Park Chan-Wook Tier List: About | Video | Movie List | Fun Facts

“Living without hate for people is almost impossible. There is nothing wrong with fantasizing about revenge. You can have that feeling. You just shouldn’t act on it.“ – Park Chan Wook

Park Chan-Wook, a visionary South Korean filmmaker, stands as a luminary in the realm of cinema, celebrated for his distinctive storytelling and stunning visuals. Born on August 23, 1963, in Seoul, South Korea, Park embarked on his cinematic journey with an array of films that not only showcase his technical brilliance but also delve into profound explorations of human nature. With a career spanning decades, Park is best known for his thematic trilogies, including the Vengeance Trilogy, comprising “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance,” “Oldboy,” and “Lady Vengeance.” His narratives often navigate the complex terrain of morality, revenge, and existentialism, delivering an emotional impact that resonates with audiences worldwide. Sam offers a tier list ranking some of Park Chan-Wook’s notable works, and tries to unravel the cinematic tapestry woven by a director whose artistic vision has left an indelible mark on the global film landscape.

Park Chan-Wook Tier List:

S TIER

“Oldboy“ (2003) – Stars: Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jung. Summary: A visceral masterpiece, “Oldboy” is a South Korean neo-noir action thriller that follows Oh Dae-su, mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years, and his quest for revenge. The film is renowned for its intense narrative, jaw-dropping plot twists, and exceptional cinematography. Park’s direction, combined with Choi Min-sik’s compelling performance, crafts a cinematic experience that lingers in the mind.

• Sam’s Comments: Regarded as one of Park Chan-Wook’s masterpieces, “Oldboy” stands out as a perfect film. With iconic scenes and an outstanding performance by Choi Min-Sik, the film is celebrated for its gripping storytelling and visual brilliance.

“The Handmaiden” (2016) – Stars: Kim Min-hee, Kim Tae-ri, Ha Jung-woo. Summary: Set in 1930s Korea under Japanese rule, “The Handmaiden” weaves a tale of deception, passion, and intrigue. This erotic psychological thriller follows a young handmaiden hired to assist a wealthy heiress but unveils a complex web of secrets and forbidden desires. The film captivates with its exquisite visuals, intricate storytelling, and powerful performances.

• Sam’s Comments: “The Handmaiden” emerges as a breakout film for Park Chan-Wook, captivating audiences with its gripping script and exceptional performances. Despite teetering on the edge of having too many twists, the film is celebrated as a top-tier cinematic experience.

A TIER

“Thirst” (2009) – Stars: Song Kang-ho, Kim Ok-bin, Shin Ha-kyun. Summary: Park ventures into the vampire genre with “Thirst,” blending horror and dark humor. The film explores the consequences of a failed medical experiment that turns a priest into a vampire. As he grapples with newfound desires, moral dilemmas, and love, “Thirst” stands out for its unique take on the genre and Song Kang-ho’s compelling portrayal.

• Sam’s Comments: Park Chan-Wook’s take on a vampire film, “Thirst,” is noted for its unique approach and progression from horror to almost superhero territory. While it features great visuals and Kang Ho-Song’s distinctive performance, it leans slightly towards superhero tropes, affecting its ranking.

“Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance” (2002) – Stars: Shin Ha-kyun, Bae Doona, Song Kang-ho. Summary: The first installment in Park’s vengeance trilogy, “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance,” is a gripping exploration of revenge gone awry. The film delves into the lives of two men, each seeking revenge for different reasons, leading to a tragic and morally complex narrative. Park’s distinct visual style and intricate storytelling shine in this emotionally charged thrill

• Sam’s Comments: Initially rated lower, “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance” has grown on me with each rewatch. The film, part of the Vengeance Trilogy, showcases Kang Ho-Song’s subtle and evolving performance, eventually earning it an S-tier ranking.

B TIER

“Joint Security Area” (2000) – Stars: Lee Young-ae, Lee Byung-hun, Song Kang-ho. Summary: “Joint Security Area” is a politically charged drama centered on an investigation into a shooting incident at the North-South Korean border. Park navigates themes of friendship and loyalty, creating a tense and thought-provoking narrative. The film showcases early signs of Park’s directorial prowess and his ability to blend genres seamlessly.

