Why I like Korean films

An octogenarian confesses her newfound love for an Indian millennial’s favourite

the fact that we are still suffering from a postcolonial hangover, and of how little we know about people closer to us, other Asians, Koreans for example. I was in for surprises at every step. I was surprised to find how westernised their lifestyle has become. But I was even more surprised to find how finely they have balanced it with tradition, hot pants and spike heels notwithstanding. If Kipling was alive today, he would have been compelled to change his oft-quoted line about ‘n ever the twain shall meet’. To give just a few examples, they have retained the Asian habit of taking off their shoes before entering a house. We in India follow this custom too but it is not considered sophisticated. But in their society (I am assuming that films hold a mirror to life), this custom is followed by one and all, from the middle-class to the super rich. They also sit cross-legged on the floor to eat from a low centre table. Of course, dining-tables are there but sitting on the floor is not looked down on. In fact, they do it on other occasions as well, like when one is depressed or upset for

IN ALL KOREAN FILMS, FAMILY HAS A VERY BIG ROLE TO PLAY, WHICH BRINGS THEM VERY CLOSE TO THE INDIAN MINDSET

some reason, he or she flops down on the floor or on the nearest staircase in a way the gora log would never do. How can they ? Their limbs are not that flexible, the reason why the best badminton players are from South and South East Asia. Also, traditional and very Asian is their custom of offering tea to anyone who drops in any time of day and night. East wins over the West in their love scenes, so modest and tender even in the most passionate moments which stand out in sharp contrast against the gross physicality of western love scenes.

Indian connect

In all Korean films, family has a very big role, which brings them very close to the Indian mindset. For them, a cousin is as important as a brother and this is very much an Indian concept too, the reason why we do not have a one-word Indian equivalent for ‘cousin’. The respect they show to their elders is expressed through their body language. We are aware of the Japanese habit of bowing but it is also done in Korea. I am impressed by the way they kneel before a senior, mostly parents, if they have a favour to ask, or apologise, or even to ask permission to date the daughter. In one sixteen