All 11 Park Chan-wook Films, Ranked From Worst to Finest

Park Chan Wook is among the most prolific filmmakers of his era, and whereas it's troublesome to categorise his fascinating and numerous vary of movies, there are just a few initiatives that stand out as his greatest. As a director and author, Park's work is distinctive, as violence, violence, and tragic romance are acquainted components of his filmography. Well-known for Revenge Trilogyparticularly the second installment, previous boyPark has excelled within the thriller style, however that's removed from the one area of interest of cinema during which he excels.

Every period of his work has introduced new visible and thematic nuances to his model, leaving audiences and critics excited to see what he has in retailer for the subsequent part of his profession. The director just lately wrapped filming for his subsequent movie, No different alternativewith Lee Byung-hun, identified for his main function in squid recreation (via Deadline). He's identified for making psychological thriller movies that mess with audiences' minds, utilizing experimental constructions and types to create an intricate portrait of his characters.

11

The Moon is… The Dream of the Solar (1992)

Park's first characteristic movie doesn't trace on the illustrious profession the director would have

The Moon is... the Solar's dream It was Park's directorial debut, and the director has been open about how a lot he needs to distance himself from the undertaking. Thankfully, it didn't take lengthy for Park's needs to return true, because the director is barely related to this essential and industrial failure. Regardless of being against the law drama and that includes parts of forbidden love, two narratives that Park would later discover, The Moon is... the Solar's dream It’s nothing like what the general public on the Park is aware of right now.

Whereas the movie itself isn't memorable or of the best high quality, there's nonetheless a constructive lesson to be realized from it. Park advanced as a director and realized lots from this error, turning into an acclaimed filmmaker with an unparalleled profession. This proves that the street to turning into an auteur of Park's stage is lengthy and troublesome, and it's to be anticipated that some less-than-perfect movies can be made alongside the best way.

10

Trio (1997)

Park's second characteristic movie is one other movie greatest forgotten

As The Moon is... the Solar's dream, Trio is an nearly fully forgotten addition to Park's oeuvre, and the director would seemingly not declare both movie as a major a part of his filmography. Trio is his second characteristic and takes a step in the fitting path after his failed first movie. It consists of themes of revenge and despair, which play an essential function within the characters' actions. Lee Geung-young, Jeong Seon-kyeong, and Kim Min-jong lead the movie because the titular trio who come collectively to determine to rob a band to unravel their issues.

Whereas this premise may simply work and be elevated by a director like Park, Trio It lacks the grace and boldness of the movies Park is understood for. Though Park would later push the boundaries and develop into identified for intense shows of graphic violence on display, Trio strikes away from this model, choosing a extra industrial strategy for motion. Whereas it's a stable movie, it pales compared to every little thing Park has accomplished since.

9

I'm a cyborg, however that's okay (2006)

This offbeat romantic comedy is not like something Park has ever directed

Considering of romantic comedy as a style that might attraction to Park creates some cognitive dissonance. Nonetheless, I'm a cyborg, however that's okay is a deeply tender and empathetic have a look at an surprising connection that blossoms between two folks in a psychological well being facility. Cha Younger-goon (Im Soo-jung) believes she is a cyborg and desires electrical energy as an alternative of meals to outlive, whereas Park Il-soon (Rain) thinks she has the power to tackle different folks's traits as a type of theft.

Because the viewers slowly learns concerning the circumstances that led them to the identical place, they arrive to care and perceive one another, growing an sincere love. I'm a cyborg, however that's okay demonstrates Park's willingness to check his limits in numerous genres and uncover what works greatest for him and his model. Few of his different movies would tread such quirky, optimistic territory. Nonetheless, there's something common about I'm a cyborg, however that's okaymaking him a relatable and underrated addition to his physique of labor.

