This article lists historical Korean films, also known as Korean movies, that viewers can stream on Netflix. It serves as a guide for finding historical Korean movies available on the Netflix platform. The focus is on films depicting Korean history accessible via Netflix.
Historical Korean Films You Can Watch on Netflix | Historical Korean Movies on Netflix
Here are some historical Korean films often found on Netflix that offer compelling journeys into different eras of Korea’s past. Each provides a unique window into the historical context, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped the nation.
- The Admiral: Roaring Currents (Myeongnyang)
- This film takes us back to the Joseon Dynasty, specifically 1597 during the Imjin War against Japanese invasion. It centers entirely on the legendary Admiral Yi Sun-sin and the almost unbelievable Battle of Myeongnyang. What truly resonates is witnessing how, against overwhelming odds (vastly outnumbered ships), strategic genius and sheer determination could turn the tide. It’s not just about the incredible naval battles, though those are spectactularly rendered; it’s a powerful story of leadership, courage, and defending one’s homeland. Watching Admiral Yi inspire his terrified men makes history feel incredibly alive and personal.
- Masquerade (Gwanghae: Wangi Doen Namja)
- Set during the reign of King Gwanghae of Joseon, this film offers a fascinating “what if?” scenario. Fearing assassination, the paranoid King hires a common acrobat, Ha-sun, who looks exactly like him, to temporarily take his place on the throne. Initially just a puppet, Ha-sun begins to find his own voice and compassion, genuinely caring for the people in ways the real king perhaps never did. It’s a beautiful exploration of power, identity, and what it truly means to rule. The performances are top-notch, particularly Lee Byung-hun playing both the cautious king and the warm-hearted double. It cleverly uses this fictional premise to comment on historical political dynamics and the burden of leadership.
- The Fortress (Namhansanseong)
- This movie transports you to the bleak winter of 1636 during the Second Manchu Invasion of Korea. King Injo and his court are trapped in the mountain fortress of Namhansanseong, facing starvation, freezing cold, and the impossible choice between fighting a hopeless battle or surrendering to the Qing Dynasty. What makes The Fortress so compelling is its focus on the intense ideological conflict within the court – the debate between advocating for peace to save the people and upholding dignity by fighting to the death. It’s a sombre and visually stunning film that delves deep into the agonising decisions leaders face during conflict and the very real human cost of political stances. It doesn’t offer easy answers, just profound questions about survival and principle.
- A Taxi Driver (Taeksi Unjeonsa)
- Shifting to more recent history, this film is set in 1980 and based on a profoundly moving true story. It follows a Seoul taxi driver who finds himself unexpectedly chauffeuring a German journalist into the city of Gwangju during the turbulent Gwangju Uprising and subsequent violent suppression. Initially motivated by money, the driver witnesses the brutal reality unfolding and becomes an integral part of ensuring the truth gets out to the world. It’s a deeply human story about ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances, showcasing unimaginable courage and the importance of bearing witness. Song Kang-ho’s performance as the taxi driver is simply unforgettable, embodying the journey from bystander to participant.
- Assassination (Amsal)
- Taking place in the 1930s during the harsh Japanese colonial occupation of Korea, Assassination is a thrilling story of resistance. It follows a group of Korean independence fighters assembled in Shanghai who are given a covert mission: to assassinate a high-ranking Japanese commander and a pro-Japanese Korean collaborator in Seoul. Blending historical backdrop with high-stakes espionage and action, the film presents a gripping portrayal of the sacrifices made by those fighting for their country’s freedom. It’s stylish, suspenseful, and features a fantastic ensemble cast playing complex characters, each driven by their own motivations and haunted by the era’s dangers. It really brings the tension and desperation of the colonial period to life.
- 1987: When the Day Comes
- Another powerful film rooted in modern Korean history, 1987 meticulously reconstructs the events surrounding the death of student activist Park Jong-cheol, who was tortured and killed by police under the authoritarian regime of President Chun Doo-hwan. His death became a catalyst, igniting the widespread June Democratic Struggle that forced the government towards democratic reforms. The film follows various characters – prosecutors, journalists, students, prison guards – whose actions, big or small, contribute to unveiling the truth and fueling the protests. It’s a tense, gripping, and ultimately inspiring ensemble piece showing how collective courage can challenge oppressive power. It serves as a potent reminder of the fight for democracy in Korea.
