"That's crossing the line," Na Hong-jin's roller coaster 'Hope' [Kim Na-yeon's Diagonal Line] [Review]

*This content was translated by AI.

[Editor’s Note] A personal perspective from reporter Kim Na-yeon as she watches the film.

It is truly imagination that crosses all boundaries. Director Na Hong-jin released aliens into the world and crafted a relentless roller coaster ride lasting 156 minutes. The film "Hope" races nonstop, carrying its audience without pause.

In HoPohang, located in the demilitarized zone, the group led by "Seong-gi" (played by Jo In-sung) and the branch office manager "Beom-seok" (played by Hwang Jung-min) discover a severely mutilated cow carcass on the outskirts of the village. They initially expected a ferocious tiger to be responsible, but soon encounter traces of destruction that cannot be explained by a tiger alone.

The main storyline is simple. It unfolds in two parallel threads: one follows "Beom-seok" and "Seong-ae" (played by Jung Ho-yeon) from the HoPo branch office as they fight desperately to protect a village left only with elderly residents; the other tracks "Seong-gi" and his group as they head into the mountains in pursuit of an unknown entity.

"Beom-seok" traces the mysterious presence by following the signs of destruction scattered throughout the village. His journey is relentless, and viewers naturally find themselves accompanying him on this pursuit through his perspective.

"Beom-seok" bears little resemblance to the typical heroes seen in disaster films. He constantly hesitates, feels fear, and grapples with realistic choices. This human side actually heightens the film's tension and immersion. Hwang Jung-min's grounded performance shines even brighter here.

A relentless and inexplicably brutal rampage continues without respite. Finally, the presence of aliens is revealed, and the film enters a new phase. "Seong-ae" shouts, "No matter what kind of monster it is, this goes too far. This has crossed the line," as she aims her gun.

The appearance of the aliens may not immediately convince everyone. In particular, "Hope" takes on an unprecedented challenge by introducing the creatures in broad daylight. There may even be viewers who raise their eyebrows at moments where the aliens' emotions are depicted. However, this does not become a major obstacle that undermines the film's immersion.

As the truth gradually unfolds and the differing perspectives between humans and aliens come to light, the fast-paced narrative, extreme suspense, and humor placed precisely where needed continue without pause, creating "Hope"'s unique rhythm.

The desperate struggle of four aliens from different species, ranks, and classes against humans who cross the boundary between life and death is realized through overwhelming-scale action. From horseback chases unfolding in dense forests to chaotic pursuits involving horses and cars intertwined, these dynamic action sequences that never let viewers look away are "Hope"'s greatest virtue. At the center stands Jo In-sung's passionate performance, truly demonstrating "action spirit."

The 156-minute roller coaster designed by director Na Hong-jin does not easily conclude even after reaching its destination. Audiences will reflect on the meaning embedded in the ending for a long time. The director stated, "Ultimately, what this film sought to convey is that 'all tragedies in the world stem from misunderstanding.'"

Meanwhile, "Hope" is set to release on the 15th. Running time: 156 minutes. Rated for viewers aged 15 and above. Includes a bonus clip.

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*This content was translated by AI.