The Korean film industry has been steadily gaining recognition in the international community for its compelling storytelling, intricate character development, and thought-provoking themes. These qualities are exemplified in the five films we will be exploring in this post: Decision to Leave, Burning, Broker, Oldboy, and Parasite. Each of these award-winning works of art represents the pinnacle of Korean cinema’s artistic achievements and serves as a testament to the boundless creativity and talent of Korean filmmakers. In this intellectually stimulating and visually stunning journey, we delve into the heart of Korean cinema and celebrate its triumphs on the world stage.
1. Decision to Leave (2022)
“Decision to Leave” is a film that examines themes of love and obsession in the context of a murder investigation. The film stars Park Hae-il as Hae-jun, a police officer who becomes obsessed with the Chinese wife of a businessman who died in what seems to be a mountain climbing accident. The situation becomes complicated as Hae-jun’s feelings for Seo-rae, played by Tang Wei, cloud his vision and judgment. The film employs Park Chan-wook’s signature style, which includes shocking violence, the eccentric portrayal of love, and complex narratives that employ surprising twists.
The film is heavily inspired by a Korean love song “Angae” and has a touch of Masumura’s “A Wife Confesses” and Hitchcock’s “Vertigo”. The story explores Hae-jun’s personal struggle with insomnia and his need for meaning in life, which is fulfilled by his attempts at solving mysteries. The spectator is constantly left guessing whether Seo-rae is leading Hae-jun on or not, adding an additional air of mystery to the character.
Park’s style and narration obfuscate the sense of space and time, creating a complex plot told in a fast pace with constant jumps back-and-forth between scenes. The editing creates a luring kaleidoscope of ambivalent emotions and a sense of a gaze that defies dimensions of space and time. The formal approach might make the film a little challenging to follow, but the atmosphere of the neo-noir melodrama is what makes “Decision to Leave” a standout work.
“Decision to Leave” is a captivating film that portrays the subjects of love and obsession in the midst of a murder investigation. At the Cannes Film Festival, the film was honored with the Best Director Prize, affirming its status as a remarkable work from the celebrated director. The film is a must-see for fans of the director and for those who enjoy neo-noir melodramas.
2. Burning (2018)
“Burning” is a highly enigmatic film that tackles a number of social, economic and psychological issues in contemporary South Korea. Adapted from Haruki Murakami’s short story “Barn Burning,” the film is a complex, multi-layered narrative that resists easy categorization. Some viewers have described it as a thriller about a missing person, an allegory of class division, a study of generational alienation, a fable about modern consumerism, a dramatization of psychological breakdown and genetically inherited rage, an analysis of socio-economic disenfranchisement, a critique of toxic masculinity and its concomitant misogyny, and a condemnation of middle-class gentrification.
At its core, “Burning” is a psychological drama that follows the story of Lee Jong-su, an aspiring novelist, and his relationship with two other individuals: Shin Hae-mi and Ben. Through their interactions, the film inspects a range of themes including toxic masculinity, alpha and beta males, economics and consumerism, class, the place of women in Korean society, sexual jealousy, the death of a bucolic way of life, working-class privations, faceless capitalism, the price of success, hope, and writer’s block. The film’s narrative structure is such that it raises numerous questions, only a few of which are answered clearly. This leaves viewers with a sense of ambiguity and the task of trying to decode the film’s multiple layers of meaning.
The film also highlights the growing divide between the middle and working classes in South Korea and the castes and hierarchies of privilege and social standing that exist in the country. It contrasts the swanky lifestyles of the middle class with the struggling, working-class existence of Lee Jong-su, a representative of a generation of working-class people who are economically worse off than their parents were at the same age. The film also delves into gender politics, exploring the portrayal of women in Korean society and the social, psychological, and economic dynamics between men and women. With its central themes, “Burning” presents a sophisticated and challenging reflection on South Korean society today and the human experience in general.
Despite not receiving the prestigious Palme d’Or award in Cannes, “Burning” was still widely recognized for its exceptional art direction and received the Vulcan Award. The film was also honored with the Best Foreign-Language Film award from both the Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA) and the Toronto Film Critics Association (TFCA), solidifying its status as a standout work.
3. Broker (2022)
“Broker,” the latest offering from the celebrated director Hirokazu Koreeda, is a moving social drama that investigates themes of family, adoption, and ethical challenges. The film features strong performances from its cast, led by Song Kang-ho, who won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival this year.
