CANNES, France (AP) — Big, explosive alien movies don’t usually make it to the Cannes Film Festival’s prestigious Palme d’Or race, but Na Hong-jin’s “Hope” is not your typical sci-fi flick. Anticipation for this film was high. It’s been a decade since Na’s last widely praised work, “The Wailing.” While fellow Korean directors like Bong Joon Ho have gained global fame, many fans believe it’s time for Na to shine on the world stage.
Just before the premiere, Na openly admitted, “I’m really nervous.” He wasn’t expecting this level of anxiety, admitting that it kept him up the night before.
Clocking in at nearly two hours and forty minutes, “Hope” begins with a grim scene involving a dead bull and spirals into a wild, chaotic narrative. The film left viewers at Cannes feeling a mix of awe, confusion, and excitement. Variety’s Jessica Kiang described it as “hilarious, unwieldy, and showcasing some of the year’s most stunning action.”
The story follows Hwang Jung-min, who plays a police chief in a rural village. His investigation kicks off when a bull is attacked. Joined by another officer, Jung Ho-yeon, they chase a trail of chaos through the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Meanwhile, Hwang’s cousin, played by Zo In-sung, is on a different quest in the woods.
“Hope” isn’t just a linear narrative. Na wanted to create a story that starts simple and grows to cosmic proportions, which is why aliens are part of his vision. “I wanted to show how something small can have a huge impact,” he said.
Na is already thinking ahead, stating that a sequel set in space, featuring Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander as extraterrestrial characters, is in the works. He jokingly hinted at the sequel’s ending before being gently silenced by publicists.
The urgency to finish the film before its Cannes debut was palpable for Na. He reflected on the long journey saying, “I realize now it’s been quite a journey.” Editing and CGI took longer than he expected, showing the dedication and attention to detail he poured into this film.
The cast greatly respects Na. Zo In-sung bluntly stated that he chose to be a part of “Hope” simply because of Na’s reputation. Jung hopes to bring more viewers to Na’s work, emphasizing his impressive filmography.
Hwang, who previously worked with Na on “The Wailing,” was the first to join the project. He has faith in Na’s talent, amusingly stating, “But I don’t think he knows that many good actors.”
“Hope” is packed with action but isn’t just about thrills. It dives deep into themes of xenophobia and understanding different perspectives, which are pivotal elements of Na’s films. He noted, “The story evolved from a focus on people’s struggles with differences to something much more substantial.”
The film seems not only about alien encounters but also about the potential for conflict arising from misunderstandings. Na captures the essence of human nature and societal issues through entertaining, yet thought-provoking storytelling.
For more insights on cinema and related topics, check out Variety.
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Cannes Film Festival, Movies, Alicia Vikander, HoYeon Jung, Michael Fassbender, Bong Joon-ho, General news, Entertainment, World news, Jessica Kiang, World News
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