Review: Remember when you first started watching Korean movies? Did you ever wish there was a book that delved into the background of Korean cinema and offered suggestions on which movies to start out with? I know I had my share of experimental purchases every now and then when I first started getting into the world of Korean films. There were a few good ones, and some absolutely terrible movies I wholeheartedly regret purchasing. I wish I had this book a year or two ago. I’d be a couple hundred bucks richer!

The first few pages of this book give a slight overview of what to expect from reading this book. Not only does it give an general outlook, it also goes into a little detail about how Anthony got himself hooked on Korean cinema, and his desire to enlighten the general public about his new “treasure trove” of asian cinema.

After the initial introductions, the book shift gears, and at it’s own leisurely kick-back pace, explores the history of the South Korean film industry. I wasn’t even aware of Japan’s occupation of Korea and how censorship played in important role in the progression of Korean cinema. Further along in the book, it covers the many genres present in current Korean films from the action blockbusters, sappy romance dramas and to the ever so abundant gangster category. If you’re wondering where to make your purchases, or which Korean actors and actresses are right for you, I’m proud to say that that there’s even sections to help you out with that too! Great to read, fantastic short reviews and pictures to help you make your decisions, you can’t go wrong with Anthony C.Y. Leong’s “Korean Cinema: The New Hong Kong.”

For anyone who’s a little tired of the drab Hong Kong movies being released recently, and want to try something new, I recommend picking up this book. It will make your purchasing worries much easier. Easier on you, and easier on your wallet.

You can visit the official site at http://www.mediacircus.net/koreancinema/