Park Chohwa’s Weekend Movie Recommendations

Country: South Korea Year: 2008 Genre: Action, Historical

If you’re a fan of Korean historical dramas, you are probably fully aware of the importance of weapon development on the independence of Korea from the Ming empire. This film traces the development of Singijeon ( the Divine Weapon) during the reign of King Sejong –yes, the Hangeul King. Singijeon was the first multi-launching rocket and it changed the history of weaponry. The film is a beautiful account of the effort, the struggle, and the pain, Koreans suffered on their way to creating a weapon that would protect them from the tyranny of the Empire. I can confidently claim it one of the best Sageuk films ever produced.

Public Enemy Returns

Country: South Korea Year: 2008 Genre: Thriller, Crime

DAEBAK! I love it when a film combines both seriousness and comedy without spoiling either. This film makes one gasp in shock and anticipation and shake with laughter. The police chasing after the gangsters in this film especially was convincing and fun. Loved the conflict between the detective in charge and the gangster boss. What I liked the most is that they were not very different. The detective acted more of a gangster than the gangster himself and the gangster was a family man in a suit and speaking politely. The issue presented was not comic at all. Not just another gangster film. The idea of school students finding no purpose in their life and joining gangs as a shortcut is tackled brilliantly and painfully at moments. The adults’ responsibility to help teenagers find the right path instead of using their passion and hot blood for other purposes. You don’t need to act or look a certain way to be a responsible adult. You just need to know what not to do.

Innocent Steps

Country: South Korea Year: 2005 Genre: Romance

Innocent Steps is one of the stories where the genuineness of the plot doesn’t matter as much as the emotions involved. A fake marriage that leads to true love is no novel story, but this film presents it beautifully and warmly. The two leads did a great job and there was lots of awesome music and dancing. As an escape from the pressure and misery of life, this film is a perfect choice.