South Korean cinema is in the throes of a creative explosion where mavericks are encouraged and masters are venerated. But from where has this phenomenon emerged? What is the culture that has yielded this range of filmmakers? With The Nine Lives of Korean Cinema, French critic, writer and documentarian Hubert Niogret provides a broad overview but, nevertheless, an excellent entry point into this unique type of national cinema that still remains a mystery for many people. The product of a troubled social and political history, Korean cinema sports an identity that is unique in much modern film. Niogret's documentary tells of the country's cinematic history - the ups along with the downs - and gives further voice to the artists striving to express their concerns, fears and aspirations.

Park Chan-wook
Self

Hong Sang-soo
Self

Im Sang-soo
Self

Kim Ki-duk
Self

Im Kwon-taek
Self

Lee Chang-dong
Self

Bae Chang-ho
Self

Lee Myung-se
Self

Moon So-ri
Self

Ahn Sung-ki
Self

A Dream of Iron
A Dream of Iron

All day candles
All day candles

Bitter, Sweet, Seoul
Bitter, Sweet, Seoul
Kim Dae-jung's Days
Kim Dae-jung's Days

Aka Dan
Aka Dan

Full Metal Village
Full Metal Village

President′s 7 Hours
President′s 7 Hours

The Reservoir Game
The Reservoir Game

Candle in the Wave
Candle in the Wave

Hip Korea: Yu-Na Kim - Seoul Spirit
Hip Korea: Yu-Na Kim - Seoul Spirit

Quo Vadis
Quo Vadis

Gureombi, The Wind is Blowing
Gureombi, The Wind is Blowing