Buzz
Ma Dong-seok, also known as Don Lee, is a prominent South Korean actor. Despite a slow start in his career, he has now cemented his position in the hearts of audiences worldwide. Ma Dong-seok's on-screen persona often embodies the righteous, skilled fighter with a tender heart, akin to a real-life superhero. Here are some of his must-watch films that you shouldn't miss.
#10. The Soul-Mate (2018) – An Unlikely Friendship
Ranked at number 10, The Soul-Mate is a comedy that deserves more credit than it receives. It offers both humor and emotional depth. Jang-su (Ma Dong-seok) is a Judo coach who simply wants a peaceful life with his daughter. However, his wish is disrupted when he becomes haunted by a ghost. The ghost is Tae-Jin, a former police officer. Unable to find peace in the afterlife, Tae-Jin persuades Jang-su to help solve an unfinished case.
#9. Nameless Gangster: Rules of Time (2012) – The Unknown Gangster
This is the oldest film on the list, with Ma Dong-seok playing a minor role and looking much slimmer than he does now. The story revolves around Ik-hyeon, a cunning customs officer who survives on bribes from smugglers. One day, he steals a large shipment of methamphetamine. Dreaming of wealth, Ik-hyun teams up with a crime boss to kickstart his underworld career.
#8. The Villagers (2018) – Village Folk
The Villagers is an intriguing action thriller. It begins with the mystery of a missing schoolgirl in a rural area, which has largely been forgotten. When gym teacher Ki-Chul (Ma Dong-seok) moves to the town to work, he senses something amiss. He accidentally encounters Yujin, her only determined friend still searching for her. He joins her quest. As they dig deeper, they uncover someone trying to erase the clues.
#7. Start-Up (2019) – Entrepreneurial Spirit
This comedy film showcases a different side of Ma Dong Soek that we haven't seen before: Don Lee with long hair. In the movie, we meet 'Taek-il,' a rebellious student who despises school and frequently causes trouble. Following his mother's advice, Taek-il leaves home and starts working at a Chinese restaurant run by a burly man named Geo-soek (Ma Dong-seok). At the restaurant, Taek-il encounters unforeseen troubles and learns valuable lessons.
#6. Derailed (2016) – Off Track
Derailed is a crime action film that has garnered positive reviews from audiences. It features a star-studded cast of South Korean actors including Ma Dong-seok, Minho (Shinee), Kim Jae Young, Jung Da Eun, and more. The story revolves around the lives of two characters, Jin-il and Ga-Young, young runaways trying to survive in a treacherous environment. To make more money, they scheme to deceive a man named Hyung-suk (Ma Dong-seok). However, Hyung-suk is no pushover; he captures Ga Young as a hostage and demands Jin-il bring ransom money.
#5. Unstoppable (2018) - The Resurgent Gangster
Unstoppable is a classic revenge film with fantastic action sequences. Who better to portray a vengeful man seeking justice for his kidnapped wife than Ma Dong-seok? The story follows Dong-Chul (Ma Dong-seok), a former gangster who is now married and living a peaceful life. But one day, his wife is kidnapped. The kidnapper calls, not demanding ransom, but offering Dong-Chul a sum of money in exchange for his wife. Enraged, Dong-Chul immediately sets out to track down the kidnapper.
#4. Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days (2018) – The Challenge of Death: Final 49 Days
This is a fantasy film that's not unfamiliar to Vietnamese audiences, with Ma Dong-seok playing the role of the Guardian of Hell. In this installment, the three guardians Gang Rim, Hae Won Maek, and Duk Choon are left with only one soul to help reincarnate. Upon completing this mission, they will be reborn as new humans. However, during this final 49-day journey, their identities are also revealed. What memorable secrets lie in their past lives?
#3. The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil (2019) – Boss, Cop, and Demon
Ma Dong-seok portrays a ruthless mobster in this crime thriller. Jang Dong-Soo (Ma Dong-seok) is the leader of a formidable gang that commands respect. However, Dong-Soo finds himself hospitalized after an unexpected attack by an unknown assailant. The assassin escapes, leaving Dong-Soo injured. Later, Dong-Soo is approached by police officer Kim Moo-Yeol, who informs him that the same killer has been responsible for numerous recent murders. They join forces to hunt down the 'devil'.
#2. Train to Busan (2016) – Journey to Busan
Train to Busan has gained global acclaim; you should watch this film at least once in your life. The movie follows Seok-Woo and his daughter on a train journey to Busan to visit her mother (they are divorced). Suddenly, South Korea is overrun by a zombie outbreak, and the infection quickly spreads aboard the train. In a fight for survival, Seok-Woo and his daughter meet Sang-hwa and his pregnant wife (Ma Dong-seok) along with several others. They band together in hopes of safely reaching Busan aboard the train.
This action-comedy film featuring Ma Dong-seok rocked the box office back in the day. Based on real events in 2007 in Guro District, Seoul, Inspector Ma (Ma Dong-seok) and his colleagues must find a way to improve the increasingly chaotic security situation as an illegal immigrant group floods the city. The ruthlessness of the gang leader puts Ma and his teammates in many dire situations.
Conclusion
Above are the top 10 best films of Ma Dong-seok, hoping the Korean 'uncle' will bring you moments of enjoyable entertainment. Happy watching!