- The Last Princess (Deokhyeongju)
- This poignant film, based on the novel of the same name, chronicles the tragic life of Princess Deokhye, the last princess of the Joseon Dynasty. Born in 1912, she lived through the tumultuous period of Japanese colonial rule. The narrative follows her forced move to Japan at a young age under the guise of education, her arranged marriage, her struggles with mental illness, and the longing for her homeland. It powerfully illustrates the personal cost of national tragedy and the loss of identity under occupation. Son Ye-jin delivers a compelling performance portraying the princess’s vulnerability and resilience across decades. The film highlights the human toll behind the historical events of Korea’s annexation and the end of its royal family.
- The Age of Shadows (Miljeong)
- Set in the late 1920s during Japanese colonial rule, this film is another dive into the dangerous world of the Korean independence movement. It centers on a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game between Korean resistance fighters trying to smuggle explosives from Shanghai to Seoul for an attack on Japanese facilities, and a talented Korean-born police captain working for the Japanese authorities tasked with stopping them. Loosely based on real events, The Age of Shadows weaves a complex narrative of espionage, shifting loyalties, and intense suspense. It explores the blurred lines between betrayal and patriotism in a colonized nation, featuring strong performances, notably from Song Kang-ho as the conflicted police captain. The film offers a stylish and tense look at the risks undertaken by resistance agents.
- Mal-Mo-E: The Secret Mission (Malmoi)
- Focusing on the late Joseon period under intensifying Japanese colonial rule in the 1940s, Mal-Mo-E tells the story of efforts to preserve the Korean language when it was actively being suppressed by the occupiers. The plot revolves around an illiterate ex-convict who, while trying to steal a bag, ends up getting a job working with the head of the Korean Language Society. Initially motivated by the need to pay his son’s school fees, he slowly comes to understand the importance of the society’s clandestine mission: compiling the first comprehensive dictionary of the Korean language. It’s a touching story about national identity, the power of language, and how ordinary people became involved in cultural resistance. The film showcases the deep connection between language and national spirit, highlighting a less-depicted facet of the colonial struggle.
Viewing Considerations | What to Note
When watching these films, it’s helpful to keep a few things in mind:
- Historical Accuracy vs. Dramatization: While based on or inspired by real events and figures, these are cinematic works. They employ dramatic license for storytelling purposes. Character motivations might be amplified, timelines compressed, or fictional elements introduced to enhance the narrative. They offer a feel for the era rather than a strict documentary account.
- Cultural Context: Understanding certain aspects of Korean history, Confucian values (prominent in Joseon-era films), or the specifics of the colonial period and post-war dictatorships can enrich the viewing experience. However, the films generally provide enough context within their narratives.
- Varying Perspectives: Films like The Fortress showcase internal conflicts and differing viewpoints within Korean society during crises. Not all historical narratives present a single, unified national front, reflecting the complexities of history itself.
- Netflix Availability: Streaming libraries change frequently. While these films have often been available on Netflix in various regions, availability can vary based on location and time. It’s always best to check the current catalogue.
Recurring Themes Explored
Resistance and Patriotism
Many of these films delve into the deep sense of patriotism and the drive for resistance against oppressive forces, be it foreign invasion or colonial rule.
* The Admiral: Roaring Currents showcases unwavering loyalty and defence against Japan during the Imjin War.
* Assassination and The Age of Shadows both depict the dangerous covert operations undertaken by independence fighters against Japanese colonial authorities, highlighting personal sacrifice for national sovereignty.
* Mal-Mo-E: The Secret Mission illustrates cultural resistance, emphasizing the fight to preserve national identity through language under colonial suppression.
* A Taxi Driver and 1987: When the Day Comes focus on resistance against domestic authoritarian rule, emphasizing the fight for truth and democracy.
Leadership and its Burdens
Several narratives provide introspective looks at leadership, particularly during times of crisis, exploring the immense pressure, difficult decisions, and personal costs involved.
* The Admiral: Roaring Currents centers on Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s inspirational leadership in the face of impossible odds.
* Masquerade uses its “body double” premise to explore the nature of good governance and the disconnect between rulers and the populace.
* The Fortress foregrounds the agonizing dilemma of leadership during the Manchu invasion, contrasting pragmatic survival with principled resistance.
* King Gwanghae in Masquerade and King Injo in The Fortress represent contrasting approaches and pressures faced by Joseon monarchs.
Ordinary People in Extraordinary Times
A significant number of these films focus on the experiences of common individuals unexpectedly thrust into major historical events, showcasing their resilience, courage, and how history impacts everyday lives.
