TEN REASONS WHY KOREA IS THE BEST IRISH MOVIE OF THE '90S!

Ask most people with an interest in Irish cinema: What is the best title from the 1990s? - they'll probably say something like In the name of the father, Michael Collins, or The Commitments. All very famous and award-winning movies. What very few will select is a little-seen film from 1995 called Korea. Here are ten reasons why it gets the Shoot the Cabbage vote.

Best of the most popular '90s genre
The heritage film got made over and over here during that decade. Shame most were terrible. Korea is easily one of the best from that genre.

Technically well made and suited
Unlike most Irish movies that use quality cinematography, editing, and music Korea actullay used these elements to enhance the story rather than distact the audience and win awards.

Moving story
The story of a son who falls for a local girl and refuses to emigrate is genuinely moving and doesn't seem contrived or forced.

Short feature
Unlike most Irish movie Korea runs under eighty minutes and doesn't outstay its welcome.

Strong images
Instead of the usual actors sitting in front of the camera talking for a few minutes and boring the audience Korea uses some impressive images e.g. the coffin draped in an American flag getting boated through a lake. Images that you won't forget.

Lack of comedy and funny scenes
Serious story without breaking away from the harshness of the setting to give the audience some pointless comic relief.

No famous faces
Thankfully this one didn't cast familiar faces from Irish soaps or 'retired' British actors.

Lack of stereotypes
Unlike other Irish movies this one avoids the usual friendly priest, village idiot, posh Protestant lady, etc.

Made by a talented director
While most Irish movies from that decade were directed by foreign TV directors or film-school graduates, Korea was made by one of our best national filmmakers.

Multiple meanings
It's a movie about father-son tensions, it's a movie about old Civil War tensions, it's a movie about fighting for other countries, it's a movie about emigration, it's a movie about the grim '50s, and it's a rural romance movie.