Haeundae (aka Tidal Wave) (2009)

Set in Haeundae, a popular Korean beach resort located in the Busan district, an assortment of characters cross paths, form allegiances and fall in love while a series of undersea earthquakes grow stronger eventually building to a tsunami that hits the beach town with disastrous results. Directed by Yoon Je Kyoon, this Korean disaster film is about as good as any of Hollywood's offerings and in some cases, a damn sight better. Unlike many of its Hollywood counterparts (at least recent ones), Kyoon's film gives ample time to the development of the characters, letting us get to know them in detail and their backstories rather than the stick figures Hollywood often gives who are there simply to perish. So when the Tsunami hits, we are invested in their fate. There is a lot humor in the movie which seems out of place but then again I'm beginning to suspect I don't get Korean humor anymore than I get British humor. I didn't much "get" the humor in THE HOST either. As with all multiple storyline films, the cast is large but I particularly liked Min Ki Lee as a lifeguard and rescue worker. Kim Yeong Ho's wide screen compositions are excellent with a fireworks sequence particularly poignant and romantic and there's a solid score by Lee Byung Woo. With Sol Kyung Gu, Ha Ji Won and Uhm Jung Hwa.