* A Taxi Driver exemplifies this, following a regular cabbie whose life is irrevocably changed by witnessing the Gwangju Uprising.
* Mal-Mo-E: The Secret Mission portrays an illiterate man becoming involved in the critical mission of creating a Korean dictionary.
* 1987: When the Day Comes adopts an ensemble approach, showing how the actions of various individuals—students, journalists, prison guards—collectively contributed to historical change.
* Ha-sun, the acrobat in Masquerade, although temporarily elevated, represents a commoner’s perspective influencing royalty.
Historical Periods Covered
The selected films offer glimpses into distinct, pivotal eras in Korean history, providing context for understanding the nation’s trajectory.
Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897)
This long and influential dynasty is the setting for traditional historical epics, often focusing on royalty, war, and court intrigue.
* The Admiral: Roaring Currents covers the Imjin War (late 16th century).
* Masquerade is set during the reign of King Gwanghae (early 17th century).
* The Fortress depicts the Second Manchu Invasion (1636).
Japanese Colonial Period (1910-1945)
This era is marked by themes of occupation, suppression, resistance, and the struggle for independence.
* The Last Princess spans much of this period, detailing the life of Princess Deokhye under Japanese control.
* Assassination takes place in the 1930s, focusing on resistance activities.
* The Age of Shadows is set in the late 1920s, exploring espionage between resistance fighters and Japanese authorities.
* Mal-Mo-E: The Secret Mission occurs in the 1940s, highlighting efforts to preserve Korean language and culture.
Modern Korean History (Post-1945)
These films address the turbulent events following liberation, division, and the path towards democracy.
* A Taxi Driver is centered around the Gwangju Uprising in 1980.
* 1987: When the Day Comes portrays the events leading to the June Democratic Struggle of 1987.
Narrative Approaches
Beyond the shared themes and historical settings, these films often employ different approaches to storytelling, offering varied perspectives on the past.
Focus on Royalty and Elites
Several films center their narratives on kings, royals, high-ranking officials, or legendary figures, exploring the pressures and politics of the upper echelons of society.
* Masquerade delves into the very specific pressures on King Gwanghae and uses the royal court as its primary setting to explore themes of power and identity.
* The Fortress is almost exclusively focused on King Injo and his advisors, showcasing the intense deliberations and ideological conflicts within the ruling class during a national crisis.
* The Last Princess chronicles the tribulations of Princess Deokhye, viewing the turbulent historical period through the lens of the diminished Joseon royalty under Japanese rule.
* While featuring intense action, The Admiral: Roaring Currents is intrinsically tied to the strategic brilliance and leadership of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a figure of immense historical stature.
Centering Commoner Experiences
In contrast, other films deliberately shift the focus to ordinary individuals caught within the sweep of history, emphasizing how major events impact everyday lives and how common people contribute to or endure historical shifts.
* A Taxi Driver is a prime example, where the protagonist is a working-class taxi driver whose initial motivations are personal and financial, but who becomes an accidental witness and participant in a major democratic upheaval.
* Mal-Mo-E: The Secret Mission places an illiterate petty thief at the heart of a crucial cultural preservation movement, showing how ordinary people become essential protectors of national identity.
* 1987: When the Day Comes utilizes an ensemble cast approach, but many key figures (students, a prison guard, family members) are regular citizens whose choices become historically significant.
* While Assassination and The Age of Shadows involve organized resistance often led by dedicated figures, they also detail the roles of various operatives, sympathizers, and even reluctant participants, showing the broader network involved beyond just top leadership.
Visuals & Production
Historical films often rely heavily on visual elements to immerse the audience in a specific time period, and Korean cinema frequently excels in this regard.
Recreating Historical Settings
Significant effort is often invested in recreating the look and feel of past eras, from grand palace architecture to specific battle locations or the atmosphere of colonial-era cities.
* The Fortress is notable for its stark and visually arresting depiction of the Namhansanseong fortress and the harsh winter conditions, making the environment a key element of the narrative.
* Masquerade showcases the intricate details and grandeur of the royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty.
* The Admiral: Roaring Currents features large-scale naval battle sequences attempting to recreate the specific historical context of the Battle of Myeongnyang.
* Assassination and The Age of Shadows work to evoke the specific ambiance of 1920s-1930s Shanghai and Seoul under Japanese occupation, blending historical reconstruction with noirish aesthetics.
