All 11 Park Chan-wook Motion pictures, Ranked From Worst to Greatest

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 a number of initiatives that stand out as his finest. As a director and author, Park's work is distinctive, as violence, violence, and tragic romance are acquainted elements 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 by 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 not too long ago wrapped filming for his subsequent movie, No different alternativewith Lee Byung-hun, recognized for his main function in squid sport (by Deadline). He's recognized for making psychological thriller movies that mess with audiences' minds, utilizing experimental buildings 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 desires to distance himself from the challenge. Happily, it didn't take lengthy for Park's needs to come back true, because the director is barely related to this important and industrial failure. Regardless of being a criminal offense drama and that includes components 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 at the moment.

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

10

Trio (1997)

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

As The Moon is... the Solar's dream, Trio is an nearly fully forgotten addition to Park's oeuvre, and the director would possible not declare both movie as a big a part of his filmography. Trio is his second characteristic and takes a step in the appropriate course after his failed first movie. It contains 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 change into recognized for intense shows of graphic violence on display screen, Trio strikes away from this model, choosing a extra industrial method for motion. Whereas it's a strong movie, it pales compared to the whole lot Park has carried out since.

9

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

This offbeat romantic comedy is in contrast to 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 take a look at an sudden connection that blossoms between two individuals 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 flexibility to tackle different individuals'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 trustworthy love. I'm a cyborg, however that's okay demonstrates Park's willingness to check his limits in numerous genres and uncover what works finest 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, nevertheless it doesn't evaluate to his finest work

Though usually neglected amongst Nicole Kidman's finest movies, Stoker contains a chilling efficiency from the actress due to Park's course. 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 might be thrilling however not unattainable 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 net 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, notably previous boy. Regardless of this, it's a pretty 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. Tune Kang-ho, Bae Doona and Shin Ha-kyun lead this neo-noir thriller which doesn't have the identical important appreciation as Park's different works, nevertheless it's a transferring second. Though violence in Sympathy for Mr. Revenge will be extreme at instances, there's extra to the movie than the bloody and cynical facet that its characters indict.

Regardless of its blended critiques and field workplace efficiency, Sympathy for Mr. Revenge has aged fairly nicely and reached the appropriate tone to ascertain the Revenge Trilogy. Though the second installment, previous boycan 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 one among Park's darkest movies so far.

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 carry 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 look at and expertly focus on the tenuous state of affairs on the DMZ. Joint Safety Space obtained a number of accolades and nominations on the Blue Dragon Awards and the Busan Movie Critics Awards. Though Western audiences are usually not as conversant in Joint Safety Space, This tense, sweeping thriller is a incredible instance of how Park turned such a distinguished and iconic director.

5

Girl Revenge (2005)

Visually beautiful and emotionally devastating, Girl Vengeance is a good conclusion to Park's trilogy

The final installment of Revenge Trilogy, Girl Revengeis the tragic conclusion to Park's exploration of the price of revenge. Lee Younger-ae provides 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 the whole lot in her energy to make sure that the true perpetrator is dropped at justice at her arms.

Nonetheless Girl Revenge Usually praised for its motion and battle scenes, the movie's emotional core shouldn't be neglected. As with the primary two movies in Park's trilogy, Girl Revenge elevates the story of a determined character who has seemingly misplaced the whole lot and slowly realizes that terrorizing his enemies is not going to give them again the years they misplaced. Girl 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 just isn't a typical gothic vampire movie and performs with extra trendy influences, resembling medical experimentation and up to date need. Viewers will acknowledge Tune 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 mistaken. Nonetheless, his rising need for blood just isn't 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 standard 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

Resolution to depart (2022)

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

Resolution to depart earned Park a lot reward after being launched in 2022, which earned him nominations on the BAFTAs, in addition to a Greatest Director win at Cannes. The movie follows the instance of Park's earlier works The servanttaking over a slower and extra contemplative tone, though Resolution to depart There's nonetheless a whole 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, Tune Web optimization-rae (Tang Wei), Resolution to depart sees the characters battle with their wishes and lies.

Each second of Resolution to depart is fantastically crafted, and the definitive pictures permit 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 may stick with you for a very long time. It's straightforward to get sucked in Resolution to departand it's a testomony to Park's longevity as a filmmaker that his latest works are solely increasing his model and talent.

2

Previous 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 finest. Starring Choi Min-sik as Oh Dae-su, the advanced protagonist of previous boythe movie is one among 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 finest recognized for and is extensively thought of to be the challenge that catapulted him to the next degree of fame and notoriety.

Thought-about probably the greatest revenge movies of all time, previous boy is a brutal exploration of what searching for 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 battle 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, nevertheless it additionally has a deeper which 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 so far, The servant​​​​​, it might have a love story on the middle 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 advanced 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 elements, the viewer would possibly assume they know who betrayed who and the way the betrayals will play out. The servanthowever Park's layered narrative will maintain audiences guessing till the tip. Instantly hailed as probably the greatest movies of 2016, The servant stays Park Chan Wookis one of the best movie so far, and it will likely be attention-grabbing 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.