As Hollywood increasingly embraces CGI and digital effects, South Korea is charting a distinct course: exploring the depths of psychology, emotional landscapes, and the raw powers of storytelling with artistic flair. In recent years, 18+ (R-rated) films have not only dared to push boundaries in terms of form but have also delved profoundly into the darker realms of human emotion—places filled with desire, yearning, and unyielding confrontation with one’s self.
Below are the Top 5 must-watch 18+ films from South Korean cinema over the past five years:
1. Decision to Leave (2022)
Directed by the acclaimed Park Chan-wook, known for his groundbreaking film Oldboy, Decision to Leave continues to explore the psychological depths through a gripping narrative surrounding a detective’s complicated relationship with a widow suspected of murder. Instead of relying on sensationalist scenes, the film invites the audience into a maze of emotions, where moments of longing and hesitation create a compelling narrative that captivates viewers.
Chinese actress Tang Wei, famous for her role in the 18+ film Lust, Caution, plays Seo Rae, a key character shrouded in mystery. To portray this role authentically, Tang Wei learned Korean and brought forth a ‘femme fatale’ persona that is both powerful and enigmatic.
Not only did the film secure the Best Director award at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, but it also represented South Korea at the 2023 Oscars. Despite being praised for its artistic depth and emotional nuance, Decision to Leave generated controversy due to its abstract conclusion and unconventional storytelling, leaving many viewers feeling “disoriented.”
2. The Roundup: Punishment (2024)
Shifting from a judicial battle, The Roundup: Punishment brings viewers into the realm of hard-hitting action rather than mere dialogue. Ma Dong-seok returns as Inspector Ma Seok-do, tackling a gruesome case involving a national crime syndicate.
Set to premiere in April 2024, the film has already climbed the box office charts and garnered enthusiastic support from audiences. However, critics have pointed out that the film appears to resolve issues through excessive violence, which detracts from its deeper narrative intentions. Nonetheless, the film’s blend of action and engaging storytelling has positioned it as one of the noteworthy 18+ films in contemporary South Korean cinema.
3. Night in Paradise (2020)
Contrary to its serene title, Night in Paradise is a poignant tragedy, steeped in violence and despair, revolving around two troubled souls—Tae-goo, a gangster on the run after a family tragedy, and Jae-yeon, a terminally ill woman exuding an air of melancholy.
While the plot may not be intricate, each frame is imbued with emotional depth. The depiction of violence is unflinching, evoking the style of “chilling yet visceral” that director Park Hoon-jung is known for. Despite not winning an award at the 2020 Venice Film Festival, it left a profound impact, receiving an 88% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes and being regarded as “a remarkable tribute to the noir genre in South Korean cinema.” A film that resonates deeply with viewers—regardless of age.
4. Love and Leashes (2022)
Not every film can tackle the BDSM theme with such finesse as Love and Leashes. Based on a popular webtoon, the film follows Ji-hoo and Jung Ji-woo as they navigate a unique relationship based on dominance and submission.
The chemistry between the rising star Seohyun and the charming Lee Jun-young creates a captivating duo that feels both genuine and relatable. The film eschews excessive shock value, focusing instead on intimacy, emotional depth, and personal growth to tell its story. Despite various controversies in South Korea regarding its portrayal of unconventional relationships, this 18+ film received high praise nationally—especially within the LGBTQ+ community—for its respectful and affirming representation of love.
5. Hidden Face (2024)
Delving deep into a romantic thriller, Hidden Face unfolds a psychologically layered narrative filled with intrigue and emotional turmoil. This film, a remake of the Colombian movie of the same name, follows a music teacher who encounters a mysterious woman whose hidden past complicates their lives.
With standout performances from Song Seung-heon and “queen of horror” Cho Yeo-jeong, alongside intense scenes featuring Park Ji-hyun, the film has already topped a million views within just two weeks of its release in early 2024, becoming one of the fastest-growing 18+ films post-lockdown. However, it has sparked significant debate over its portrayal of intimate relationships and the film’s deeper meanings. Regardless, Hidden Face stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of South Korean cinema, daring to explore darker aspects of love and human connections.