8

Stoker (2013)

Park creates a enjoyable thriller, but it surely doesn't examine to his greatest work

Though usually missed amongst Nicole Kidman's greatest movies, Stoker encompasses a chilling efficiency from the actress due to Park's path. Additionally starring Mia Wasikowska and Matthew Goode Stoker It was Park's English-language debut and effortlessly demonstrated that her model and understanding of human nature interprets throughout languages ​​and cultural contexts. One of many few movies that Park directed however didn't write Stokeris a extra typical intergenerational thriller, with twists which can be thrilling however not inconceivable to foretell.

Nonetheless, Stokerlike all of Park's work, it's awash in vivid particulars and pictures that make up the character's world, immersing the viewers in his internet of lies and violence. The movie has drawn quite a few comparisons to traditional Hitchcock mysteries, however the resounding response Stoker was that it couldn't have an effect on the success of Park's earlier works, significantly previous boy. Regardless of this, it's a beautiful watch and no much less enjoyable than any of Park's extra graphic designs.

7

Sympathy for Mr. Revenge (2002)

The primary a part of the Revenge Trilogy is a crucial step for Park

Many icons of South Korean cinema seem in Sympathy for Mr. Revenge​​​​​​, the movie that began the Revenge Trilogywhich outlined a lot of Park's early profession. Track Kang-ho, Bae Doona and Shin Ha-kyun lead this neo-noir thriller which doesn't have the identical essential appreciation as Park's different works, but it surely's a transferring second. Though violence in Sympathy for Mr. Revenge will be extreme at occasions, there's extra to the movie than the bloody and cynical facet that its characters indict.

Regardless of its combined evaluations and field workplace efficiency, Sympathy for Mr. Revenge has aged fairly effectively and reached the fitting tone to ascertain the Revenge Trilogy. Though the second installment, previous boycould be the movie that lastly catapulted Park to worldwide acclaim, the remainder of his filmography couldn't exist with out Sympathy for Mr. Revenge. Filled with tragedy, devastation, and humanity's worst inclinations, Sympathy for Mr. Revenge is certainly one of Park's darkest movies to this point.

6

Joint Safety Space (2000)

This political thriller is the primary instance of Park's iconic model

Joint Safety Space It's the first movie in Park's filmography that begins to outline his work as a director. It's clear from the primary moments Joint Safety Space what This was when Park was actually coming into his personal as a filmmaker and will deliver your imaginative and prescient to full life. The movie is ready within the Korean Demilitarized Zone and slowly unravels the connection between troopers on the North and South sides of the zone after a shootout and the ensuing investigation.

The movie was vastly profitable in South Korea, establishing Park as a director to observe and expertly talk about the tenuous state of affairs on the DMZ. Joint Safety Space acquired a number of accolades and nominations on the Blue Dragon Awards and the Busan Movie Critics Awards. Though Western audiences should not as aware of Joint Safety Space, This tense, sweeping thriller is a improbable instance of how Park turned such a distinguished and iconic director.

5

Woman Revenge (2005)

Visually beautiful and emotionally devastating, Woman Vengeance is a superb conclusion to Park's trilogy

The final installment of Revenge Trilogy, Woman Revengeis the tragic conclusion to Park's exploration of the price of revenge. Lee Younger-ae offers an unbelievable efficiency as Geum-ja, a younger girl who loses her daughter and spends years in jail after being blackmailed into confessing to a homicide she didn't commit. After her launch, Geum-ja does every little thing in her energy to make sure that the true offender is delivered to justice at her fingers.

Nonetheless Woman Revenge Usually praised for its motion and struggle scenes, the movie's emotional core shouldn't be missed. As with the primary two movies in Park's trilogy, Woman Revenge elevates the story of a determined character who has seemingly misplaced every little thing and slowly realizes that terrorizing his enemies won't give them again the years they misplaced. Woman Revenge is a powerful addition to Park's filmography and showcases his evolution as a visible artist.

