Na Hong-jin's 'Hope' Review: Most Expensive Korean Film Ever Made
Na Hong-jin's latest monster film, 'Hope,' is said to be the most costly Korean movie to date, with an estimated budget of around $45 million. This project marks Na's return to the genre after a decade since 'The Wailing' in 2016. Set in a fictional harbour village during the 1980s, the narrative centers on police chief Bum-seok, portrayed by Hwang Jung-min, as he investigates a series of monster attacks. The initial creature appears midway through the film, depicted with basic CGI, and is followed by alien characters played by Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, and Taylor Russell. The ensemble cast also features Kim Ki-cheon, Jung Ho-yeon, and Zo In-sung. While the first hour has been commended for its cinematography and humor, the latter part sets the stage for a sequel. Variety's Jessica Kiang noted that it lacks thematic depth.
Key facts
- 'Hope' is reportedly the most expensive Korean movie ever made, with a budget of around $45 million.
- The film is directed by Na Hong-jin and marks his return a decade after 'The Wailing' (2016).
- It is set in a fictional 1980s harbour village called Hope, shot mostly in Namchang-ri.
- The cast includes Hwang Jung-min, Kim Ki-cheon, Jung Ho-yeon, Zo In-sung, Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander and Taylor Russell.
- The first monster appears about halfway through the film, rendered in crude CGI.
- The film builds toward an intended sequel, with an abandoned spaceship and more aliens.
- Variety critic Jessica Kiang described the film as 'almost heroic in its lack of thematic weight or political/philosophical subtext'.
- The review was published by ArtReview and written by Beatrice Loayza.
Entities
Artists
- Na Hong-jin
- Hwang Jung-min
- Kim Ki-cheon
- Jung Ho-yeon
- Zo In-sung
- Michael Fassbender
- Alicia Vikander
- Taylor Russell
- Lee Chang-dong
- Jessica Kiang
- Beatrice Loayza
- Na Jong-hin
- Hoyeon
- Hong Kyung-pyo
- Willem Dafoe
- Kent Jones
- Samy Burch
- Greta Lee
- Bill Evans
- Scott LaFaro
- Grant Gee
- Anders Danielsen Lie
- Bill Pullman
- Ross McElwee
- George Miller
- Robert Eggers
- Todd Haynes
- Owen Martell
Institutions
- Plus M Entertainment
- ArtReview
- Variety
- Squid Game
- Hollywood Reporter
- Cannes Film Festival
- Venice Film Festival
- Wooster Group
Locations
- South Korea
- Namchang-ri
- North Korea
- Seoul
- Korea
- Hope Harbour
- Demilitarised Zone
- New York
- Florida