As much as we love watching Korean dramas, we are also hooked on movies made in South Korea. It’s just proof of how good Koreans are at telling stories that don’t just make you laugh, or amazed, but also touch your heart.
Below are seven of the many Korean movies, other that the tear-jerking, heart-wrenching Miracle in Cell No. 7 that will surely warm your heart.
My Annoying Brother/Hyung (2017)
The movie tells the story of Doo Shik (Joo Jung Suk) and his younger step-brother, Doo Young (D.O.). Doo Shik is jailed for fraud, while Doo Young is a promising judo athlete, who went blind due to a competitive match.
Using his brother’s situation, Doo Shik pleads with the parole board for his release from prison. Upon coming home, he found the house in disarray and Doo Young shut away from the world. Despite the hate they feel towards each other, they still manage to bridge those years of resentment and being apart…only to be separated again by cancer!
The film is full of brotherly love (and hate) which is made more convincing by Jo Jung Suk and D.O.’s commendable acting.
A Stray Goat/Nunbal (2016)
Min Sik’s family moved to his father’s hometown. There, he meets a group of rough boys and eventually becomes involved in several delinquent activities, including making Ye Joo’s life more difficult. Ye Joo is a timid girl whose father is accused of murder. Although her father is released for the lack of strong evidence, the townspeople still think he is guilty. Because of this, Ye Joo becomes a target of bullying in school. As Min Sik and Ye Joo’s life become more entangled, Min Sik starts to see her differently until they become close friends.
Filled with a somber wintry ambiance, the movie depicts a sad reality of a prejudiced society with two people trying to survive: an innocent young woman and a young man full of guilt.
The ending of the film may seem ‘hanging’ for some viewers, but it actually let you reflect and think about your own ending for the film. It is an open-ended type of film that leaves you with something to ponder upon.
The Beauty Inside (2015)
Every day, Woo Jin changes into a different person: old, teen, child, woman, man, etc. It has been his ordeal since he turned eighteen. Although he has gotten used to it, it has still become a challenge when he met E-Soo (Han Hyo Joo) and eventually fell in love. Woo Jin tried to stay awake for three days to keep the face E-Soo met, but failed after drifting off in a subway.
The film shows the struggles of Woo Jin despite getting used to his situation. They reflect our own individual struggles, especially those that concern our appearance and how other people perceive us. Fortunately, he finds the acceptance he needs from his mother, his best friend, and eventually, from E-Soo. But it wasn’t easy.
It may not be something that will require you a box of tissue, but still, this movie will surely move you and make you realize that love is all about acceptance.
A Werewolf Boy (2012)
A Werewolf Boy is a box-office hit in South Korea. It may be attributed to Song Joon Ki’s commendable acting as the boy who acts like a wolf. His character is something that doesn’t need a lot of lines, but superb convincing acting which Joong Ki totally pulled off.
The tone and color of the movie is something nostalgic, giving off warmth to the viewers. Although people who haven’t watched it yet think it is the same as Twilight, rest assured, the movie is a story on its own.
Wedding Dress (2010)
It follows the story of Go Eun (Song Yoon Ah), a wedding dressmaker and single mother to So Ra (Kim Hyang Gi). She hasn’t spent enough time with her, which is why when she discovered she has cancer, she starts dedicating all her time to her daughter. Go Eun hides her sickness from her family, but So Ra eventually gets to know. She tries to fulfill her mother’s wishes one by one and be the best daughter she can be.
The film gives us a beautifully warm tale of a mother and a daughter who will do everything to make each other happy despite the very limited time. It is at the same time sad, but will certainly make us realize the importance of showing love to our parents while we still have enough time.
Windstruck (2004)
The film is starred by actor Jang Hyuk and top actress, Jun Ji Hyun. It’s about a tough policewoman, Yeo Kyung Jin (Jun Ji Hyun) who mistakenly thought Go Myung Woo (Jan Hyuk), a physics teacher, was the mugger she was chasing. Eventually, after a series of comic incidence, they fell in love.
A tragic accident killed Myung Woo, an event that you may already expect when he said that he wanted to become the wind if he were to die. Kyung Jin falls into depression after his death and repeatedly attempted suicide. Then, on the 49th day of his death, Myung Woo appears before her and bid his final farewell.
Although people have been comparing this film with Sassy Girl, the drama that Jun Ji Hyun also starred in and was also directed by the same director as Windstruck, this film still deserves to be on your list of to-watch.
A Moment to Remember (2004)
Watching this film, you’ll need to have a lot of tissue with you. As Soo Jin’s disease worsens, Chul Soo’s commitment and love for his wife also strengthen. Behind his rugged appearance is Chul Soo’s soft, caring heart for his sick wife. She may seem to have forgotten him, but still he tries his best to take care of him even though it hurts him at times.
It is certainly a good movie, one that will teach you about the kind of love that is committed, patient and true.
Which of these have you already watched and left you spacing out? Any other Korean movies you’d like to add?
First published on Chuutalk.com in 2018.