![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
= Watch at your risk
= 5/5 - classic = 4/5 - must watch = 3/5 - decent = 2/5 - few redeeming qualities = 1/5 - just terrible 미녀는 괴로워 (200 pound beauty) - Comedy - 2006 - - Background Information and Plot Summary
I was disappointed by this rather unique sounding romantic comedy. The premise is delightfully quirky and the setting is uncommon enough that this could have been the showstopper of the year. It was highly successful financially, but then again, so was D-War... For me, the movie lost its originality after the woman loses all her weight. It then fit snugly into a predictable mold that begged to be fast forwarded. The first half is enjoyable, though, so treat yourself to that as much. The music is pretty catchy though and will be stuck in your head for at least a week. Disappointing.
엽기적인 그녀 (My Sassy Girl) - 2001 - Romantic Comedy - - Background Information and Plot Summary
This isn't totally a waste of a movie but it certainly falls short of a good movie. It's pretty juvenile but has some cute moments. Otherwise, it's a showcase for a good looking actress to play out a shameless teenage fantasy. The one surprisingly and yet, at the same time, confusing part was the decision to cast a man in his mid forties as a high school student. This did make me laugh a bit but definitely not enough to recommend this poorly sequenced, slow-to-start, bad teen movie. In the end, it's forgettable.
주유소 습격 사건 (Attack the gas station) - 1999 - Comedy - - Background Information and Plot Summary
It's not the worst movie ever, but definitely not recommendable. Again, like 200 Pound Beauty the premise is unique but the execution is inconsistent and underwhelming. it has many humorous elements as well as some twists and turns that are, indeed, quite enjoyable, but ultimately the movie misses the point as it comes to a close. It vainly attempts the senseless destruction of the gas station but fails far too short for it to make any sense. Too bad too, because the over-the-top moments are my favorite in this film. It's quirky but leaves a lot to be desired. It's rough but not in the way that the director meant.
두 번째 사랑 (Never Forever) - 2007 - Drama - - Background Information and Plot Summary
This gawdy art house film stars the cute Irish psychiatrist from The Departed but make no mistake - she's neither cute nor good in this film. The story sounds decent enough - a Korean-American man wants to start a family with his American wife but cannot. Out of desperation, she finds a Korean man down on his luck to impregnate her but ends up falling for him instead. Now, where was the logic in this plan? For that matter, where was the logic in this movie? Save for a select few scenes, this was 101 minutes of my life that I will never get back.
미스터 로빈 꼬시기 (Seducing Mr. Perfect) - 2006 - Romantic Comedy - - Background Information and Plot Summary
Let me just say that I'm like everyone else that likes Daniel Henney. For that matter, 엄정화 is very easy on the eyes, so I'm not complaining about the cast so much as the chemistry between the two. In short, the film is borderline abysmal and barely watchable save a few scenes. In any case, it does a predictable job well done at showcasing Henney's lack of acting skills. There's even some script issues that make you stop and wonder what was someone thinking. It's a shame, too. I want to like Daniel Henney's work. But come on, man you can do better than this, right? 화이팅!
내 사랑 싸가지 (100 days with Mr Arrogant) - 2004 - Comedy - - Background Information and Plot Summary
Goofy, hard to follow, unnecessarily cheesy,and aimed at a teenage audience. It's slightly redeemable moments of humor are few and far between. There's bathroom humor. There's pop culture references. It's just awful. Go walk your dog, reorganize your closet, anything. Just don't watch this film. This movie sucked an hour and a half away from my life parading as a light-hearted comedy. I want my time back.
화산고 (Volcano High) - 2001 - Comic Book/Modern Fantasy - - Background Information and Plot Summary
This one is tricky. First off, this is a Korean movie. You might have seen the film on the shelf with American hip-hop stars on the cover. Let me explain: It was reedited and overdubbed with English dialogue in an attempt to target an American audience. The "American" version is worse. Moving on, the "Korean" version is pretty bad. It's comic booky but not in the good Constantine way; more like lower quality style in the vein of Wanted. The special effects are admirable but it's just too little too late; remember, this was produced when The Matrix was popular. I can't help but see this is a poor emulation of what made The Matrix popular. In the end, you just feel bad for the cast as the ywere probably expecting more out of the final product.
I am way too old to enjoy a movie like this. I have no idea who recommended it to me but this is way too lewd for me. Let alone it's way more graphic than American Pie - a movie that this film gets compared to frequently. The film does attempt a serious position towards the end but by then you've already forgotten the plot. If you're old enough to drive, avoid this steaming pile of garbage at all costs. I'm sure legions of young Korean teenagers hail this movie for reasons that are too graphic to mention here, but it's wasted on anyone who can legally buy alcohol.
