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ALL eyes are on Chinese cinema these days, with their successes aplenty.
This year, John Woo's Chinese epic Red Cliff hit 300 million yuan (S$62 million) in worldwide box-office receipts.
However, the other major Asian player is Korea, which has been making waves on the international scene over the past several years.
Samaritan Girl (2004) - a movie about a teenaged prostitute from director Kim Ki Duk - won the Best Director award at the 54th annual Berlin Film Festival, for example.
And then there was the controversial The King And The Clown (2005), Korea's answer to Lee Ang's Brokeback Mountain.
The Korean flick explored themes of court intrigue and homosexuality in the Joseon dynasty period. That film took the Jury's Prize at last year's Deauville Asian Film Festival.
But taking home the title as Korean box-office hit of all time was last year's horror film, The Host, by director Bong Joon Ho.
The movie raked in over US$89 million (S$127 million) worldwide and garnered critical acclaim for its special effects and fresh narrative.
According to Asia Variety Online, The Host 2 is set to hit cinemas next year, with a production budget of around US$12 million.
So, in Korean cinema, what storylines make the cut when it comes to audiences' preferences?
my paper takes a look.
THE ROMCOM
Classic takes: If I Were Superman (2008), 200 Pounds Beauty (2006), My Sassy Girl (2001) The story: Quirky hero/heroine can't catch a break when it comes to love, but has a chance encounter with another special someone.
Why it works: Korean features take things to extremes. The Korean romcom reminds its audience to look for relatable and human aspects in everyone - even in weirdos.
THE HORROR TALE
Classic takes: The Host (2007) APT (2006), Wishing Stairs (2003) The story: You know it well - scary monster/ghost/murderer comes after child/schoolgirl/innocent bystander. Bloodshed and scare fests follow.
Why it works: K-Horror, as the genre has been dubbed, can be used to comment on social and political issues. And it brings psychological fear and suspense to the forefront without getting overly showy with special effects.
THE WAR THRILLER
Classic takes: Taegukgi (2004), Silmido (2003) The story: Filmed in period sets of wartime scenes, this genre explores themes of betrayal, brotherhood and honour.
Why it works: Korea's history is long and lavish, and Korean auteurs know how to play up dilemmas, such as loyalty to friends or to the country, through nuances.
For more my paper stories click here.
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