Classics of Korean Cinema

With the triple Oscar wins of director Bong Joon-Ho, Korean films have reached a pinnacle in world cinema standings. His current success builds on the early works of many talented filmmakers; many of whom had to fight against the censorship and control of previous dictatorial regimes. Today let’s look at some of the groundbreaking and fantastic movies that are the building blocks of the modern Korean cinema. Here are 9 great movies that you might have missed!

The Housemaid (1960 with an IMDB rating of 7.2)

Writer/director Kim Ki-young’s first of his “housemaid” trilogy is a powerful statement on the class and gender biases inherent in Korean culture. While this is a theme that is prevalent in almost all great Korean films, it was here that Kim cemented the story for generations to come. Part film noir/part domestic thriller, ‘The Housemaid’ is still one of the best films to ever come out of South Korea. So powerful that the government ordered additional footage added to the ending to blunt the impact to viewers. Be sure to get the 1960 original and not the 2010 remake.

Aimless Bullet (1961 with a rating of 7.2)

This story of post-war survival amid family tensions, societal breakdown and financial pressures is amazing. Director Yu Hyun-mok created deeply flawed characters struggling in a vastly changed world. You will find people to root for and against in this pillar of Korean cinema. Both dark and inspiring, ‘Aimless Bullet’ provides ample insight into a war-torn nation.

The Coachman (1961 with a rating of 6.6)

Consider this a compare and contrast with ‘Aimless Bullet’. In ‘The Coachman’ director Kang Dae-jin and writer Hee-jae Lim allow optimism to survive in the very difficult times in post-war Korea. The title character attempts to provide for his family with the rapidly disappearing business of horse drawn carts. Each of his 4 children face unique challenges to prosper in the ever changing world. Strong and uplifting in its vision of hope and family.