The film tells the story of Sang-hyeon, a laundromat owner, and Dong-soo, who volunteer at a church with a baby box, which they use to conduct an illegal business of selling babies to wealthy families on the adoption black market. The arrival of So-young, a young mother who returns the next day after dropping her baby in the box, leads to a journey of self-discovery as they set out to find the proper family for her child. Meanwhile, two detectives are hot on their trail.
Hirokazu Koreeda’s script presents the moral dilemma of selling an orphan baby in a nuanced manner, without being preachy or didactic. Through multiple viewpoints from his characters, the director explores the issue and deconstructs what makes a family a family. He believes in people and champions for the misfit, and his optimism shines through the film even as it deals with a heavy, depressing subject.
The film has received mixed reviews, with some praising its tenderness, warmth, and naturalistic performances, while others feel that some of the subplots do not contribute in a manner that enriches the viewing experience. Despite this, “Broker” is generally acknowledged as a film that tackles the intricacies of adoption and family relationships in a profound and impactful way, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.
4. Oldboy (2003)
“Oldboy” is a film that defies convention and boasts a unique and original vision. Directed by Chan-wook Park, this bleak and dark production is expertly crafted and boasts outstanding performances, particularly from leading man Choi Min-sik. Min-sik brings a raw intensity to his role that captivates the audience, making his character fully believable. Kang Hye-jeong, as the love interest Mido, is also noteworthy, exuding a captivating charm that is the perfect counterpart to Min-sik’s intensity.
The story of “Oldboy” is a masterful work of scripting, which takes its time in unfolding the mystery piece by piece. The use of surreal elements, such as the infamous octopus-eating scene, adds to the film’s haunting atmosphere. The film’s technical aspects are also noteworthy, with highlights including the tooth-pulling torture scene and the one-take corridor battle. The climax of the film is both shocking and gut-punching, revealing the true motivations behind Oh Dae-su’s imprisonment.
“Oldboy” is a challenging film that is not for the faint of heart. With its intense violence and brutal imagery, it is not suitable for younger audiences. Despite this, it is an affecting work of cinema that represented a new wave in film making, acting, and script writing. The director, Park Chan-wook, was honored with the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes, a testament to the film’s brilliance. The acting, particularly that of Choi Min-sik, is truly impressive and the story, with its numerous twists, is both beautiful and intelligent. Ultimately, “Oldboy” is a film that is not to be missed by those with a strong constitution and a desire to see a truly exceptional and sickening story unfold.
5. Parasite (2019)
“Parasite”, the 2019 South Korean black comedy thriller film directed by the acclaimed Bong Joon-ho, explores the complex relationship between wealth and poverty through the lens of a struggling lower-class family and a wealthy family they attempt to infiltrate. This critically and commercially successful work of art earned numerous accolades, including four Oscars at the 92nd Academy Awards, making it a milestone in Korean cinema as the first South Korean film to receive the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and the first foreign language film to be honored with the prestigious award for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
The film serves as a poignant commentary on class struggles, illuminating the stark differences between the rich and poor, as well as the determination of the lower class to improve their circumstances. The themes of survival also feature prominently, as the struggling family endeavors to maintain their newfound prosperity while maneuvering through the treacherous waters of the wealthy family’s world.
The cinematography and direction in “Parasite” are truly remarkable, making it a visual spectacle for audiences to enjoy. The haunting beauty of the soundtrack masterfully complements the themes and atmosphere of the film. The talented cast, particularly Song Kang-ho and Lee Sun-kyun in their respective portrayals of the head of the struggling and wealthy families, deliver outstanding performances.
To concldue, “Parasite” is a tour-de-force of powerful storytelling and thought-provoking cinema, and is a must-watch for those who appreciate these qualities. Its universal themes of class struggles and survival will resonate with audiences from all walks of life, making it a timeless and captivating film.
To summarize, the five films Decision to Leave, Burning, Broker, Oldboy, and Parasite exemplify the diversity of themes and styles in Korean cinema, including personal struggles, psychological thrillers, and more. These films provide a unique look at the human experience, examining complex relationships, societal inequalities, and the boundaries of revenge and justice. The films’ captivating storytelling, thought-provoking imagery, and memorable characters attest to the power of cinema to move and inspire audiences. The immense talent of the filmmakers and actors and the importance of telling diverse and meaningful stories are evident through the films’ diverse themes and styles.
Additionally, the recognition these films have received on the international film festival circuit underscores the rising status of Korean cinema in the global film landscape. With awards from Cannes, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, and the Toronto Film Critics Association, these films have established themselves as standout works in Korean cinema and have contributed to the increasing prominence of Korean cinema in the international film community. These accolades serve as a testament to the quality and impact of Korean cinema and its position as a leading force in the global film landscape.
Terafty 
Leave a comment