In 2022, the poignant film “Decision to Leave” took viewers on an emotional journey. Exploring the complexities of a life-changing decision and the profound impact it had on the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery. Just a year prior, in 2021, “In Front of Your Face” captivated audiences with its introspective narrative, delving into the intricate layers of human relationships and the power of confronting one’s past. Back in 2018, “Little Forest” painted a vivid picture of a young woman’s return to her rural hometown. Immersing audiences in the serene beauty of nature and the transformative power of reconnecting with one’s roots. These three best korean movies compelling films, released in consecutive years, each possess a unique and thought-provoking perspective, offering profound insights into the human experience and leaving a lasting impact on those who experience their captivating stories.
Decision to Leave (2022)
Why do you have to see it?
Because Park Chan-wook has signed (again!) a masterpiece. This is an a typical erotic best korean Moviesthriller that seems to be looking at (or rather, parodying) movies like ‘Basic Instinct’ and raises the bar in its narrative compliments and makes us fall in love with fascinating characters. One of the best films of 2022 presented at festivals, ‘Decision to Leave’ is an essential of Korean cinema that is already among the candidates for Best International Film at the Oscars 2023 .
And what is it about?
The story follows Hae-Joon, a veteran detective investigating the highly suspicious death of a man. Who has fallen from the top of a high mountain on the outskirts of Busan. Thus will begin an investigation that will lead him directly to a very elusive suspect. Sore, the wife of the deceased, with whom he will create a strange and unexpected relationship.
In Front of Your Face (2021)
Why do you have to see it?
Master Hong, couldn’t miss it! One of the best works of one of the best and most prolific best Korean filmmakers, a film about the sadness of returning to those spaces we inhabit without being ourselves, a painful reflection on the volatile of fantasies and an act of absolute generosity , shot with a few won. Ideal for people who think and feel too much.
And what is it about?
A few days ago, a veteran actress returned to her country, South Korea, and broke into her sister’s house. A filmmaker, a few years younger than her, has asked her to join her project and, after a polite refusal, they have agreed to meet for the first time. Downtown Seoul is full of narrow alleyways that are home to tiny vintage bars, and that’s where they are. While they are getting drunk, it suddenly rains and thunders.
Little Forest (2018)
Why do you have to see it?
The sample of the good group of Korean directors of our century (Lee Kyoung-mi, July Jung, Yoon Ga-eun, Lee Soon-youn…), based on the homonymous manga by Daisuke Igarashi. In this deliberately small film. There is a lot of cooking, eating and talking, and then everything is so much better. A simple and warm movie hug: Why not include some sweetness in the list?
And what is it about?
Yearning for a break from city life, a young woman grows weary and decides to return to her hometown in the countryside. There, she indulges in the pleasures of simple gastronomy, finding joy in the uncomplicated flavors of her rural surroundings.
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