If you were captivated by the intricate storytelling and emotional depth of 'Decision to Leave' (2022), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that share similar themes of mystery, romance, and psychological intrigue. Whether you loved the film's noir aesthetics, its complex characters, or its slow-burning tension, our curated list will guide you to your next cinematic obsession. Dive in and discover stories that will leave you just as spellbound as Park Chan-wook's masterpiece.
Oldboy (2003)
Description: Shares with 'Decision to Leave' a dark, neo-noir aesthetic and themes of revenge, obsession, and twisted relationships. Both films feature protagonists caught in intricate, emotionally charged mysteries with shocking revelations.
Fact: Part of Park Chan-wook's 'Vengeance Trilogy'. Won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. Features one of cinema's most famous single-take hallway fight scenes.
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The Chaser (2008)
Description: Similar to 'Decision to Leave' in its intense crime thriller elements and psychological depth. Both films explore themes of obsession and moral ambiguity, with a protagonist deeply entangled in a complex investigation. The gritty realism and suspenseful storytelling are key parallels.
Fact: Directed by Na Hong-jin, marking his debut feature film. Based on real-life serial killer Yoo Young-chul's crimes. Won multiple awards at the 2008 Baeksang Arts Awards.
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Mother (2009)
Description: Similar to 'Decision to Leave' in its psychological depth and exploration of maternal obsession. Both films feature protagonists conducting their own investigations, blurring lines between justice and obsession.
Fact: Directed by Bong Joon-ho before his international breakthrough. Kim Hye-ja's performance as the mother is considered one of Korea's greatest. Features one of the most shocking opening sequences in Korean cinema.
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The Housemaid (2010)
Description: Similar to 'Decision to Leave' in its erotic thriller elements and exploration of class dynamics. Both feature dangerous relationships that spiral out of control, though 'The Housemaid' is more melodramatic.
Fact: A remake of Kim Ki-young's 1960 classic. Features a famous piano scene that became iconic. Director Im Sang-soo is known for his social critiques.
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The Man from Nowhere (2010)
Description: Shares with 'Decision to Leave' a protagonist with a mysterious past drawn into a dangerous investigation. Both feature stylish action sequences and emotional depth beneath their thriller surfaces.
Fact: Won Best Film at the Blue Dragon Awards. Features one of Korean cinema's most famous knife fight scenes. Star Won Bin took a long hiatus after this film.
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I Saw the Devil (2010)
Description: Like 'Decision to Leave', this is a cat-and-mouse thriller about obsession, though much more violent. Both explore how pursuit of justice can become personal vengeance, with morally ambiguous protagonists.
Fact: Initially received a restricted rating in Korea for extreme violence. Features Choi Min-sik (Oldboy) as the serial killer. Director Kim Jee-woon is known for his genre-hopping style.
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The Handmaiden (2016)
Description: Shares Park Chan-wook's signature visual style and intricate plotting with 'Decision to Leave'. Both are erotic thrillers with shifting perspectives and themes of deception, though 'The Handmaiden' is more overtly sexual and period-set.
Fact: Loosely based on Sarah Waters' novel 'Fingersmith'. Won Best Film Not in the English Language at the BAFTAs. Features elaborate production design with over 100 sets built.
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The Wailing (2016)
Description: Shares with 'Decision to Leave' a slow-burning mystery with supernatural elements. Both films feature rural settings and protagonists trying to solve increasingly bizarre cases that challenge their understanding of reality.
Fact: Director Na Hong-jin spent over three years researching shamanism. The exorcism scene took 3 days to film. Features a mix of Korean, Japanese and Christian religious elements.
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Parasite (2019)
Description: While more satirical, shares with 'Decision to Leave' a masterful blend of genres and exploration of class dynamics. Both films feature meticulous direction and sudden tonal shifts that keep audiences unsettled.
Fact: First Korean film to win the Palme d'Or at Cannes. First non-English language film to win Best Picture at the Oscars. The house set was built in three different versions to accommodate various shooting needs.
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Burning (2018)
Description: Like 'Decision to Leave', this film explores ambiguous relationships and psychological tension through a slow-burn mystery. Both feature protagonists trying to unravel the truth about enigmatic characters, with class tensions simmering beneath the surface.
Fact: Based on a short story by Haruki Murakami. First Korean film to make the shortlist for the Oscars' Best Foreign Language Film. Features an ambiguous ending that sparked much debate.
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