Documentaries capture a little slices of life. They show us how we’re all different in some aspects and yet the same in others. Some documentaries can be uplifing and fill you with a sense of joy. Others can shed light on issues you have never thought of before. Whichever story catches your eye, here are 5 Korean documentaries to start you out on the right track.
Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
1. Here Comes Uncle Joe
What’s It About: Since 1997, the old ladies that live in An-Dong, a rural community in southeastern Korea, Uncle Joe is their only contact to the modern world. His delivery service is extraordinary. He delivers to 15 isolated villages that have no markets or public transport. It follows him from winter to spring with smiles, love and tears.
Starring: Wooyoung Choi (Writer/Director), Sinae Ha (Director/Story)
Where To Watch: PBS
Watch The Trailer Here:
2. My Love, Don’t Cross That River
What’s It About: The story of a couple, 95-year old Byeong-man Jo and 90-year old Gye-yeol Kang have been married for 76 years. They live in the mountain village of Heongseong County, Gangwon Province. The documentary follows them for 15 months of their everyday life until the last moments. Jo and Kang spend everyday like newlyweds.The intimate portrait of elderly couple that delicately captures their twilight days with tender moments that reveal simple acts of affection-from a simple leaf fights to a gentle caress on the cheek.
Starring: Byeong-man Jo, Gye-yeol Kang
Where To Watch: Tubi, Amazon Prime
Watch The Trailer Here:
3. Planet of Snail
What’s It About: Young-Chan cannot see or hear. He depends on his sense of touch. Soon-Ho has a small body due to a childhood accident that injured her spine. Nevertheless. Young-Chan believes Soon-Ho, his wife, is the most beautiful woman in the world. She leads him to the outside world and helps him achieve his dream. Young-Chan is an accomplished poet. He communicated with his wife through finger braille, an unique form of braille where words are tapped on the hands. They rely on each other completely. Their touch communicates everything and love conquers the world.
Starring: Cho Young-Chan, Kim Soon-Ho
Where To Watch: Apple+ TV
Watch The Trailer Here:
4. Old Partner
What’s It About: Mr. Choi Won-Kyun lives in the countryside with his wife and 40-year old ox. In what seems to be a dying way of life for many farmers in modern-day South Korea, the old couple perserveres. His wife, Lee Sam-soon complains about her unlucky fate. Set in the rural small town of Hanul-ri in Sangmun-myeon, Bonghwa County, North Gyeongsang Province. Won-Kyun is a farmer in his 80’s. The particular ox is a beast of burden, but also a cherished member of the family. He has become a constant and dependable companion for the old man. The old man and the ox trudge along slowly, crippled and defiantly throughout the film, proving a love and loyalty that can only be shared by a man and his animal.
Starring: Won-gyoon Choi, Sam-soon Lee
Where to watch: DVD on Amazon Prime
Watch The Trailer Here:
5. The Drop Box
What’s It About: It tells the story of Pastor Lee Jong-rak nad his wife and their incredible journey to save the abandoned babies in South Korea. Pastor Lee and his wife, Chun-ja created the first “drop box” for abandoned babies outside the Jusarang Community Church. This is a sanctuary for babies who are abandoned by their mothers due to difficult circumstances. The boxes are available at all hours and have motion sensors, heat, and light. The babies are placed inside and within a few minutes the babies are rescued. Since the establishment of the boxes, over 600 babies have been recieved in the drop boxes and placed in loving, safe homes. It is a story about the forgotten, the disabled, the discarded and the man who gives everything to protect them.
Starring: Lee Jong-rak, Chun-ja
Where to watch: DVD on Amazon Prime
Watch The Trailer Here:
