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My favorite Suspense Thriller films from South Korea (10+1list)

Suspense Thriller films from South Korea.

written by Souranath Banerjee.

Today’s list consists of the best Suspense Thriller films from South Korea since this country seems to be specializing on this particular genre.

In-spite of suffering long periods of political censorship in the past South Korean film industry has evolved and produced numerous quality cinema that have achieved international acclaim.

Be it the infamous gang wars or the merciless serial killers or the classic police-gangster action thrillers – you name it and they have got it.

Statutory warning: The realistic approach of these South Korean thrillers often get too violent for some people’s taste. So watch these visually graphic action films at your own risk.

Ok … let the fun begin.

10.The man from Nowhere (2010)

The man from nowhere poster

A pawn shop owner who prefers to keep to himself befriends a little girl from the neighborhood.

And when this girl’s life is in danger this man from nowhere makes it his business to rescue his little friend from the clutches of the ruthless gangsters.

Fast paced yet emotional – if you are crazy about action this film will certainly not disappoint you.

9. The Yellow Sea (2010)

The yellow sea poster

A poor taxi driver is sent across the sea to kill someone. But instead of killing his target he starts searching for his wife.

A dangerous mistake that almost costs his life.

A tale of revenge and vengeance of extreme proportions. Some action moments in this film are legendary even in Korean standards!

8. New World (2013)

New world poster

We have seen many undercover cop films before but this one is unique in it’s own way.

The police with the help of an undercover cop tries to ruin the mafia but the film has many unexpected twists that reverse the rules of the game.

Brilliant acting and superb storytelling. A must watch.

7. A Bittersweet Life (2005)

A Bittersweet life poster

A gangster’s sweet life turns bitter when he refuses to follow his boss’s order.

An ego clash with the dangerous mafia boss can cost you your happiness if not your life.

A classy film shot beautifully and great performance allover. One of the best gangster movies i have seen.

6. A Dirty Carnival (2006)

A dirty carnival poster

Action pact life of mobsters shown in such real circumstances.

A film that doesn’t shy away from exploring a gangster’s life, his friendship, his loyalty and his ambitions.

This film is not only about action, it’s a story about a man’s realization of the his capabilities and also his limitations.

5. Memories of Murder (2003)

Memories of a murder poster

One of the best murder mystery films i have ever seen.

Young girls from a particular region are been raped and murdered in regular intervals. The local detectives are baffled and need the help of a professional.

It’s a creepy and violent film that makes you sit at the edge of you seat. Believe me you don’t want to miss this one.

4. Three… Extremes (2004)

Three extremes poster“Dumplings”, “Cut” and “Box” – are three individual short films clubbed together and rightly named ‘Three… Extremes’

Not only are they disturbing and cruel, they have this amazing creep factor that makes them score ahead of any other films in this genre.

My personal favorite is “Dumplings” though it makes me sick each time i watch it.

3. Mother (2009)

Mother posterBrilliant performances that makes this film one of the best suspense thriller of all times.

When a mentally retarded boy is suspected of murder, his mother takes upon the task to find the real killer. A mother can be desperate to protect his child.

A few scenes of this film are so tense and twisted that they will stay with you for a life time.

2. Old Boy (2003)

Oldboy poster

And now the most popular South Korean film ever; it’s included in the best 100 films list in IMDb.

A concept so unique and yet disturbing. The suspense level of this film intensifies till the last few sequences where the plot finally gets revealed.

So violent and gritty – it is the ultimate definition of thriller and suspense.

1. The Chaser (2008)

The Chaser poster

A detective turned pimp tries to trace his call girls who seem to vanish into thin air.

Is there a particular client who calls the girls before their disappearance?

Extreme moments of tension – a terrific story and superb acting.

There must be some reason i have kept it in No.1 spot – go watch it.

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most crazy one. A must watch).

+1. I saw the Devil (2010)

I Saw the Devil Poster

A crazy deadly game between a secret agent and a serial killer is played through out the film. But who will be the winner?

Insanely violent and graphic, a story of a mad serial killer being chased and tormented by an equally crazy cop.

The level of madness cannot be described unless you have watched this film.

So what are you waiting for?

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