[Review] 'Hope' is strange, crazy... Is it my taste?

*This content was translated by AI.

• Review of 'Hope', a competition entry at the 79th Cannes International Film Festival

"What is this movie?"

Director Na Hong-jin's 'Hope', invited to the competition section of the 79th Cannes International Film Festival, has received a strong response since its world premiere. The film is excellent in every aspect—visual spectacle, acting, and direction. Yet, it is surprising to see such a thriller-action-SF work.

'Hope' begins with the story of 'Beom-seok', the head of the Pohang outpost located in the Demilitarized Zone, who learns from local youths that a tiger has appeared, plunging the entire village into alarm as he encounters an unbelievable reality. This is the first film directed by Na Hong-jin in 10 years since 'The Wailing'. On the day of its official world premiere screening, 'Hope' received seven minutes of standing ovations from an audience of approximately 2,500 packed into the Lumière theater.

Since its official screening on the 17th, 'Hope' has transformed the atmosphere of the Cannes Film Festival, instantly rising to become the festival's hottest hit. The film has garnered significant attention due to director Na Hong-jin's distinctive style, stunning visuals, and the appearance of a new creature, leading to a flood of positive reviews. Throughout the lengthy 240-minute runtime, one can feel the power of director Na Hong-jin, who pushes forward by transforming from a genre he excels in into a new one.

The progression of 'Hope' is divided into before and after the appearance of the alien creature. Until the creature appears, the film draws in the audience with the acting of performers running through the meticulously crafted background designed by director Na Hong-jin. Afterward, a creature unseen in Korean cinema before appears, leading the audience into a new world.

The themes of 'Hope' and the appearance of aliens are not entirely new to audiences accustomed to Hollywood blockbusters. Given this thematic context, it is natural that comparisons to James Cameron's 'Avatar' arise. However, the charm of 'Hope' lies not in following any formula, but in layering science fiction over director Na Hong-jin's unique style.

'Hope' is described as a thriller, but it is also an action film and an SF work. Director Na Hong-jin does not confine the genre of this film, leaving the definition of the genre to the audience. Behind the earnest acting of Korean actors, Hollywood actors portray the alien creature. As the alien appears, action unfolds in vast natural settings, and chase scenes never before seen are also presented.

The emotion evoked by this strangeness reaches each individual audience member differently. For some, the strangeness feels bizarre; for others, it is thrilling. For audiences who dislike strangeness, the long runtime may seem tedious, but for those who enjoy excitement, it offers enjoyable entertainment.

The mere fact that 'Hope' has entered the competition section of the Cannes Film Festival means the film has gained much and received recognition. In a film festival primarily focused on art films, the appearance of 'Hope' was a fresh shock. The fact that such a popular genre film has entered the Cannes competition indicates that the strangeness of this film reaches a point that resonates with the audience.

What is interesting is that whether this film suits one's taste can only be known by watching it directly. The unique color of 'Hope', which differs from any other genre film, can only be confirmed by seeing it with one's own eyes.

'Hope' is scheduled for release in Korea this July.

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*This content was translated by AI.