Various dramas and movies are not only works of fiction, but also depict true stories or expose horrifying truths.
“Taxi Driver”
Centered around the Rainbow Taxi Company, which is established with the mission of seeking revenge on behalf of the vulnerable, “Taxi Driver” tells a series of stories based on real events in South Korea. In particular, the series portrays various societal issues such as sexual assault, scams, school violence, and larger crimes like cults and illegal trading, at the same time recall actual cases of these crime. The vivid depiction makes viewers feel as if they are living in the dark side of society, often bringing tears and shocking moments.
Regarding this, the production team stated that when writing the script based on a specific incident, they were careful not to harm the victims in any way, by avoiding actions such as asking for forgiveness for the perpetrators.
“This work was created with the hope that social issues will be resolved through the law, so we did not use real events just for entertainment”, they also added.
As a result, “Taxi Driver” stands out among various other K-dramas, and is excellently delivered by actors Kim Do Gi (Lee Je Hoon), Jang Sung Chul (Kim Eui Sung), Ahn Go Eun (Pyo Ye Jin), Choi Kyung Goo (Jang Hyuk Jin), and Park Jin Uhn (Bae Yoo Ram), along with thrilling action sequences and a deeply humanistic storyline.
“Signal”
Before making a splash in “Taxi Driver”, actor Lee Je Hoon left a strong impression in yet another K-drama based on real events. This is none other than “Signal”, which received mostly positive reviews from critics, with praise for its action scenes, storyline, performances, and its status as an irreplaceable milestone in the Korean crime genre.
“Signal” has a daring yet logical and smooth script. The story is inspired by a real case that shocked South Korea in Hwaseong between 1986 and 1991. In particular, 10 women were raped and murdered by a deranged killer, and among the victims, the oldest was a 71-year-old woman, while the youngest was a 13-year-old girl. Rather than simply recounting the events, “Signal” weaves together multiple timelines, unfolding in both the present and the past, with meticulously arranged details that naturally captivate and convince the audience.
“Memories Of Murder”
Before holding four golden Oscars with “Parasite”, director Bong Joon Ho and actor Song Kang Ho collaborated in yet another magnificent masterpiece movie, “Memories Of Murder”, which was released way back in 2003. At the time, the film immediately piqued the curiosity of viewers as it explored a relatively unfamiliar topic. Based on a real case, the film delves into a series of gruesome serial murders of women that occurred in the rural areas of South Korea starting from 1986. With a dark and gloomy atmosphere, the film keeps its audiences intrigued with mysterious clues, witnesses, and signs. After its release, “Memories Of Murder” instilled a sense of fear into the psyche, leaving viewers with much to imagine and contemplate even to this day.
“Memories Of Murder” challenges not only the intellect but also the hearts of its viewers. The film possesses a suspenseful and captivating story from beginning to end, combined with the outstanding performances that convey the inner depths of the characters. As the film progresses, it delves deeper into the hidden corners of the investigators’ thoughts and past, revealing their utter helplessness in the face of a mysterious culprit.
“Silenced”
“Silenced” is a film that not everyone has the courage to watch a second time. It is not a horror film, but it creates an extremely haunting and suffocating atmosphere. The film succeeds in delivering powerful messages about pressing issues in modern society and in fact, even led to changes in the laws regarding sexual crimes in South Korea after its release.
“Silenced” is based on a true story that took place from 2000 to 2005 at the Gwangju Inhwa School for the Deaf in Gwangju, South Korea. The film’s dark tone is depicted through elements like a blood-stained pair of shoes, a train, and a dead body right next to the train rail.
“Silenced”, which explores the horrifying crimes of sexual abuse against hearing-impaired children, not only challenges viewers intellectually, but also tugs at their hearts. It maintains a suspenseful and intense narrative throughout, accompanied by exceptional performances that delve into the inner emotions of characters. The more one watches “Silenced”, the more raged and horror they would feel about the unfathomable crimes and injustice done against helpless children, and the words “based on a true story” can never be more haunting.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
“The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” is the darkest film in “The Conjuring” universe, and is based on a real murder case that shocked the United States. The real-life event occurred in 1981 and involved the murder of Arne Johnson, also known as the “Devil Made Me Do It” case. At the time, the culprit was the first person in the US’s legal history to claim demonic possession as a defense for committing a crime. The incident is also said to have sparked a series of supernatural events, including a murder where the victim was stabbed 22 times.
The summary of “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” states: “Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren take on one of the most sensational cases of their careers after a cop stumbles upon a dazed and bloodied young man walking down the road. Accused of murder, the suspect claims demonic possession as his defense, forcing the Warrens into a supernatural inquiry unlike anything they’ve ever seen before.”
Titanic
At first glance, “Titanic” may seem like a forgettable romantic film, yet it continues to resonate after more than 25 years since its release. Recently, this all-time classic was brought back to the cinema, and in June, it received ample media attention as a submersible named “Titan”. carrying 5 people, disappeared off the coast of Canada while exploring the wreckage of the Titanic.
On the other hand, “Titanic” depicts an iconic love story of Jack and Rose, two individuals from different social classes who meet by chance on the Titanic and ultimately part ways in heartbreak. In reality, there was no romantic encounter or tearful love story between Jack and Rose, but the horror and stories of other passengers on the trip was very much inspired by real events.
Now, the remains of the ship are still lying approximately 4,000 meters below the ocean’s surface, shrouded in darkness for the past 111 years, and are expected to dissolve into the depths of the ocean within the next 20 years.
Source: K14