4

Headquarters (2009)

Park places her personal spin on a traditional vampire narrative

Thirst will not be a typical gothic vampire movie and performs with extra trendy influences, similar to medical experimentation and modern need. Viewers will acknowledge Track Kang-ho, a frequent collaborator of Bong Joon-ho, because the protagonist, Sang Hyun. Faith additionally performs an essential function in Thirstas Sang-hyun is a priest who turns right into a vampire after a medical experiment goes incorrect. Nonetheless, his rising need for blood will not be the one need Sang-hyun has to maintain beneath management. Thirst.

Like most vampire movies, Thirst addresses themes of need, sickness and social ostracism, as Sang-hyun is each fascinated and disgusted by his rising bodily powers and the impact they've on others. Thirst is nearer to a conventional horror movie than the thrillers Park is understood for, however the director proves he understands how these genres work collectively. Profitable the Jury Prize at Cannes, Thirst set the stage for the subsequent part of Park's profession after the Revenge Trilogy.

3

Choice to go away (2022)

Park's most up-to-date characteristic is an fascinating departure for the filmmaker

Choice to go away earned Park a lot reward after being launched in 2022, which earned him nominations on the BAFTAs, in addition to a Finest Director win at Cannes. The movie follows the instance of Park's earlier works The servanttaking up a slower and extra contemplative tone, though Choice to go away There's nonetheless quite a lot of motion and twists. Following the central relationship between a detective, Jang Hae-jun (Park Hae-il), and the widow of a murdered man, Track Web optimization-rae (Tang Wei), Choice to go away sees the characters battle with their wishes and lies.

Each second of Choice to go away is fantastically crafted, and the definitive photographs enable the viewer to soak up the beautiful visuals and delve deeper into the world of the story. All through the story, the viewers is simply as destroyed by Web optimization-rae as Hae-jun is, culminating in a heartbreaking ending that can stick with you for a very long time. It's simple to get sucked in Choice to go awayand it's a testomony to Park's longevity as a filmmaker that his latest works are solely increasing his model and talent.

2

Outdated Boy (2003)

A bloody and unforgettable demonstration of Park's abilities

previous boy is the second installment of Park's Revenge Trilogy, and it's by far the bloodiest and greatest. Starring Choi Min-sik as Oh Dae-su, the complicated protagonist of previous boythe movie is certainly one of Park's most violent, and never for viewers who get sick on the sight of blood. previous boy is among the movies that Park is greatest identified for and is extensively thought of to be the undertaking that catapulted him to the next stage of fame and notoriety.

Thought-about among the best revenge movies of all time, previous boy is a brutal exploration of what in search of revenge does to an individual and leaves the viewers questioning whether or not it's at all times higher to know the reality. That is the place Park highlighted his abilities as an motion director expertly creating iconic and immersive scenes that showcase struggle choreography. previous boy stands out within the thriller style as a result of it not solely scratches the action-adventure itch that audiences search for in thrillers, but it surely additionally has a deeper that means that makes the viewer assume.

1

The Handmaid (2016)

This romantic thriller is Park Chan-wook's masterpiece

Park's most sweeping and romantic movie to this point, The servant​​​​​, it could have a love story on the heart of its narrative, however that doesn't make it any much less twisted. As Park progressed in his profession, his work solely turned extra nuanced and fascinating, and The servant is one of the best illustration of the fruits of his model and contributions to cinema. Following the complicated relationship between younger heiress Hideko (Kim Min-hee) and her maid Sook-hee (Kim Tae-ri), The servant options all of the psychosexual thoughts video games audiences have come to count on from Park.

Unfolding slowly into three components, the viewer may assume they know who betrayed who and the way the betrayals will play out. The servanthowever Park's layered narrative will hold audiences guessing till the tip. Instantly hailed as among the best movies of 2016, The servant stays Park Chan Wookis one of the best movie to this point, and it is going to be fascinating to see how the artist surpasses this work within the coming years. Nonetheless The servant has the twists and turns of a traditional thriller, the movie simply transcends the style.