Train to Busan

HOLY SNOT THIS IS THE BEST ZOMBIE FILM I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE. Hell, it's the best action film I've ever seen, let alone the best zombie film. And how many zombie films have you seen that will make you cry from sheer tragic gutwreching emotion on multiple occasions? I swear, a film like this could only be made in Korea. Korean directors have a unique visual and visceral style that lent itself perfectly to this film. The direction was outstanding, and the script fleshed out and perfectly told. The acting was incredible, and so was the music. I can't say a single bad thing about this film. It's just amazing. OMG, rent this. 5/5

Train to Busan on Netflix

Silenced

This drama about the sexual and physical brutalization of deaf children at a school in Korea is tremendously difficult to watch. The scenes of the abuse are incredibly graphic, disturbingly so. I honestly questioned how some of these scenes were shot, that's how realistic it seemed. The child actors were all tremendously talented. The script was well crafted, and the direction breathtaking. The fact that this is a true story of an at-the-time ongoing case is the kicker. If you watched and enjoyed "Spotlight" this is definitely something you should watch as well. It's a smaller story than in "Spotlight", but a better film in my opinion. Just... be prepared. This is gut-wrenching. 5/5

Silenced on Netflix

The Handmaiden

This is easily one of the best pictures of last year. I can't imagine why it wasn't nominated for multiple Academy Awards - perhaps it wasn't released in theaters? The direction is masterful. For the entirety of the film I marveled at it, so I wasn't surprised to see Park Chan-Wook's name in the credits. He's a genius, and I've been a fan of his work for many years. The story is absolutely intriguing, and the acting is top-notch. There isn't a true flaw in this film - it's a genuine masterpiece. A must see. 5/5

The Handmaiden on Netflix

A Tale of Two Sisters

This Korean horror film confused the hell out of me. I didn't understand the relationships of the characters for most of the movie, and thus the huge plot twists throughout the end left me feeling uncertain as to what I was watching. I'm still really confused by the very end. From reading other reviews it seems I need to see it multiple times to really understand it, but I don't know that I care enough to, quite honestly. I was totally gripped by it throughout, and the direction was very strong, and the acting was also superb. So... I'm mixed. 3/5

A Tale of Two Sisters on Netflix

Bedevilled

I'm a big fan of Korean revenge thrillers, and this is one of the best I've seen in a long while, in a similar vein to "Lady Vengeance" and "I Saw the Devil". VERY brutal, very dark, very cohesive. I had to take off half a star for a really bizarre thing that happens in the second half of the film that's never explained though, a real "Texas Chainsaw Massacre what happened to the trucker" moment. Otherwise, truly wonderful. 4.5/5

Bedevilled on Netflix

I'm a Cyborg, but That's Okay

One of the most stunningly original movies I've ever seen - Park Chan-Wook is a genius. Amazing. 5/5

I'm a Cyborg, but That's Okay on Netflix

301/302

This Korean thriller is at times fascinating & at others uneven & hard to follow, but I liked the spirit of it. 3/5

301/302 on Netflix

Poetry

This South Korean drama softly & gently tells of great violence & darkness - the contrasts are just amazing. Lovely. 4/5

Poetry on Netflix

The Yellow Sea

This South Korean thriller is epic & marvelous in its ambition & execution - I was captivated for every frame. 4.5/5

The Yellow Sea on Netflix

Real Fiction

This early Kim Ki-duk film was a big miss for me with an ambiguous messy plot that just meanders around. Related question - what is Kim Ki-Duk's preoccupation with sexual assault? It's in nearly all of his films. Odd that. 2.5/5

Real Fiction on Netflix

Treeless Mountain

This Korean film is understated & dark in it's tale of lost children. Magnificently acting, very affecting. 3.5/5

Treeless Mountain on Netflix

Samaritan Girl

This Kim Ki-Duk film isn't as satisfying or profound as many of his other works but is quite beautiful. 3/5

Samaritan Girl on Netflix

Joint Security Area

Park Chan-Wook's early drama is masterfully written, suspenseful, & perfectly acted. What a wonderful film 5/5

Joint Security Area on Netflix

Bad Guy

Kim Ki-Duk's disturbing & very rapey drama is also surprisingly tender & sweet - I do love his silent characters. 4/5

Bad Guy on Netflix

The Bow

The 12th film by Kim Ki-Duk is quite creepy with an odd ending but still strangely compelling. Very fascinating. 3/5

The Bow on Netflix

Time

Kim Ki-Duk paints a marvelous picture of self-annihilation in this twisted thriller/drama with wonderful acting. 4/5

Time on Netflix

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring

A beautiful, ephemeral allegory about the nature of existence, gorgeous & simple. 4/5

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring on Netflix

3-Iron

This is possibly the best magical realist films I've ever seen - haunting & utterly unforgettable. Thank you Hal for the recommendation! 5/5

3-Iron on Netflix

Memories of Murder

This South Korean thriller based on actual events is taut, suspenseful & gives nothing away. Well done. 3.5/5

Memories of Murder on Netflix

Kimjongilia

A powerful, unflinching & brave documentary that exposes the horrors of North Korean life like few others films. 4/5

Kimjongilia on Netflix