“A Movie That Completely Blows the Audience’s Minds” — Global Praise Pouring In After the First Look at ‘HOPE’!

Since the world premiere at the Grand Théâtre Lumière on May 17, praise from major media outlets around the world has been pouring in for the film 〈HOPE〉. In particular, attention from overseas media is focused on the pulse-pounding action sequences, completed through the actors’ hard work in tackling intense action themselves and the production team’s relentless determination. French outlet Libération said, “A wild, high-speed chase that no one can predict even a step ahead. The intense pace and cinematic energy that overwhelm the screen throughout the entire runtime.” The American outlet SCREEN RANT wrote, “Korean cinema’s uniquely charming characters and large-scale action sequences come at you nonstop, maximizing genre satisfaction.” The UK’s The Guardian added, “〈HOPE〉 delivers the very best kind of fun that will further heat up the global K-wave.” It noted the film’s fierce cinematic experience that fills every inch of the screen.

Additionally, the bold direction and genre instincts of director Na Hong-jin, who sustains tension from start to finish while pushing the audience to the center of an unpredictable story, have drawn praise. French outlet Première said, “While faithfully following the rules of the genre, it also adds the unmistakably unpredictable touch of director Na Hong-jin, delivering freshness.” Écran Large remarked, “Director Na Hong-jin drives the extremes of the genre with uncompromising filmmaking, throwing raw shock at the audience.” French website franceinfo: said, “Na Hong-jin’s genre variation stands out, blending humor, slapstick, and hardcore action.” Le Monde wrote, “Through 〈HOPE〉, director Na Hong-jin has created a bold, original film that takes your breath away. It delivers a visual shock that breaks the typical grammar of Cannes, opening up a new horizon for genre filmmaking.” LE NOUVEL OBS said, “A seismic work that shook this year’s Cannes Film Festival. It completely changed the atmosphere of the entire festival.” It cited 〈HOPE〉 as one of the most talked-about titles at the Cannes Film Festival.

Praise for the actors who inject the film with vitality through explosive energy that leaves nothing off-limits is also continuing. International Business Times said, “Hwang Jung-min firmly anchors the center of the film with his signature, weary-like charisma and physical gestures like slapstick. Jo In-sung brings intense energy to his role as the hunter, and Jung Ho-yeon shows an unbending youthful spirit even amid a brutal, chaotic hellscape.” JoBlo added, “The perfect control of cinematic pacing in the real-time chase that gradually tightens—and the moment Jung Ho-yeon appears holding a grenade launcher, unleashing dopamine, is absolutely outstanding.”

Reactions from key international critics via social media have also caught attention. Matt Neglia of Next Best Picture said, “All the way to the very end of the runtime—an adrenaline-fueled thriller that races like crazy without a single break.” Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch wrote, “Lively action sequences come crashing over music that tightens the heart—and time disappears in an instant.” He pointed to the film’s relentless rhythm, and Sean Boelman of FandomWire left, “Adrenaline with 100% purity explodes throughout the entire runtime,” raising anticipation for the film even further.

〈HOPE〉 is a story that begins when ‘Beom-seok,’ the manager on duty at the Ho-po Port 출장소 (출장소장), located in the Demilitarized Zone, hears from local young people that a tiger has appeared, and the entire village is thrown into an emergency as they confront an unbelievable reality. Director Na Hong-jin, who has long captivated audiences and critics alike with overwhelming immersion, high-quality mise-en-scène, and outstanding directing, has spent a long time preparing his new work 〈HOPE〉. The film is set to meet audiences in theaters this summer.