KOREAN FILM FESTIVAL IN AUSTRALIA 2019

Celebrating 10 years of screening the very best in Korean cinema Down Under, The Korean Film Festival in Australia returns in 2019 a line-up of exquisite new Korean films, from across all genres.

Taking place in Sydney (22-31 August), Canberra (22-25 August), Brisbane (5-8 September) and Melbourne (5-12 September), the Festival’s program features a whopping 22 films, 13 of which are Australian premieres.

Presented by the Korean Cultural Centre Australia, KOFFIA showcases the very best of Korean culture through film. From big-budget blockbusters to intimate art house flicks, the Festival presents a packed program of world-class cinema, plucked straight out of Korea’s booming film industry – Hallyuwood.

The SWITCH team has checked out the best of the festival, so take a look through our reviews below to help you decide what to see! Check back throughout the festival as we add to the collection.

THE ODD FAMILY: ZOMBIE ON SALE

An extremely silly zomedy

If you’re seeking a lightweight and absurd comedy featuring zombies, then this film might just tickle your funny bone with its eccentric characters and plot.

RAMPANT

Ho-hum historical Korean zombie thrills

It excels neither as a zombie film, nor a throne-room drama, but what it lacks in originality is made up for with gruesome visuals and cold-blooded savagery.

PARASITE

A bloodthirsty and very funny look at class warfare

An engrossing, stylish and near-perfect movie. Though he often juggles a mosaic of characters, themes and social issues, Bong Joon-ho never eschews his anarchic impulses and dark humour.

A RESISTANCE

A sombre portrait of faith and courage

An increasing amount of Korea's best movies are highly influenced by their difficult and often turbulent history. Much like its protagonist, this film manages to keep the faith.

THE GREAT BATTLE

An awesomely entertaining war epic

With over half the movie consisting of action scenes, if you love violence as much as a Spartan, Quentin Tarantino, or a video-game-playing teenage boy, you will be endlessly fascinated.

SWING KIDS

A war film in its own league

The film should be commended for its ambition, even if it doesn’t always manage to juggle all its balls as well as wants to. It's a breath of fresh air for a film set in wartime.

THE SPY GONE NORTH

Engrossing espionage escapades

You don’t need to know much about Korean politics to enjoy it; you only need an appreciation for political intrigue and tension-inducing filmmaking.

INSEPARABLE BROS

A heartwarming tale about disability and the power of friendship

This is one of those heartwarming tearjerkers that's sure to be an instant crowd-pleaser, showcasing not only the power of friendships but of disabled friendships.

GRANNY POETRY CLUB

Growing old, friendship, learning and poetry

This documentary tracks a group of unlikely people in a very peculiar and undocumented situation. It's a reminder that age is but a number, and we are only as limited as we think we are.