Early on in Na Hong-jin‘s upcoming blockbuster, Hope, there’s a clever visual joke involving a propaganda sign that reads, “Protect the Nation From Infiltration.” Despite this warning appearing too late, it humorously highlights that what is presumed to be a minimal threat ultimately leads to chaos. A single, aggressive intruder wreaks havoc, tossing vehicles like toys, demolishing structures effortlessly, and leaving behind a scene of carnage filled with bloodied bodies.
From the very beginning, it’s evident that Hope is crafted by a confident director. This rare daytime action thriller immediately captivates audiences with its masterful cinematography, intense score, fast-paced editing, and well-defined characters.
Hope
The Bottom Line
A wildly entertaining assault of turbo-charged thrills.
Venue: Cannes Film Festival (Competition)
Cast: Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Hoyeon, Taylor Russell, Cameron Britton, Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Eum Moon-suk
Director-screenwriter: Na Hong-jin
2 hours 40 minutes
Na Hong-jin, known for his earlier works like The Chaser, The Yellow Sea, and The Wailing, returns after ten years with Hope, a film that outshines its predecessors. The title’s true significance only emerges in the final moments, making this relentless thrill ride immensely engaging, despite its lengthy runtime.
The film begins with police chief Bum-seok (Hwang Jung-min) responding to a gruesome crime scene where a bull lies dead, marked by deep claw wounds. This disturbing discovery, made by a group of hunters led by the perceptive Sung-ki (Zo In-sung), sets the stage for the narrative.
Bum-seok, adhering strictly to protocol and more worried about gun registrations than the potential predator, finds himself in disbelief over the hunters’ claims of a tiger in the area. However, as Sung-ki’s team embarks on a tiger hunt, Bum-seok gets pulled into escalating panic and devastation back in town.
The first sighting of the feared creature occurs about halfway through when a clawed hand appears, further escalating the terror. An intense chase ensues as the creature wreaks havoc through the streets, challenging Bum-seok’s resolve until help arrives in the form of Sung-ae (Hoyeon) armed with military-grade weapons.
Hoyeon’s character, Sung-ae, stands out with her mix of humor and action, displaying impressive skills while keeping the mood light. Na Hong-jin expertly balances moments of surreal humor alongside thrilling narrative twists, enhancing the movie’s unique flavor.
As the plot unfolds, Na deepens the story’s layers, introducing new elements and characters, including an amusing scientist attempting a necropsy, and showcasing Bum-seok’s vulnerable yet heroic side. Each intense action scene is complemented by competent cinematography and an exceptional score by Michael Abels, making Hope a remarkable cinematic experience filled with laughter and thrills.
The film’s visual effects and creature designs are striking, merging humor with sci-fi horror. Overall, Hope delivers a wildly entertaining cinematic journey that leaves a lasting impression.
