Top Korean Dramas/Movies: A Review

As a fan of South Korean culture from a very young age, I have come to learn and experience many different things. I have also discovered many things, one being the Korean film and television industry. I myself, as a creative, am impressed by the quality of things they produce in South Korea and I always make it my duty to spread the word because in simple terms THEY ARE TOO GOOD TO NOT WATCH.

Anyway, I thought it would be good to share a list of some of my favourite K-Dramas and South Korean movies as well as giving a review on them.

MOVIES

PARASITE (2019)

PARASITE
RATING: 10/10

Parasite is a 2019 movie directed by Bong  Joon-ho. It has received countless amounts of praise by many critics, and has been seen as one of the best films of that year. This dark comedy is truly brilliant, and its drastic turn within the movie is so powerful. The story displays the life of two families, one poor and one rich. When the mother of the rich family hires the son of the poor family, things take a downward spiral as secrets are revealed, discrimination is explored, and powerful lessons are learnt. This masterpiece of a movie takes its audience on a twisted journey, exploring the power of family and money. 

It's rare for me to watch a movie more than once in the cinema but for Parasite I did. I have never been so mind blown by a movie, and I think it's because of all of the plot twists and mysteries which make this movie so spectacular, and deserves this 10 out of 10 rating. As the movie progressed, so much more occurred which I never expected to happen. It is definitely a must watch.

TRAIN TO BUSAN (2016)

TRAIN TO BUSAN
RATING: 9/10

Train To Busan is another one of my favourite movies, especially since I'm a sucker for zombie films. The story takes place on a train which is on its way to Busan, and stars a father (Gong Yoo) and his young daughter (Kim Soo-Ahn) who have to tackle their relationship whilst also tackling vicious zombies. The idea of being trapped in a secluded space with flesh hungry beasts is something that anyone would dread, so this was a very inventive idea to draw in audiences. This film has created a name for itself; if you haven't watched it then you've more than likely heard of the title. Train To Busan takes you on an emotional rollercoaster and what makes it so special is how it goes further than the typical horror movie. It highlights the power of a father daughter relationship and the sacrifices taken for the ones you care about the most.

This movie was given a 9 out of 10 but could have easily been a 10.  The only thing which brought it down was its generic nature. Although still such an amazing and powerful movie, there was nothing that necessarily brought a new originality like Parasite did (but ten again, what zombie movie is?)

PANDORA (2016)

PANDORA
RATING: 7/10

I have always been a fan of a good disaster movie and this movie is one that is powerful. When an accident at a nuclear plant occurs a panic soon strikes amongst the people of that area. The only way to prevent another nuclear explosion is for one of the workers, the film's protagonist, to enter this plant again. This film is so powerful and the way the actors/actresses express themselves in this movie is so heart-wrenching. This film is full of emotion and sacrifice, and seems so real.

I have given this movie a 7 out of 10 because although it is sharing a very powerful message, it lacks originality that draws it away from other films. However, that isn't to say that Pandora isn't a great film to watch. I still highly recommend.

MIRACLE IN CELL NO. 7 (2013)

MIRACLE IN CELL NO. 7
RATING: 9/10

This drama/comedy takes its audience on an emotional journey highlighting injustice and family relationship. This film is about a mentally challenged man falsely accused of the sexual abuse of a little girl. He is a single father and when sent to prison he is separated from his young daughter. Ryu Seung-ryong's portrayal of this mentally challenged father is jaw dropping and has won him the title of Best Actor at the 50th Grand Bell Awards for his brilliant performance. The comedy of this film shadows the protagonist's soft and innocent nature, and it is this which makes it harder to watch.

This movie is rewarded a 9 out of 10 from me because of the talent of the actors and the realistic themes portrayed which only make it more powerful and an amazing watch.

DRAMAS

ITAEWON CLASS (2020)

ITAEWON CLASS
RATING: 7.5/10 (so far)

This K-Drama is your typical feel good show filled with twists and turns, but what makes it different is the lessons it teaches you and the controversial topics explored. The show stars an ex con who was thrown in prison after attempting to kill his classmate. Years later he is released and the audience get to watch his journey in growing a successful bar in Itaewon. Out of all the Korean dramas I have watched I have never seen one with such diversity as this one. Not only does this drama feature a black actor (this isn't a common occurrence for Korean TV), but it also tackles sexuality and challenges faced by disadvantaged characters overall.

The reason I have giving this a rating of 7.5 (so far) is because I am currently in the middle of finishing the series, however so far it has been so good that it needed to be added to my list of favourites.

BAD GUYS (2014)

BAD GUYS
RATING: 7/10

Bad Guys is your typical action drama, yet something which makes it stand out in particular is its interesting plot. The drama tells the story of a group of convicts who are temporarily released by detectives in order to team up and catch bad guys. Whichever convict succeeds gets their sentence decreased. This drama is mainly fist fights and confrontations but it's an entertaining show to submerge yourself into.

I have given this show a 7 out of 10 because the entertainment doesn't take away from its lack of originality, but still has topics and story lines which keep you hooked right from the start.

GOOD DOCTOR (2013)

GOOD DOCTOR
RATING: 8/10

Good Doctor (no, not the American version, The Good Doctor, which came out 4 years after the original South Korean version) focuses on an autistic man who becomes a surgeon and follows his struggles with being different in a medical workplace. What makes this show particularly special is its focus on making something which is deemed as different, normal. It shows that a person's mentality doesn't impact their intelligence, or their ability to love. A very powerful message is being explored and teaches watchers that stereotypes are more than what you hear.

This drama is rated an 8 out of 10 from me because of its use of spreading awareness and unique idea.

PRISON PLAYBOOK (2017)

PRISON PLAYBOOK
RATING: 8/10

Prison Playbook is a light-hearted comedy which also tackles some deep and relatable topics creating its drama. The story follows a famous baseball player who is sent to prison for the death of a man he attacked after catching this man sexually abuse his sister. After this the audience explores this convict's life behind bars as he learns to adapt to this new life. The audience also get to meet other prisoners and explore their crimes and lives.

I have given this an 8 our of 10 because it is always enjoyable to watch but its focus on core topics and difficult stories from the convicts allow it to become compelling.

I hope you were able to gain some knowledge and hopefully be convinced to explore some of these movies and dramas. And if any of you have any suggestions on things to watch or you have watched some of these already then feel free to let me know, it's always great reading your comments :) x

~Ella