In 2014, “A Girl at My Door” gripped audiences with its compelling narrative, delving into the complexities of a young girl’s life and the profound impact it had on those around her. Six years earlier, in 2010, “I Saw the Devil” unleashed a chilling tale of revenge, showcasing a relentless pursuit as a secret agent tracks down a sadistic serial killer. Even further back, in 2003, “Memories of Murder” mesmerized viewers with its haunting portrayal of a gripping real-life murder case and the relentless efforts of detectives to solve it. These three Best Korean Thriller Movies, released over a span of a decade, each bring their unique blend of suspense, intrigue, and thought-provoking storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the world of Korean Thriller Movies, cinema.
A Girl at My Door (2014)
Why do you have to see it?
With a modest budget, this film made an international impact that surpassed expectations, solidifying its status as one of the most significant Asian films in recent years with its powerful LGTBIQ+ themes. July Jung managed to convince the tremendous Doona Bae (‘Sense8’) to collaborate with her free of charge, with an intimate but open story that ranges from queer discrimination to alcoholism, with a good sample of domestic abuse that for the moment no one has dared to reply.
And what is it about?
Following an accident, authorities assign Young-nam, a young police officer from Seoul, to a quaint seaside town. Since she arrives, she meets a deadpan teenager who intrigues her. In her new surroundings, Young-nam meets Dohee’s stepfather, a violent and alcoholic man who exploits immigrant workers. To protect Dohee from her stepfather’s mistreatment, Young-nam gives her lodging. The young woman then discovers the different facets of Dohee’s personality…
I Saw the Devil (2010)
Why do you have to see it?
This unflinching and bloody film serves up revenge astonishingly violent, in all colors, and with unrelenting intensity. Pitting two of the best actors in modern Korean cinema, Lee Byung-hun (‘A Bittersweet Life’) and Choi Min-sik (‘Oldboy’), in a competition that only admits pure sadism. Attention: you have to have the stomach for this one (even above the others).
And what is it about?
Kyung-chul is a dangerous psychopath who kills for pleasure and has committed several murders with diabolical methods that are hard to imagine. His victims are young girls. The police has been trying to capture him for some time. One day, the daughter of a retired police chief is found murdered. The girl’s boyfriend, a secret agent, swears revenge on her.
Memories of Murder (2003)
Why do you have to see it?
A rural crime mystery centered on the obsession that haunts every good detective and his fear of failure. The most disturbing story is based on a series of murders that occurred in Hwaseong between 1986 and 1991. The group of investigators alone paints a great portrait of professional jealousy and fear of incompetence. Because every detective is human before.
And what is it about?
It is 1986. A young woman appears brutally raped and murdered. Two months later, a series of rapes and murders take place in similar circumstances. To search for the killer, a special detail is organized, headed by a local police detective (Park Doo-man) and a Seoul police detective (Seo Tae-yoon), who have requested to be assigned to the case, You can also watch this movie on gomovies
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