Two Korean films made the list of the ”Best Movies of the 21st Century” selected by the NYT... directed by Park Chan-wook and Bong Junho, who are also popular in Japan

Park Chan Wook's 'Oldboy' and Bong Joon-ho's 'Memories of Murder', both released in South Korea in 2003, were named among the “Best Films of the 21st Century” by The New York Times.

　On the 26th (local time), according to the NYT's list of “The 100 Greatest Films of the 21st Century,” Park Chan-Wook's 2003 film 'Oldboy' ranked 43rd, while Bong Joon-ho's 2003 film “Memories of Murder” came in at 99th.

　The rankings were compiled based on a survey of 500 people, including world-renowned directors, actors, producers, and enthusiasts, targeting films released after January 1, 2000. The NYT began announcing the rankings starting from 100th place this week, and by this day, had revealed up to 21st place. The top 20 rankings will be announced starting from the 27th local time.

　The NYT cited a scene in Oldboy where actor Choi Min-sik swings a hammer and escapes down a hallway covered in blood, saying, “This famous action scene is like an opera of twisted thriller, symbolizing violence while also dramatically conveying emotion,” and introducing Oldboy as “a film that provokes and unsettles the viewer until the very last scene.”

　Regarding 'Memories of Murder', the NYT notes, “From the very first scene, it is clear that this Korean-made police drama is not bound by Hollywood genres.” It further evaluates, “Director Bong Joon-ho has a firm understanding of human limitations in the face of countless evils, and explores this through his unique method of weaving unexpected humor and sharp drama.”

　Meanwhile, 'Past Lives', a 2023 film by Korean-Canadian director Céline Son that incorporates her autobiographical story, also made the list at No. 86, drawing significant attention.