for a movie to watch on a plane, right?
지구를 지켜라! (Save the green planet) - 2003 - Comedy/Drama - - Background Information and Plot Summary
Like Welcome to Dongmakgol you kind of walk away wondering what exactly you just watched. There are moments of torture that don't exactly rival anything from Saw but certainly are uncomfortable to watch. The movie has several themes which is why it's hard to pin this film down. It's worth watching once just for the sake of understanding my frustration in giving it a review. Don't expect a clear-cut plot because it's not there. It was entertaining to watch with the exception of slow portions. If nothing else, it leaves a forever haunting feeling of WTH? For that, I salute it.
(?) 쉬리 (Shiri) - 1999 - Background Information and Plot Summary
(?) 목포는 항구다 - (Mokpo: gangsters paradise) - 2004 - Background Information and Plot Summary
Comments
you should watch temptation of wolves!