Costume and Authenticity
Costume design plays a crucial role in establishing character, social status, and historical period accuracy.
* Films set in the Joseon Dynasty like The Admiral, Masquerade, and The Fortress pay close attention to the traditional hanbok, differentiating styles based on rank, context (court vs. military), and the specific century.
* Movies addressing the Japanese colonial period, such as Assassination, The Age of Shadows, The Last Princess, and Mal-Mo-E, often contrast traditional Korean attire with the Western-style suits and Japanese uniforms prevalent during that time, visually representing cultural clashes and shifting identities.
* Modern historical films like A Taxi Driver and 1987 use clothing and everyday objects to firmly root the story in the specific styles and atmosphere of the late 20th century in South Korea.
Genre Fusion | Hist. Hybrids
Korean historical films rarely stick rigidly to just recounting past events. They dynamically blend the historical setting with elements from various other genres, enhancing entertainment value and audience engagement while still exploring historical themes.
Blending History with Other Genres
- Action and War Epics: Some films use historical backdrops primarily for large-scale conflict and thrilling action sequences.
- The Admiral: Roaring Currents is fundamentally a war film, concentrating on the spectacle and strategy of a naval battle within its historical Joseon context.
- Assassination incorporates significant action and gunfight sequences, functioning as a historical action-thriller centered on a covert mission.
- Thriller and Espionage: The tension of historical conflicts, especially during the colonial period, lends itself well to suspense and spy narratives.
- The Age of Shadows emphasizes espionage, building suspense through the cat-and-mouse game between resistance fighters and Japanese police.
- Assassination also fits here, with its plot revolving around spies, double agents, and a high-stakes assassination plan.
- Political Drama: Many historical films delve into the complexities of power, court intrigue, and political decision-making during critical historical moments.
- The Fortress is a stark political drama, focusing almost entirely on the intense ideological debates and impossible choices faced by King Injo’s court.
- Masquerade explores political themes through its fictional premise, examining the nature of rulership and compassion within the Joseon court system.
- 1987: When the Day Comes functions as a political thriller, dramatizing the cover-up and subsequent uncovering of state violence that fueled major political change.
- Human Drama and Biographical Focus: Several films prioritize the personal stories and emotional journeys of individuals against the backdrop of history.
- A Taxi Driver centers on the emotional and ethical transformation of its ordinary protagonist amidst the Gwangju Uprising.
- The Last Princess is primarily a biographical drama, detailing the tragic personal life of Princess Deokhye shaped by historical forces.
- Mal-Mo-E: The Secret Mission builds its narrative around the developing relationship between its two main characters and their shared commitment to a cultural cause, focusing on character growth and human connection.
Impact & Reception
Many of the historical Korean films highlighted have achieved significant success both domestically and internationally, contributing to broader awareness of Korean history and cinematic artistry.
Box Office Success and Cultural Resonance
- Several of these films have been massive box office hits in South Korea, indicating their strong appeal to domestic audiences and their role in popular discussions about national history.
- The Admiral: Roaring Currents famously became (and remains) the most-watched film in South Korean history, demonstrating immense national pride in the story of Admiral Yi Sun-sin.
- A Taxi Driver and Assassination also achieved massive box office success, striking chords with audiences through their portrayals of recent history and the colonial past, respectively.
- Masquerade was another major hit, admired for its skillful blend of historical setting, drama, and strong performances.
- These films often generate public conversation about the historical events they depict, sometimes leading viewers to seek out more information about figures like Admiral Yi, the Gwangju Uprising, or the independence movement.
Critical Acclaim and International Recognition
- Beyond commercial success, many of these films have received critical acclaim for their storytelling, performances, and production values.
- The Fortress was widely praised for its masterful direction, cinematography, score, and intense performances, even with its sombre tone.
- Masquerade swept numerous awards at South Korea’s major film ceremonies, particularly for its acting and screenplay.
- 1987: When the Day Comes received accolades for its ensemble cast and its powerful, gripping portrayal of a pivotal moment in Korea’s democratization.
- Some of these films have achieved recognition at international film festivals or gained traction with international audiences on streaming platforms like Netflix, serving as cultural ambassadors.
- A Taxi Driver was South Korea’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards and was well-received internationally for its moving story.
- The availability on global platforms allows non-Korean viewers access to these narratives, fostering greater understanding of Korean history and culture, albeit through a dramatized lens.
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