Five Park Chan-wook Films That Outshine Parasite's Success

Korean cinema boasts two legendary directors who've opened Western audiences' eyes to the country's rich filmmaking tradition. Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho have both delivered classics spanning decades, but Parasite's massive success overshadowed many superior works. The film deserved its recognition for tackling class inequality with accessible storytelling. Yet from a broader cinematic perspective, Parasite barely scratches the surface of what Korean filmmaking offers.

Chan-wook's body of work often leaves deeper impressions on viewers willing to engage with more challenging material. Movies remain subjective experiences, but five of his films demonstrate superior craftsmanship compared to Parasite's mainstream appeal.

Joint Security Area: Political Nuance at Its Finest

After two forgettable early efforts, Chan-wook found his voice with this politically charged thriller. The director considers it his true debut, and rightfully so. While lacking his later trademark stylized violence, the film captures humanity across Korea's divided borders with remarkable sensitivity.

A fatal shooting in the DMZ sparks international tensions between North and South Korea. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, borrowing Rashomon's structure to reveal deeper truths. What starts as a tense mystery transforms into a brotherhood tragedy, critiquing how rigid ideologies turn brothers into enemies.

Chan-wook's intimate character framing and urgent subject matter hit harder than Parasite's class commentary. The film tackled sensitive political issues head-on, creating an emotionally resonant story that deserves recognition alongside the director's later masterpieces.

Decision to Leave: Romance Meets Neo-Noir

Chan-wook's reputation centers on stylized violence and meticulous symbolism, but he excels at crafting romantic narratives. Decision to Leave blends neo-noir mystery with tragic love story elements masterfully.

A detective investigating a mountain climber's death becomes entangled with the victim's widow. The narrative explores guilt, desire, and inevitable tragedy through dense symbolism requiring viewer attention. Unlike Parasite's loud, obvious satire, this film moves deliberately, creating a poignant meditation on doomed romance.

The ending ranks among cinema's most beautiful conclusions this decade. Its Academy Awards snub remains puzzling given the film's artistic achievements.

The Handmaiden: Twists Within Twists

This film should have received Oscar recognition years before Parasite made history. Arguably one of the decade's finest movies, The Handmaiden elevates the Rashomon structure through its three-act framework packed with shocking revelations.

A con man and his pickpocket accomplice scheme to defraud a wealthy Japanese heiress. The narrative shifts perspectives constantly, subverting expectations at every turn. The chemistry between Sook-hee and Lady Hideko drives an erotic, empowering story that defies conventional storytelling.

While tragic endings define much of Chan-wook's work, The Handmaiden takes a surprising turn. The twist feels poetic given the film's constant surprises.

Oldboy: The Revenge Thriller Standard

The movie that introduced Korean cinema to global audiences remains the 21st century's best revenge thriller. Oldboy's influence on world cinema cannot be overstated. Its tight pacing and immaculate violence defined Chan-wook's action genius, examining revenge's cost from both protagonist and antagonist perspectives.

Chan-wook avoids one-dimensional villains. Even the depraved Lee Woo-jin earns viewer empathy in his final moments. The film balances twisted and beautiful elements, delivering a box office twist that surpasses even Seven's shocking conclusion.

Decades after release, Oldboy continues dominating Korean cinema discussions. The masterpiece demands spoiler-free viewing to appreciate its full impact. Cinema lovers worldwide have praised every aspect, leaving little unsaid about this groundbreaking work.