• Sam’s Comments: “Joint Security Area” is recognized as Park Chan-Wook’s first accessible film. Set against the backdrop of the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, the film is a slow-burn thriller featuring strong performances, particularly from Kang Ho-Song and Lee Young.

“Lady Vengeance” – (2005) – Stars: Lee Young-ae, Choi Min-sik, Kwon Yea-young. Summary: Concluding the vengeance trilogy, “Lady Vengeance” follows Lee Geum-ja seeking justice for a crime she didn’t commit. The film is marked by its visually striking sequences and Lee Young-ae’s powerful performance. While not reaching the heights of “Oldboy,” it remains a compelling exploration of morality, redemption, and the consequences of revenge.

• Sam’s Comments: “Lady Vengeance,” the final installment of the Vengeance Trilogy, receives praise for its visual excellence and strong performances, especially from Choi Min-Sik. However, some criticism is directed at the script, contributing to its B-tier placement.

“I’m a Cyborg But That’s Okay” (2006) – Stars: Rain, Im Soo-jung, Choi Hee-jin. Summary: Departing from his usual themes, Park explores the realm of romantic fantasy with “I’m a Cyborg, But That’s Okay.” The film revolves around a young woman who believes she’s a cyborg and her interactions in a mental institution. While whimsical and visually inventive, it may not resonate as strongly as Park’s more intense works.

• Sam’s Comments: With a title as eccentric as the film itself, “I’m a Cyborg but That’s Okay” is described as batshit crazy yet surprisingly heartfelt. Despite its wild energy, the film presents a real, human dramatic center, earning it a spot in the B tier.

C TIER

“Stoker” (2013) – Stars: Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman, Matthew Goode. Summary: Marking Park’s English-language debut, “Stoker” is a psychological thriller about a mysterious uncle’s arrival and its impact on a grieving family. While visually stylish and atmospheric, it might not reach the heights of Park’s Korean films. Nevertheless, it showcases his ability to bring a distinct flair to different cinematic landscapes.

• Sam’s Comments:“Stoker” serves as Park Chan-Wook’s English-language debut. While featuring creative editing and visual flair, the film is criticized for a weaker script. Despite some great twists, it falls short of the director’s Korean-language films, landing it in the C tier.

“Three Extremes“ (2004) – Stars: Kyoko Hasegawa, Atsurô Watabe, Mai Suzuki. Summary: Contributing a segment to the anthology film “Three Extremes,” Park crafts a tale of horror and psychological torment. This film highlights Park’s ability to create chilling narratives within the anthology format.

• Sam’s Comments: Park Chan-Wook contributes to the anthology film “Three Extremes” with his segment, “Cut.” Given its compressed runtime, the segment is rated as C-tier, providing a decent viewing experience but limited by its brevity.

“The Little Drummer Girl“ (2018) – Stars: Florence Pugh, Alexander Skarsgård, Michael Shannon. Summary: An adaptation of John le Carré’s novel, “The Little Drummer Girl” is a spy thriller miniseries directed by Park Chan-Wook. While not part of the tier list, it’s worth exploring for Park’s venture into television and his unique approach to the espionage genre.

• Sam’s Comments: “The Little Drummer Girl,” presented as a miniseries, showcases excellent performances from Michael Shannon, Florence Pugh, and Alexander Skarsgard. However, the stretched-out plot and filler content contribute to its C-tier ranking.

Fun Facts about Park Chan-Wook

1. Influences and Inspirations: Park has cited Alfred Hitchcock, Ingmar Bergman, and David Lynch as major influences on his work. His films often reflect a blend of psychological depth and visual flair reminiscent of these iconic directors.
2. Vengeance Trilogy Connections: The Vengeance Trilogy—comprising “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance,” “Oldboy,” and “Lady Vengeance”—is not a traditional trilogy with interconnected plots but shares thematic elements related to revenge and morality.
3. Palme d’Or at Cannes: Park’s film “Oldboy” won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, and the film’s success significantly contributed to the global recognition of South Korean cinema.

CLICK HERE for our review of Three Extremes as part of the 2020 Macabre Month of Horror.

Park Chan-Wook’s filmography, as evaluated through this tier list, highlights the director’s consistent ability to deliver visually stunning and emotionally impactful narratives. While opinions may vary, the tier list serves as a testament to the director’s influence and the diverse range of stories he has brought to the cinematic world.