Impressionable and Recommendable Korean Movies

We have finally come to the end of the blogathon week. Wow, what a week indeed. I did miss out on one day but I made two posts the next day, so don't kill me. So if anyone is counting, I've done 6 reviews in one week. That's probably the most reviews, or posts, I've ever done ever. I may need to give myself a pat in the back. So today, instead of writing a review, I'm going to write about my top Korean movies.

You have to realize beforehand that the genres I've been watching is limited because 1. I'm a scaredy cat and 2. I'm very squeamish. So automatically thrillers, horrors, and war films are out of the question. I know that's a little unfair because I've heard that Koreans make excellent thrillers, horrors, and war films. I'm sorry, but unless I have a way to reduce endless nightmares after such viewing them then I'm not going to watch them. So the infamous Vengeance Trilogy is out of the question, people.

With that said, I've listed five movies that I've watched in the past three years that I found really enjoyable. They're only in alphabetical order and not in actual least to best order, because I'm lazy like that, and because I think it's a little unfair to do so. I may have also missed out on a few movies that I've watched and enjoyed, because seriously I couldn't remember all the movies that I've watched. So here they are, the movies that impressed me and that I recommend to you all.

Antique (2008), comedy, directed by Min Kyu-dong, starring Joo Ji-hoon, Kim Jae-wook, Yoo Ah-in, and Choi Ji-ho. If anyone asks me what my favorite K-movie ever, this is probably my answer. This movie isn't earth shattering, but it's sweet in the best way possible. My favorite thing about this movie is the cakes and the chemistry. The cakes look absolutely gorgeous and the chemistry between the four men are awesome. Maybe I was distracted by the shiny, but no denial here. I'm not sure if everyone would want to watch it but I guess it wouldn't hurt if you did.


Bleak Night (2011), drama, directed by Yoon Sung-hyun, starring Lee Je-hoon, Seo Jun-young, Park Jung-min, and Jo Sung-ha. Definitely the gemstone of the year. I think everyone else will agree with the fact that this little school project was phenomenal. I really loved and appreciated what this movie has to offer. I've said a whole mouthful of words in my review so I don't think I need to say much more here.


Marathon (2005), drama, directed by Jung Yoon-chul, starring Jo Seung-woo, Kim Mi-sook, and Lee Ki-young. While I was disappointed by another disability-themed movie that I've reviewed previously, this one is gold. It's not a perfect depiction of autism per se, as every individual is different in their own way, but this movie was full of heart. I was charmed by Jo's performance in The Classic, but this is the movie that solidified him as the A-list star he is today. The struggle of a mother and her autistic child is beautifully captured. Bring the tissues because it is very touching.

My Girlfriend is an Agent (2009), comedy, directed by Shim Tae-ra, starring Lee Ha-neul and Kang Ji-hwan. This is definitely a laugh-out-loud comedy. Even though there's a main plot in the movie, I think the charm is in the scenes in between. When Jaejoon (Kang) tried to break up with Suji (Lee) over the phone, I found myself rolling in laughter despite it only being a few minutes in the movie. It's just good fun and great laughter, brought to you by two great comedic actors.

My Sassy Girl (2001), romance, directed by Kwak Jae-young, starring Cha Tae-hyun and Jeon Ji-hyun. You know this movie is going to be here somewhere. Usually on recommended K-movies, a majority are the famed thrillers which I've steered away from. But this is the odd romance film that just suddenly pops. And in the many, many lists I've seen, this movie shows up numerous times, and for a good reason. It's the perfect combination of romance, comedy, and drama and the best of what Korean narration can do. The plot is complex yet not overly confusing, and there's a lot of heart into the movie. Even if you're not a fan of K-movies, this is a definite recommended because it's just that good.

As you can see I'm probably not doing fair for many movies. I'm sure I forgot a few that I've watched. I've also realized that I haven't really watched too many movies. I think that should change. And maybe I should suck in my gut and watch a Vengeance movie one of these days, but I'll need to get a buddy to do so. If you have any recommended or favorite movies, let me know! I'd love to know what all of you like to watch, even the "forbidden" genres.

And this post also marks the end of my participation in the 2012 Korean Blogathon! Thank you so much to those of you who have read my posts, and those of you who have submitted such great posts for this blogathon. I haven't read all too many of them, but the ones that I did were fabulous. I'd probably get to all the posts someday. I'm so happy to be part of such an amazing event, and you'll be sure that I'll be back next year. Hopefully with more variety of films and better quality posts. Til then!