Korean War Movies

Because it occured between the monumental 2nd World War and the highly controversial Vietnam War, The Korean War became known as the "forgotten war". In the first half of the 20th century Korea was occupied by Japan, but at the end of WWII, the Soviet and American forces divided the peninsula along the 38th Parallel. Soon, political divisions developed between the north and south and, after the failure of reunification, armed conflict resulted in 1950. The communist north invaded the south and made headway until the US pushed them back beyond the 38th Parallel. Then, communist China entered the fray, and launched a counter-offensive. All the while the Soviet Union aided the North Koreans materially. With such huge world powers at play, the danger of this "proxy war" escalating beyond control became worrisome and an armistice was reached in 1953. This unsteady peace between North and South Korea still exists, with minor outbreaks and aggressive posturing occuring to this day.

Most Korean War movies were produced during and immediately after the war. After Vietnam, movie producers seem to have "forgotten" to make more Korean War movies. However, one country has recently produced numerous quality movies about The Korean War, not surprisingly - South Korea.