디워 (Dragon War) - 2007 - Modern Fantasy - - Background Information and Plot Summary
Holy. crap. this. movie. is. terrible. So terrible, it is almost fun to watch. No, not like Starship Troopers where it is actually enjoyable - I mean this might be the worst movie I have seen in my adult life. It's that bad. First off, it is a Korean-produced film with over 70% of the dialogue in English. The film was aimed at a Western audience primarily although it did quite well in South Korea. The script is horrifyingly unnatural (but at least it is in English, right?). The special effects are outstanding, actually, but that's it. The lack of on-screen chemistry between to the two leads is enough to make you cringe for two hours straight. I did. For that matter, the female lead seems fresh out of acting class - or at least playing hooky. The only redeeming value to watching this dreadful attempt to capture a Western audience is the supporting role played by none other than Craig Robinson (Darrel from NBC's The Office). I have yet to hear his comments on just how bad this movie is.
= 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
= Overall recommendable
= Watch at your risk
= 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 커피프린스 (Coffee Prince) - 2007 - Romantic Comedy - - Background Information and Plot Summary
Hands down the best Korean drama to date. The characters make this drama so special to me. I love when there are distinct characters that all create a dynamic group such as the entire cast of Coffee Prince. The sub-stories almost steal the show. The music is modern and quirky. 윤은혜 is the absolute cutest thing in this show. The male lead is actually more than tolerable. His dynamicism is a welcome change of pace in the face of stoic and rigid archetypes. Shocking! I know I sound like a fanboy, but seriously this was a fantastic production; Korean or otherwise. Enough. watch it. Seriously.
연애결혼 (Love Marriage) - 2008 - Romantic Comedy/Drama - - Background Information and Plot Summary
This one started off a bit slow and predictable but after a few episodes (only 16 total) it got very fun to watch. I always enjoy a drama with a unique backdrop. This one centers around a couple manager (match maker) and a divorce lawyer. Don't let this cute production with it's super, insanely skinny lead female (who was very much a delight throughout the whole show) fool you: this show will teach a foreigner a lot about breakups, divorce, engagement, dating, and taboos regarding all the above. I feel that I learned more than I actually enjoyed - and I really liked this show. I'd also like to add that the music was few and far between but very catchy and modern - no cheesy ballads - just upbeat songs that get STUCK in your head for hours on end. I'm surprised more people haven't heard of this show before but either way, I had a lot of fun watching it - especially towards the end. Some might complain at the idealistic ending but as long as you know that it's just a drama and not a reflection on real life, then it's a good one. All in all, it leaves you with a pleasant feeling and plenty of funny moments to recall. I'm sad that this one flew under the radar.
꽃보다 남자 (Boys Over Flowers) - 2009 - Romantic Comedy/Drama - - Background Information and Plot Summary
I don't have anything particularly riveting to add to this mammoth of a drama. It's success is legendary and the culturally impact can't be ignored. Even people who don't watch dramas watched this one. It was fun, well produced and enjoyable. It had some slow parts and some awkward acting moments, most notably from SS501's poster boy. The story isn't earth shattering and although it was a great show, like some dramas, it was predictable. I still prefer 연애결혼 to this one any day but I'm glad I watched it anyways. It's worth your time.
꽃보다 남자 (Boys Over Flowers) - 2009 - Romantic Comedy/Drama - - Background Information and Plot SummaryI don't have anything particularly riveting to add to this mammoth of a drama. It's success is legendary and the culturally impact can't be ignored. Even people who don't watch dramas watched this one. It was fun, well produced and enjoyable. It had some slow parts and some awkward acting moments, most notably from SS501's poster boy. The story isn't earth shattering and although it was a great show, like some dramas, it was predictable. I still prefer 연애결혼 to this one any day but I'm glad I watched it anyways. It's worth your time.
풀하우스 (Full House) - 2004 - Romantic Comedy/Drama - - Background Information and Plot Summary
Classic Korean drama - internationally successful. This was the reason why people turned on their TV in the summer of 2004. the lead male actor isn't the worst actor in history, but he's not convincing. The female lead is quite talented, however. The story itself is slightly repetitive but overall enjoyable. It is certainly worth watching once. The dialogue is simple and easy to follow so I do applaud it for that - I can remember learning at least half a dozen phrases from this show alone. The music is memorable. The house itself will make you sick it's so nice. Oh, and this show has nothing to do with the dreadful early 90s American television series. *shudder*
