The best Korean action movies are gaining popularity in our country, and in quality they are not inferior to Hollywood blockbusters. The works of Asian directors have long become a notable phenomenon in world cinema. If you are not familiar with a phenomenon like the new Korean action movies, check out a few films from our selection. Fans of the genre will definitely like them.
"38th parallel" (2004)
The most popular action movie. Korean film about the war, authentic, with great attention to mass battles. The film is based on the story of an ordinary family and two brothers who fall into a bloody meat grinder. Through their fates, the viewer understands the inhumanity and senselessness of the civil war, in which both sides always lose. Fans compare this tape with Spielbergās Saving Private Ryan.
"A Man Out of Nowhere" (2010)
This story is often compared with "Leon", the beginning of the films and the truth is somewhat similar, but they can not be called twins. A common picture is a killer, a child and a bunch of bloodthirsty bandits. But in the hands of the Korean director Lee Jung Bom, the hackneyed plot began to play in a new way. The film was shot at a high level - dynamics, action scenes and fights will not leave indifferent fans of the genre.
Oldboy (2003)
This is without a doubt the most famous action movie on our list. Not everyone knows that this film is part of the Revenge trilogy. Two more films - āCompassion for Mr. Revengeā and āCompassion for Mrs. Revengeā are no less interesting, though not so well known to our viewers. After 10 years, Hollywood tried to repeat the success of the Koreans, but the remake could not convey the atmosphere of the original film and surprised perhaps the inexperienced viewer who did not watch the creation of Pach Chan Uka. Quentin Tarantino called this film āan absolute masterpiece,ā and millions of viewers completely agree with him.
"Memoirs of a murder" (2003)
This film by Korean director Pon Junho is often compared with Zodiac and Family, and not in favor of the latter. The film is based on real events and tells the story of a maniac who killed women in a provincial town. Local policemen are not like traditional movie detectives, and it is not easy for them to find a criminal.
Shiri (1999)
The attempt by director Jae Gyu Kang to shoot an excellent action movie, of course, was a success, and the film about the confrontation of the Korean special services in the homeland outpaced the popularity of Titanic. The plot is simple: the dangerous terrorist Hee entered the territory of South Korea. The goal of local agents is to neutralize a dangerous criminal.
"City of violence" (2006)
The tape tells of childhood friends who are investigating the murder of a friend. The stuntman and taekwondo teacher Du Hong Jung put all the fighting scenes and played one of the main roles, so the film will appeal to fans of martial arts.
"Carnival of dishonor" (2006)
Even the trivial movie about gangsters, Koreans can serve with a new sauce. The main character is a small fry in a gang. To become closer to the boss, he is ready to complete a difficult task.
The Warrior (2001)
Released in 2001, the historical action movie "Warrior" became the most expensive Korean film at that time. And the money was invested not in vain, today the film is considered a classic of modern Asian cinema and a very reliable tool for studying the history of the 14th century. It is based on real historical events, all characters are realistic, speak their native languages āāand dialects.
The screen unfolds the struggle for power in China. A detachment of Korean soldiers must save the princess who was captured. Itās fascinating to follow the fate of the heroes, and the ending will not leave anyone indifferent.
"Confession of the killer" (2012)
This film attracts the viewer not only with action scenes, but also with an intriguing plot. After the statute of limitations has expired, the maniac publishes an autobiography in which he describes in detail the murders committed. While the author of the book is haunted by revenge-seeking relatives, another criminal appears on the scene. The plot abounds with unexpected twists and captivates even the most demanding viewer.
"Arrow. Absolute weapon" (2011)
Korean historical action movies have always had a lot of fans. Against the backdrop of beautiful landscapes and magnificent costumes of the Joseon era, the story of the village archer Nam Yi unfolds, which must save his sister from a gang of Manchus. Grabbing his fatherās bow, the hero goes for a squad of criminals to China. Rumors of a great archer quickly reach commander Dzhushinta, who decides to neutralize the threat.
"Taoist magician Jung Wu Chhi" (2009)
The magic flute, demons and half-educated magician on the streets of modern Seoul. A fun and dynamic fantasy action movie immerses the audience in the atmosphere of real Korean mythology. After watching this film, the most positive impressions remain - it is light, funny, it has a lot of jokes, cool special effects, fights, tricks and real magic.
"Good, Bad, Fucking" (2008)
The best Korean action movies have always been distinguished by their zest. This film clearly stands out from the crowd. The strange name fully reflects its character. Here is an action movie, a comedy and ... Western. The action takes place in 19th century Manchuria, where a swindler, hunter and robbers meet. This practically parody of westerns looks easy and doesn't seem silly.
TV series
Not bypassed by many beloved genre and Korean series. Militants are not often found among similar TV products, but there is something to see here.
- "City Hunter" (2011). The video in this series will not be inferior in quality to a full-length film, and the plot will not allow you to tear yourself away from watching for even a minute. They tried to grow a killing machine from the main character, but he wants to choose his own destiny.
- Iris (2009-2013). A real spy action movie. The Korean Secret Department is recruiting new recruits. In this drama, you can see chases, shootouts and secret love. Two friends entered the service of a top-secret organization and must save the world from a nuclear threat.
- "Healer" (2014-2015). This modern series tells the story of a mysterious courier who dreams about his own island and never kills people. Once he meets the girl Chae Young Shin, and the sympathy that broke out between the young people forces Healer to use his fighting abilities to the fullest.
- The Merciless City (2013). At first glance, this is quite an ordinary action movie - a Korean policeman is investigating the murder of his undercover friend. But the dynamically developing plot does not allow the viewer to get bored.
- āEast of Paradiseā (2008). This series is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of one of the central Korean channels, so they did not spare forces and resources on it. He tells the story of irreconcilable enemies and a thirst for revenge, which is carried through life.
- "Il Ji Me" (2008). Historical action movie. Korean Robin Hood appealed to many.
- The Kingdom of Two Hearts (2012). The subject of confrontation between North and South Korea seems inexhaustible. But are the inhabitants of these countries so different from each other?
- The Ghost (2012). This time, brave Korean police are investigating high-tech crime. From the first minutes, the gloomy atmosphere of the series captures the viewer.
- āYou are surroundedā (2014). A great example of a successful interweaving of various genres. Detective, action, comedy - all the elements look harmonious in a fascinating story about four young police officers.
Now you can watch the best films. Action movies, Korean films and TV shows will definitely not leave you indifferent. Happy viewing!