Well, I think watching movies is a totally personal experience,
Caroline, and myself don't bother thinking on the "intended audience" because
I am the current audience. And if I enjoy the film enough, then I will learn about the specifics behind the making, what influenced the director to make such a story, and all that jazz. I dunno, I feel it's rather pretentious to label a movie towards a certain select people, and to see it for that same reason. That's just my two cents.
I like movies not because of countries or culture or languages. And I realize that must seem contradicting given the title of this thread, however, I think I've seen enough Korean movies to know that they make films that are rich with everything I personally like in a film. I look for story, characters, and primarily realistic human emotions, followed by quality cast, stable storytelling (directing and editing), approperiate visuals and music that leaves an impact on a moment.
Case in point, I didn't fall in love with the TV series
The Immortal Yi Soon-shin because it was history and the root of Korean culture. What captured me was the spirit and depth of the characters, which was so engaging that I was rejoicing and crying along with them through every struggle and victory. It was only afterwards that I dove into learning about the real-life Navy Admiral with such passion, because I already had that passion instilled in me. Plus it boasted a stupendous cast (actors I've already seen give ardent performances), lush visuals and epic music. So I can whole-heartedly recommend this series to anybody who wants to see a great show, whether they understand Korean heritage or not.
If that means that I do not have a "sophisticated understanding of korean film" than so be it. *shrugs* But I do think a movie is all perspective, which beget opinions, which is why I like to encourage conversations about them. I think everyone is free to express their own opinions!
...
Oh,
kenshikenji, I LOVE
Emperor of the Sea! I've seen it three times all the way through and I get so involved with every single character and their hardships that I'm bawling my eyes out until the end! Talk about an amazing character story!! It's so good!!
Su Ae, who plays Jung-hwa in EotS, is the lead in
A Family, and she always delivers an amazing performance! It was odd to see her as feminine Jung-hwa after being a tomboy in the family drama, but she pulled off both roles perfectly! Besides that,
A Family is definitely a great drama, one that I recommend if you liked
The Way Home. (And I'd recommend both titles to you,
Caroline, if you look for "modern family traditions".)
Also along the lines of the ones you already saw,
kenshikenji, and what you're looking for, I'd recommend:
Fighter in the Wind,
Friend,
A Bold Family,
Memories of Murder,
Joint Security Area,
Untold Scandal,
Nowhere to Hide and
Spider Forest. You might enjoy
Typhoon and
Running Wild, I think.
If you enjoyed the historical romance aspect of EotS, you may like
Musa the Warrior and
Thousand Years Old Lake (aka Legend of the Evil Lake). Although
Lake does incorporate "wire-fu" stunts, it is only used for the Demon-possessed girl, so it's forgivable.
As for TV series, I'd say check out
The Immortal Yi Soon-shin (although the DVD release was cut down to 33 episodes from 104, so it's missing it's character backbone),
Jumong and
Rustic Period (aka A Time of Gangsters).
Thanks for sharing your opinions, you guys!!
