Korean movies have really opened up the world to a whole new spin on the cinematic experience. And yet, it is not always like that as films can take a hammering at the box office. Here are some of the Korean movies you should avoid.
My Wife Is a Gangster 2003
We are joined by the main character, Eun-jin, a former leader of the notorious ‘Scissor Gang.’ They are known for their extreme violence and their stubbornness in getting what they want. Things have changed for Eun-jin, though. He is no longer the same man as he has been burdened with amnesia. In a film that takes us through his journey of self-discovery, Eun ends up defending Jae-cheol’s restaurant against a team of gangsters who want it.
Korean Movies That You Should Avoid
The film has been criticised for weak pacing and not having enough action in the latter half of the movie. In addition, the revenue at the office box did not generate enough funds to justify the project.
Release Date: 5 September 2003
Cast: Eun-Kyung Shin, Jun Gyu Park, Se-jin Jang, Hyeon-kyeong Ryu
Doma Ahn Jung-Geun 2004
We are joined in the midst of a war. The main character, Ahn Jung Geun, is a high ranking leader of a separatist movement. He has just killed a Japanese general residing in Korea. Upon being captured, he confesses to the crime, but there are parts of his account that simply do not add up. Is he hiding something?
The film was criticised for its lack of depth on the characters and weak casting. There was not enough suspense in what was billed as a war/action movie.
Release Date: 27 August 2004
Cast: Oh-seong Yu, Yun Ju-sang, Du-shim Ko, Seong-mo Jeong
Love: Impossible 2003
Chul-su is an archaeology student, but his interests are anything but that subject. He has a keen eye for girls, but he must graduate. What can he do? Well, he mixes education and pleasure by going to China on an excavation. It is there that he meets a North Korean student, who is doing rather well. They are searching for an ancient tomb, but will they fall for each other as they continue to work together?
The movie was received negatively as the storyline was predictable and cheesy. The ending is known as soon as the two characters meet.
Release Date: 8 August 2003
Cast: In-Sung Jo, Sa-rang Kim, Hyeong-jin Kong, Yeong-ran Heo
Yesterday 2002
This is a crime/undercover movie akin to that of the Mission Impossible franchise. We can see that by the release date, which falls in line with the Tom Cruise franchise. The movie centres on a group of top scientists recruited by the secret services. The mission has been done, but the scientists are being murdered in their droves despite being retired. So who is behind it, and what could be their motives.
The movie did not do so well, as when compared to other films with a similar genre, it does not live up to the punch. It is trying too hard to do what other films have done.
Release Date: 13 June 2002
Cast: Seung-woo Kim, Yunjin Kim, Min-su Choi, Kim Seon-a
Happy Ero Christmas 2003
This is another Christmas movie to go with the rest, and it is as whacky as they come. A local police officer is hell-bent on ridding his town of local gang crime. One day, during the course of his duties, he meets a woman at a bowling alley where they end up falling in love. There is one problem, though. She is the boss of the gang that he is seeking to get rid of.
This is not going to be a movie you will watch every Christmas simply because there are those which are far better. It is not a classic by any means.
Release Date: 17 December 2003
Cast: Tae-Hyun Cha, Kim Seon-a, Yeong-gyu Park, Jang-Su Bae
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