Doggy Poo: cute existential heartwarmer about the value of all creation
Kwon Ohsung, “Doggy Poo” / “Ganggajidong” (2003) Here is a very sweet and beautiful little film about having purpose in life and being valuable in the greater…
Korean Films
Reviews of Korean-language films I find significant or interesting.
Spider Forest: amusing psych horror / art-house drama that maps an amnesiac mind’s networks
Song Ilgon, “Spider Forest” (2004) Amusing if eccentric film that straddles a grey zone between art-house drama and psychological horror thriller, “Spider Forest” carries themes about…
Members of the Funeral: interesting film about a dysfunctional family of self-absorbed isolates
Baek Seungbin, “Members of the Funeral” (2008) An interesting little gem from South Korea that’s flown under the radar of many movie websites, this film probes…
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter … and Spring: lovely to look at but hollow
Kim Kiduk, “Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter … and Spring” (2003) Presented in five episodes that mimic the yearly cycle of the seasons, this film follows a…
The Host (dir. Bong Joonho): political and social commentary combine with strong characters in monster flick
Bong Joonho, “The Host” (2006) Often billed as a horror film, “The Host” actually has as much comedy, drama and suspense thriller as it has horror.…
Memories of Murder: masterpiece film about rival detectives in a corrupt society
Bong Joonho, “Memories of Murder” (2003) A sober film based on actual events about a group of detectives in rural South Korea investigating a series of…
Sympathy for Lady Vengeance: disturbing film about vengeance and how it distorts humanity in a warped society
Park Chanwook, “Sympathy for Lady Vengeance” (2005) “… Lady Vengeance” is the third of South Korean director Park Chanwook’s revenge-themed movie trilogy that began with “Sympathy…
The Good, the Bad, the Weird: escapist and fun spoof homage to Sergio Leone spaghetti / paella Westerns
Kim Jiwoon, “The Good, the Bad, the Weird” (2010) An affectionate homage to Sergio Leone’s spaghetti / paella Westerns of the 1960’s, this Korean riff on…
Mother (by Bong Joonho): force of nature that can’t be pigeon-holed
Bong Joonho, “Mother” (2008) There aren’t many good movies these days where the central character is a middle-aged woman. Of course she’s a mother – most…
The Housemaid (dir. Im Sang-soo) delivers high-gloss soap opera entertainment
Im Sang-soo “The Housemaid” (2010) How do you remake an old film regarded as a classic and made by a director who’s not only influenced you…