Photos = Korean Film Council
Seoul | July 29, 2019

This year, which marks the centennial anniversary of Korean cinema, saw a major milestone in the domestic film industry after "Parasite" became the first Korean work to nab the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival in May.

Since this year is the centennial anniversary of Korean cinema and Cannes is in France, Korea.net asked seven of its French Honorary Reporters to name their favorite Korean movies.

All seven said they were Korean film aficionados, having watched dozens of Korean movies for over a decade. They described their favorites as "dynamic," "filled with hidden meanings," "dark and realistic" and "well-scripted," as well as discussing plots, mise en scene and camera techniques. Here are their favorite films.

 

Delcambre Fabien, 34

"Oldboy" was the first Korean film I saw in my life. The script was very well-written and the acting so well-done that I can still vividly remember both. I've watched it over and over and never get tired of it. If I had to select one word to describe this movie, it would be "surprising." It's hard to take your eyes off this film from beginning to end.




 

"Spirits' Homecoming" (2015) by Cho Jung-rae

 

Bodard Micaela, 24

"Spirits' Homecoming" is centered on the "comfort women," or women forced by the Japanese imperial army to provide sex to soldiers in the early 20th century. The plight of such women continues to strain Korea's relationship with Japan to this day. This movie deals with this contentious topic and could provide solace to the many women from Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines and other countries who were victimized by the Japanese army's barbaric tyranny. Viewers can become the characters of the heartbreaking world depicted in the work by feeling various emotions throughout the film, empathizing with the characters and pondering the meaning of justice.




 

"The Handmaiden" (2016) by Park Chan-wook

 

Leila Bouhend, 26

"The Handmaiden" is a beautiful film that blends both history and culture well. The camera shows the female body in great detail. The camera angles show that this movie is a classic and far from ordinary. Everything about it, from the atmosphere, camera angles and the gestures of the cast, mesmerizes the audience. While watching "The Handmaiden," I felt like I was immersed in a novel throughout the running time.




 

"Train to Busan" (2016) by Yeon Sang-ho

 

Cécile Précillia, 31

"Train to Busan" deals with zombies, and that itself is remarkable. This is the best zombie film I've ever seen. It's a very realistic zombie film because the actions of the characters are very human. There are altruistic characters who think of others first, those who are selfish and those who desert others to ensure their own survival.




 

"Vanishing Time: A Boy Who Returned" (2016) by Um Tae-hwa

 

Casado Helene, 27

"Vanishing Time: A Boy Who Returned" is a rare Korean fantasy film with exceptional dramaturgy, art and lighting. The movie's theme is disappearance, which brings anxiety to the audience, who are questioned on how they perceive disappearance. Director Um Tae-hwa apparently combined a detective story with depression and a sense of loss, which many Koreans felt after the Sewol ferry sinking (a 2014 disaster that saw 304 passengers die).




 

"A Taxi Driver" (2017) by Jang Hoon

 

Marie Palot, 30

"A Taxi Driver" is set during the Gwangju Democratic Movement (a 1980 pro-democracy movement in which people took to the streets of Gwangju, Jeollanam-do Province, to protest the military coup conducted by Major General Chun Doo-hwan, who later became president). The movie is truly sad and touching, as it sheds light on violence but never forces these emotions on the audience. It's very simple but powerful at the same time. "A Taxi Driver" focuses on each of the characters and reminds viewers of the progress Korea has made since its dictatorship era. This is why I call this movie a "legacy." Without the history depicted in the film, the Korea of today would not exist.




 

"Parasite" (2019) by Bong Joon-ho

 

Manseau Laura, 25

"Parasite," which won the top award at the Cannes Film Festival this year, is a phenomenal movie that captivates the audience from beginning to end. Featuring a string of surprises, the film satirizes in-depth humans and society. By showing meticulous aesthetics, director Bong Joon-ho portrays various emotions in his film.


 

etoilejr@korea.kr