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Here are 6 suggested Korean films that not only bring laughter but also soothe the soul, helping you rediscover joy and peace.
Reply 1988 – Memories of Ordinary Things
Reply 1988The film takes viewers back to the 1980s, skillfully recreating the lives of a close-knit group of friends in a very ordinary small neighborhood in South Korea, thereby giving viewers a warm and intimate feeling. What makes it special?Reply 1988Particularly noteworthy is how the film evokes childhood memories, simple yet emotionally charged moments. The film isn't just about the friendships and love of children; it also portrays the relationships between generations within a family, and between distant relatives in the same neighborhood. From everyday conversations to occasional conflicts, the film conveys a profound message: family and friends are the most precious sources of support in life.
"Reply 1988" revolves around the story of five families living in the Ssangmun-dong neighborhood of Dobong District, North Seoul, South Korea, in 1988.
Our Beloved Summer – Youthful Love and Unhealed Wounds
Our Beloved SummerThis isn't just a love story, but also a journey of confronting and overcoming emotional wounds. Choi Woong and Yeon Soo were each other's first love, but differences and past hurts caused their relationship to fall apart. The blend of romance and realism helps viewers realize that sometimes the past cannot be easily forgotten, but must be confronted to heal. Every viewer, especially those who have experienced a broken relationship, will sometimes see themselves reflected in the characters' genuine and relatable emotions.
Each episode of "Our Beloved Summer" is named after romantic films that have brought tears to the eyes of generations of romantic movie lovers, such as: "I Know What You Did Last Summer," "1792 Days of Summer," "10 Things I Hate About You," "Pride and Prejudice," "Catch Me If You Can,"...
Prison Playbook – Kindness in the Dark
It's not through violent, dark imagery that one might think would create a film about prison life.Prison PlaybookThe series shines again with its humorous and touching situations. The main character, Kim Je Hyuk, a famous baseball player, unexpectedly finds himself imprisoned, but instead of letting circumstances turn him into a negative person, he continues to maintain his kindness and help those around him. The series shows that even in the darkest situations, kindness can still shine through and transform our lives. The humane relationships within the prison, the everyday stories of sacrifice, honesty, and friendship, make the series a meaningful emotional journey. The blend of humor and emotion in Prison Playbook creates a multifaceted picture of life, making viewers both laugh and reflect.
"Prison Playbook" (Vietnamese title: Life in Prison) - a film that revolves solely around the setting of Seobu Prison, with the gray of the prisoner's uniform, the blue of the guards' attire, and the repetitive scenes of prisoners eating, working, exercising, visiting, arguing, and fighting... yet it possesses an incredibly special appeal.
Hospital Playlist – Friendship and sharing amidst a suffocating life
Hospital PlaylistIt's not just a story about medicine, but also a humanistic portrayal of the profound relationships between doctors. The film quietly explores everyday moments, where doctors not only treat patients but also heal each other.
From after-shift meetups and impromptu musical performances to casual conversations about life,Hospital PlaylistThe film evokes feelings of warmth, friendship, and selflessness in viewers, bringing a sense of peace amidst the pressures of the medical profession. It conveys the message that genuine empathy, sharing, and simple moments are the most precious remedies for overcoming pain and loss.
Five friends in their 40s, working together at the same hospital, have lunch together after work and practice a new song together every week. Witnessing their friendship on screen, perhaps everyone would exclaim and wish they had such friends in their lives.
Waikiki Inn 1 – A joyful life, even if it's not perfect.
Waikiki Inn 1This is a truly healing comedy. Through hilarious situations ranging from managing a boarding house to the career setbacks of the main characters, the film constantly reminds viewers that life can be tough at times, but there are still moments of joy and humor to find happiness. Despite facing many challenges, the characters always know how to turn things into opportunities and overcome them. The imperfections in the main characters' lives resonate with viewers, showing that perfection isn't necessary, just maintaining an optimistic spirit is key.
The film tells the story of Kang Dong Goo, Cheon Joon Ki, and Bong Doo Sik, three young men who manage the Waikiki Inn. When the inn faces closure, they must find ways to make money. Their lives become even more complicated when a young girl and her single mother unexpectedly appear, further disrupting the lives of the three naive and childish men.
Junior Badminton Team – A Journey of Growth and Friendship
Junior Badminton TeamThis film is about youth, aspirations, and growth. Although the plot revolves around the sport of badminton, what makes the film valuable are the lessons about friendship, effort, and teamwork. The journey of the young characters from mistakes to maturity is a powerful source of inspiration for viewers, especially young people on their path to self-discovery. Through each match, the characters learn to overcome failure and face life's challenges.Junior Badminton TeamIt reminds everyone that success is not as important as what we have learned and who we have had by our side throughout the journey.
"The Junior Badminton Team" is a vibrant tapestry of youth, filled with the laughter of friendship, the innocent first stirrings of love, and the energy of young people pursuing their life goals.
Whether through stories of broken love, the innocent smiles of youth, or the warm gestures of friendship and family... each film brings viewers a sense of comfort and hope. Without dramatic plot twists, it is the simplicity and authenticity that make us realize that life is not only full of difficulties but also filled with precious moments of peace. We just need to take some time to reflect and feel more deeply, and perhaps then, life will be gentler to us.
