Korean cinema has no shortage of great films depicting brutal and horrific realities. While the French tormented audiences with violent neo-French extreme cinema, contemporary Korean extreme cinema revealed the ugly truth about its society, a society of brutality and ruthlessness that no amount of glitz or glamor could conceal its imminent imminence. strength.
Whether it’s a cat-and-mouse game between a police detective and a serial killer, or the sinister nature of a school bullying case, many Korean films are relentless in torturing viewers’ hearts and minds.
Updated by Daniela Gama on June 15, 2023:
Lots of fun Korean movies and TV shows, including Netflix thriller series glory (The second season ended this year), it can be difficult for viewers to choose what to watch next. Fortunately, for everyone — especially those who enjoy disturbing, scary media — there are actually plenty of options.from A Tale of Two Sisters to the iconic old boysthese are some of the best and most disturbing Korean movies that are guaranteed to leave a deep impression on the viewer’s mind.
12 A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
exist A Tale of Two SistersTwo girls are reunited at the home of their father and stepmother after a stint in a mental institution. Soon, however, strange events begin to occur and take a severe toll on their recovery.
although Kim Ji-WoonThis haunting Korean horror film is no masterpiece, and its atmospheric atmosphere and creepy (but funny) narrative will undoubtedly evoke unsettling feelings.worth it the story of two sisters is Loosely adapted from the popular Korean fairy tale “Janghwa Hongryeon Jeon,” explores grief and guilt.
11 Thirst (2009)
Perfect for those who like vampire and disturbing movies, Thirsty Centered on a revered priest (Song Kanghao), volunteered to participate in an experimental program to cure a deadly virus. Needless to say, the experiment went horribly wrong and he became a vampire.
Park Chan WookThe movie is funny and erotic, violent and heartbreaking at the same time. While the fantasy elements of this 2009 film may not be to everyone’s liking, it’s still a haunting and riveting film.
10 “Han Gongju” (2013)
Li XiuzhenInspired by the 2004 Miryang gang rape case in South Korea, the movie tells the story of Hang Gongzhu It is a true story that has sparked controversy due to the ages of the attackers and victims and police mishandling of the seriousness of the case.
The film alternates between a series of flashbacks and reality, centered on new transfer student Han Gongzhu. As Han barely adjusts to her new school environment by joining the school club and befriending her classmates, her troubled past is exposed and now threatens her very existence.
9 Hope (2013)
Another devastating movie based on true events, hope The pain that haunted the underage victims and their families for the rest of their lives is depicted and explored.
As shocking and painful as the 2008 results Cao Daochun The situation is that audiences receive films like this hope This has brought attention to this serious problem and hopes that legislation will be changed to provide better protection for children. The show also tries to highlight the silver lining of the dark clouds hanging over the victims by showcasing warm community support and family bonds.
8 Kun Chi Rock: Haunted Sanctuary (2018)
Kun Chi Rock: Haunted Sanctuary It’s a lesser-known film that, despite its cheerful start, still surprises horror movie buffs with plenty of scares. The horror film’s narrative revolves around a horror web drama crew traveling to an abandoned asylum for a live broadcast. For more views and publicity, the crew got more than they expected when they explored the old building.
The title is derived from a real-life psychiatric hospital called Gonjiam Mental Hospital, which is said to be one of the most haunted places in South Korea. The hospital has been demolished since 2018.
Watch on Prime Video
7 The Chaser (2008)
One of the most famous Korean actors Ha Jung Woo He got his big break with a convincing role as a serial killer. Just call him Korean.”Jack the Ripper” if you want.
Jeong-ho, a former detective turned pimp, finds himself in financial trouble when his two daughters disappear without paying off their debts. Determined to put his detective skills to good use, he tracks them down and eventually pinpoints the prime suspect – one of Jung-ho’s clients, who just so happens to be a ruthless killer with a deadly hammer.Adversary was inspired in part by real-life serial killers in South Korea Liu Yingzhe.
Watch on Prime Video
6 “Door Lock” (2018)
loose adaptation of spanish horror thriller sleep tight, door lock Chilling stories told from the perspective of victims, including stalking and burglary.
The main character, Kyung-min, lives alone in a one-room apartment until one day, she finds signs of a stranger trying to break into her room. Realizing the police’s indifference to her situation, Kyung-min begins her own investigation. The film continually taunts the audience with its myriad of suspects while presenting the true horrors of living alone and unarmed.
Watch on Viu
5 “Silence” (2011)
Adapted from the novel “The Crucible” Kong Zhiying, Mute It’s a revolutionary film, and not just for its mastery of storytelling and macabre imagery. The film led to the reopening of an investigation into events at the Gwangju Inhwa School for the Deaf in the early 2000s.
Mute To expose the horrific treatment of young deaf students over five years who were repeatedly sexually assaulted by teachers because of their disadvantaged status and background. In 2011, the South Korean National Assembly passed the Daojani Act, which abolished the statute of limitations for sexual assault of minors.
4 Memories of Murder (2003)
before the groundbreaking film was released parasite, Bong Joon HoRelatively underrated masterpiece memories of murder The story of three detectives who face obstacles and disappointments as they solve a serial murder of young women.
Inspired by South Korea’s first serial murders in the 1980s and 1990s, this dark suspense thriller deftly balances satirical police procedurals and nihilistic social commentary. As its iconic ending demonstrates, the film subtly suggests that, like any unsolved crime, the culprit may be lurking in the crowd.
3 Sympathy for the Vengeful Lady (2005)
End this list with Park Chan Wook’s revenge trilogy perfect description, sympathy for nemesis From the perspective of a woman named Li Jinzi. Li was wrongly convicted of kidnapping and murdering a 6-year-old boy, sentenced to prison, and even became a national sensation due to his angelic appearance and inhuman crimes.
After her release from prison, Li vowed revenge on those who wronged her, especially Mr. Bai, the school teacher who played a major role in the misdemeanor she was falsely accused of.
Watch on Criterion Channel
2 “I Saw the Devil” (2010)
starring old boys Star Cui Minzhialthough this time it is different audience’s favorite anti-hero, but in ” Jin Zhiyunof i see the devil.
After the tragic death of his fiancée at the hands of Zhang Chengze, Kim Soo-hyun, an agent of the National Intelligence Service, decided to take action himself, playing a cat-and-mouse game with the serial killer, interrupting many of Zhang Chengcheng’s “private lives” unexpectedly. Interest”. Unbeknownst to Jin, Zhang is not a simple-minded monster, and he has some tricks too.
watch on hulu
1 “Old Boy” (2003)
Part of Park Chan Wook revenge trilogy, old boys When it first opened in 2003, moviegoers were both intrigued and terrified. This psychological thriller tells the story of ordinary businessman Oh Dae-su who is kidnapped and locked up in a shabby hotel room for 15 years. After he was released from prison, he embarked on a journey to find the murderer who kidnapped him, but unknowingly fell into a conspiracy and unfortunate love.
Full of plot twists and brisk sadism, old boys With its unapologetic portrayal of humanity in times of despair, it has deservedly cemented its unyielding status as one of the great Korean films.