[HanCinema's Lists] The Top 5 Korean Period Films of All-Time

Korean period features are big business that, when done right, really do bring in the big bucks. The past few years, in particular, have yielded some stellar titles that have seriously resonated with local audiences. This trend is set to continue in 2014 as a host of new historical dramas and action flicks are lining up to try and capture the public's imagination by re-framing the past in unique and exciting ways. Some of the historical films to look out for in 2014 include: "KUNDO : Age of the Rampant", "A Touch of Zen", "Pirates", "The Huntresses", and "Battle Of Myeongryang"; but before we usher in these new historical yarns, here's a quick look at the five highest grossing Korean period films of all-time that this year's entries will hope to challenge.

5. "The Grand Heist" (2012)

Director: Kim Joo-ho

Screenplay: Kim Min-seong-I

Stars: Cha-Tae-hyeon, Oh Ji-ho, Min Hyo-rin, Sung Dong-il, Shin Jung-geun

Length: 121 min

Released: 2012/08/08

Admissions: 4,908,695

4. "Arrow, The Ultimate Weapon" (2011)

Director: Kim Han-min

Screenplay: Kim Han-min

Stars: Park Hae-il, Ryu Seung-ryong

Length: 122 min

Released: 2011/08/10

Admissions: 7,457,902

3. "The Face Reader" (2013)

Director: Han Jae-rim

Screenplay: Kim Dong-hyeok

Stars: Song Kang-ho, Lee Jung-jae, Baek Yoon-sik, Cho Jung-seok, Lee Jong-suk, Kim Hye-soo

Length: 139 min

Released: 2013/09/11

Admissions: 9,132,766

2. "The King and the Clown" (2005)

Director: Lee Joon-ik

Screenplay: Choi Seok-hwan

Stars: Kam Woo-sung, Jung Jin-young, Kang Sung-yeon, Lee Joon-gi

Length: 119 min

Released: 2005/12/29

Admissions: 10,380,657

1. "Masquerade" (2012)

Director: Choo Chang-min

Screenplay: Hwang Jo-yoon

Stars: Lee Hyeong-Heon, Ryu Seung-ryong, Han Hyo-joo, Kim In-kwon, Jang Gwang

Length: 131 min

Released: 2012/09/13

Admissions: 12,321,459

Have you seen all of these great films? Maybe one of your favourites didn't make in into the top five? Share your thoughts and favourites with others in the comment section below...

- C.J. Wheeler (chriscjw@gmail.com; @KoreaOnTheCouch)

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