I know there are a lot of K-drama fans out there, but if you have yet to see any Korean movies, then boy are you missing out. If you need some place to start, here’s a list of my favorite Korean movies, most of which I watched years ago and a few that came out recently. [I tried to keep my comments short so I don't spoil anything. And sorry not all the trailers have English subs.]
A Wolf’s Temptation [aka Romance of their Own] [2004]
A sweet romance with your typical love triangle. If you haven’t seen the famous Kang Dong Won umbrella scene, you may have been clueless during some variety show references [although I'm unsure if they do it anymore but I know they used to do it on some shows]. And when you start watching this, you might not believe that the main girl is the same one in Flower Boy Ramyun Shop. This movie will take you through a roller coaster of emotions from it’s funny and cute scenes to violent and tragic scenes. I watched it for the second time just recently and it was still an enjoyable movie.
Warning: You may end up crying by the end of this.
Warning: You may end up crying by the end of this.
100 Days With Mr. Arrogant [2004]
Another classic features well-known actors Ha Ji Won [Secret Garden] and Kim Jae Won [She Is Nineteen]. The 2004 hit rom-com is still pretty popular today and a must-see. Also, this is where the good old "slave agreements" start. I'd say it's been quite a while since I've seen such a quirky Ha Ji Won. Overall, the ending is quite satisfying.
[Warning: There is one "Dare" scene that just might make you want to throw up.]
[Warning: There is one "Dare" scene that just might make you want to throw up.]
He Was Cool [2004]
Another classic features Song Seung Hun [My Princess, Time Slip Dr. Jin] and Jung Da Bin [She Is Nineteen]. A cute love story about an optimistic girl who changes a boy that’s only familiar with violence and is a well-known bully. You will definitely fall in love with their love story. And it is definitely refreshing to see Song Seung Hun play this kind of role. And again, a very satisfying ending.
200 Pounds of Beauty [2006]
Featuring singer Kim Ah Joong and Ju Jin Mo, this movie is bound to get your attention. The story is about an overweight but talented girl who lacks self-confidence. After plastic surgery, will she sky rocket to fame or will people look down on her un-natural beauty? I for one loved this movie for its comedy and romance. And I've had friends who have shown positive responses as well.
Windstruck [2004]
Another sweet love story with Jeon Ji Hyun [My Sassy Girl] and Jang Hyuk [Chuno]. Some believe this to be a prequel to the ever so popular My Sassy Girl. I can't say much except that one event can really change a person's life.
[Warning: This is another one of those movies that might make you tear up.]
Another sweet love story with Jeon Ji Hyun [My Sassy Girl] and Jang Hyuk [Chuno]. Some believe this to be a prequel to the ever so popular My Sassy Girl. I can't say much except that one event can really change a person's life.
[Warning: This is another one of those movies that might make you tear up.]
A Millionaire’s First Love [2006]
Featuring heart throb Hyun Bin [Secret Garden] and Lee Yeon Hee [Paradise Ranch], this tragic love story is about exactly what the movie is named. This rich heir has to prove that he’s worthy of inheriting his grandfather’s inheritance. [If you're a DBSK fan, I recommend you look up the ost for this movie. DBSK - Insa. Also, listen to Jaejoong's version.]
Featuring heart throb Hyun Bin [Secret Garden] and Lee Yeon Hee [Paradise Ranch], this tragic love story is about exactly what the movie is named. This rich heir has to prove that he’s worthy of inheriting his grandfather’s inheritance. [If you're a DBSK fan, I recommend you look up the ost for this movie. DBSK - Insa. Also, listen to Jaejoong's version.]
Antique Bakery [2008]
This movie is completely different from all the other movies I’ve listed so far. It is based off of a manga and the cast includes well-known actors Joo Ji Hoon [Goong], Kim Jae Wook [Coffee Prince], Yoo Ah In [Sung Kyun Kwan Scandal], and Choi Ji Ho. It’s about a guy who sets up a bakery in order to find a woman for himself. He hires Kim Jae Wook’s character who *cough* had a crush on him in the past. A lot of things start to unfold as the group runs the successful bakery.
This movie is completely different from all the other movies I’ve listed so far. It is based off of a manga and the cast includes well-known actors Joo Ji Hoon [Goong], Kim Jae Wook [Coffee Prince], Yoo Ah In [Sung Kyun Kwan Scandal], and Choi Ji Ho. It’s about a guy who sets up a bakery in order to find a woman for himself. He hires Kim Jae Wook’s character who *cough* had a crush on him in the past. A lot of things start to unfold as the group runs the successful bakery.
Fly Daddy Fly [2006]
Starring Lee Junki [My Girl, Illjimae] and Lee Moon Shik [Illjimae, Queen Seon Deuk] and Kim Soeun who plays Lee Moon Shik’s character’s daughter. It is a great story about how a father goes through intense training to punish the boy who sexually assaulted his daughter. And this is where Lee Junki’s character comes into play, by training the dad in fighting.
[Fun Fact: tickets were sold out before the movie even opened]
Starring Lee Junki [My Girl, Illjimae] and Lee Moon Shik [Illjimae, Queen Seon Deuk] and Kim Soeun who plays Lee Moon Shik’s character’s daughter. It is a great story about how a father goes through intense training to punish the boy who sexually assaulted his daughter. And this is where Lee Junki’s character comes into play, by training the dad in fighting.
[Fun Fact: tickets were sold out before the movie even opened]
Sunny [2011]
After a long streak of slightly depressing love stories, this movie is sure to lift your spirits. A sweet comedy about friendship. I actually watched this movie with my friends and we loved it. You will laugh and cry throughout the movie because it is that enjoyable. And you might notice some familiar faces like Kang Sora, Min Hyorin and Shim Eunkyung.
Hmmn. 9 movies is great but I like to end with a better number like 10 so here’s a bonus movie that I recommend to you guys. It’s not Korean but it is definitely worth your time. I hope you guys like it. It has Jay Chou. It might actually remind you of Korean movies Il Mare [American remake The Lake House] and Ditto.
If you go and actually watch any of these, make sure you let me know what you thought in the comments below.
I like your entry! I had personally watched 5movies that you had mentioned and I guess I love "Sunny" movie the most though.
ReplyDeleteIt's really a great movie storyline, and close to our personal life isn't it? ^^
Thanks. ^^ Sunny is also a personal favorite of mine. I watched it with my friends and that made it all the more special and enjoyable. It was a good laugh.
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