As 2024 comes to a close, we’ve compiled a list of the most impactful movies of the year. From chilling horror to groundbreaking documentaries, here’s what stood out to Team Namaste Hallyu.
1. ‘Exhuma’
‘Exhuma’ is undoubtedly one of the biggest movies to release in 2024. Starring Choi Min Sik, Kim Go Eun, Yoo Hae Jin, and Lee Do Hyun, the horror film had everyone in its thrall. “‘Exhuma’ is a refreshing movie that showcases the culture of burial practices and East Asian Feng Shui,” said Anjali. “The actors are outstanding in their roles, bringing depth and authenticity to the film. I appreciated the occasional humorous moments, adding a light touch to the narrative. However, viewers who are unfamiliar with Feng Shui may find certain aspects confusing.”
Set in a small East Asian village, ‘Exhuma’ intertwines horror and cultural mysticism. The story follows a family dealing with mysterious occurrences after tampering with an ancient burial ground. With Lee Do Hyun’s unforgettable performance (and tattoos that had fans swooning, “TATTOOED LEE DO HYUN,” as Shivani said), the film masterfully blends fear, humor, and a deep dive into Feng Shui. Ariba, a horror enthusiast, declared it the “best horror movie I’ve seen in a while,” praising the top-tier acting and chilling atmosphere.
2. ‘My Name is Loh Kiwan’
A deeply emotional journey, ‘My Name is Loh Kiwan’ tells the story of a North Korean defector navigating life in Belgium. The film explores themes of identity, love, and the struggle to belong in a foreign land. With heart-wrenching performances and a beautifully woven narrative, it’s a poignant reminder of the human spirit’s resilience. Nikita described it as “a deeply emotional narrative that stays with you long after the movie is over.”
3. ‘Officer Black Belt’
An action-packed adventure, ‘Officer Black Belt’ stars Kim Wo Bin as a contract martial arts officer under the Ministry of Justice who uses his skills to bring aggressive probation violators to justice. The film combines breathtaking fight scenes with a gripping storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Tannu was captivated by the movie, sharing, “Kim Woo Bin did a really great job; he seemed so cool. As a fan of action, I really loved the scenes and the plot too.” If you’re a fan of sleek, high-energy action, this one’s a must-watch.
4. ‘Wonderland’
‘Wonderland’ is a sci-fi romantic drama that offers a unique take on the integration of AI into human relationships. The film imagines a world where people can reconnect with loved ones they’ve lost by creating hyper-realistic AI replicas. With a stellar cast, including Tang Wei, Bae Suzy, Park Bo Gum, Jung Yu Mi, and Choi Woo Shik, and a deeply emotional narrative, it explores themes of loss, love, and the ethical dilemmas of advanced technology.
“It had a brilliant cast and such a new story,” said Eeshna. “‘Wonderland’ gave a human touch to all the conversations around advancing tech and AI with its touching narrative.”
5. ‘Love in the Big City’
Based on the book of the same name, ‘Love in the Big City’ also has a K-Drama adaptation with a different cast. However, the movie stars Kim Go Eun and Noh Sang Hyun in the lead roles of Jae Hee and Heung Soo respectively. When Jae Hee finds out Heung Soo’s secret, she realizes he might not be her perfect romantic match, but that doesn’t mean they don’t love each other any less.
“This movie courageously tackles the repressive environment surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in the country,” said Nandini. “Its raw, emotional storytelling and powerful performances delve into personal struggles of acceptance, self-discovery, and resilience. It offers a much-needed reflection on the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in a society still grappling with discrimination and toxic masculinity.”
6. ‘JUNG KOOK: I AM STILL’
‘JUNG KOOK: I AM STILL’ is a heartfelt documentary that captures Jungkook’s journey behind the making of his album ‘GOLDEN. It offers fans a glimpse into his creative process, challenges, and moments of joy, making it an emotional rollercoaster.
“‘GOLDEN’ was one of the most awaited albums for ARMY, and I really loved watching behind-the-scenes moments of BTS,” said Komal. Eeshna added, “It was so heartwarming to see Jungkook’s ‘GOLDEN journey and how he faced all the challenges on the way. It was full of all kinds of emotions—thrill, happiness, sorrow, and more—which made it a memorable watch.”
7. ‘LE SSERAFIM: Make It Look Easy’
This candid documentary explores the lives of the K-Pop group LE SSERAFIM, shedding light on the challenges they face behind the scenes. It takes the viewers through the groups’ promotions for their Japanese debut and their first studio album ‘UNFORGIVEN,’ the individual struggles of each of the members, the first tour LE SSERAFIM TOUR ‘FLAME RISES,’ and culminates with their preparations for their third mini album ‘EASY’.
“The documentary shows their emotions and struggles—things that idols are not generally encouraged to show,” said Nisha. “I feel this is so important for people to realize. It gave me a new perspective on the hard work behind the glamour.”
From bone-chilling horror to thought-provoking documentaries, 2024 was a cinematic year to remember. Whether you’re a fan of action, drama, or heartfelt narratives, these films offered something for everyone. Which ones were your favorites? Let us know as we look forward to the stories 2025 has in store!
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