[Review] Enjoy 'Hope', Director Na Hong-jin's Tenacity

*This content was translated by AI.

Director Na Hong-jin's film 'Hope', released after a decade, finally unveils its veil in Korea for the first time.

This 156-minute running time film keeps running and sprinting throughout. A new action, thriller, SF, and creature feature that has never been seen before in Korea has emerged. While tastes regarding this film may vary, no one can doubt Director Na Hong-jin's tenacity or his directing prowess.

'Hope' begins with a story where 'Beom-seok', the Pohang outpost manager located in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), hears from local youths that a tiger has appeared, leading to a state of emergency for the entire town as he encounters an unbelievable reality. Director Na Hong-jin's film 'Hope', released 10 years after 'The Wailing', takes a different path from his previous works. Nevertheless, this unique Korean film mixing multiple genres carries Na Hong-jin's distinctive colors: fundamental human fear, black comedy, meticulous realism, and madness.

'Hope' chases, is chased, sprints, and runs again. Director Na Hong-jin reveals the alien creature from the beginning, shattering audience expectations and relentlessly varying the genre for about two hours after the creature's appearance. The story unfolds centered on Beom-seok (played by Hwang Jung-min), Seong-gi (played by Jo In-sung), and Seong-ae (played by Jung Ho-yeon), with narratives branching out from each protagonist before ultimately converging into one, revealing a grand worldview.

Although the work was created with a sequel in mind, it is not merely a trailer for a sequel but a complete work on its own. After finishing the 2nd-hour-30-minute crazy sprint, a new worldview and meaning appear in the final scene.

'Hope', which gained global attention after being officially screened at the Cannes Film Festival last May and rose as a hot topic, had some parts cut and others added from the Cannes screening version. While the running time changed only slightly from 160 minutes to 156 minutes, it feels faster.

Throughout the film, a sticky, viscous feeling of bloodshed dominates the atmosphere. It is unfamiliar and strange, yet that makes it fun. While it is an entertaining film, it leaves room for thought through various human relationships and dialogues. Beyond fundamental questions about human existence arising from the appearance of alien life forms or religious and philosophical inquiries, lines thrown without much thought and scenes made with jokes also subtly touch upon issues in our society. It is definitely more fun to watch twice than once (despite the long running time).

While watching 'Hope', one cannot help but think, "Director Na Hong-jin is truly a tenacious person." If you can fully enjoy his tenacity, you will experience great cinematic pleasure.

The acting by the cast is as good as Director Na Hong-jin's direction. Hwang Jung-min is Hwang Jung-min. Who else could have played Beom-seok? In scenes where he drives almost the entire film in a one-man show until the creature appears, you can feel his acting power, small details, and breath one by one. It is remarkable acting.

Jo In-sung really went through a lot. Jo In-sung, who handled even difficult stunts without doubles, is a unique action star in Korean cinema. Jung Ho-yeon, appearing in her first Korean work since 'Squid Game', clearly established her presence among the senior actors. Jung Ho-yeon skillfully brought to life the wonderful character created by Director Na Hong-jin by combining it with her own charm.

'Hope' is new. It is unfamiliar. The exclamation "It's crazy" comes out naturally. You must see this kind of film in theaters.

Release date: July 15. Running time: 156 minutes. Rated for ages 15 and up.

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*This content was translated by AI.