A madcap surprise
Korean cinema has seemingly dropped a new action film that is ready to take the world by storm. Korean auteur Na Hong-jin, the director behind The Chaser and The Wailing has just premiered his creature action film, Hope, and our Chris Bumbray was quite taken with the film in his review. He gave it a 9 out of 10 and his headline even says that “Cannes hasn’t seen carnage like this since Fury Road,” which excites the hell out of me. However, he also stresses the importance of knowing little details before going into the film, so the marketing and hype might be a little tricky to keep elements hidden, so be careful out there.
A sequel incoming
As Hope screens at Cannes, director Na Hong-jin attended the press conference with his stars and has revealed that we may already have a sequel to look forward to. Variety reports that the filmmaker told the press,
I think you can readily imagine this sequel. And there’s a script that’s already been done that I’d like to shoot. So if I have the opportunity, I would indeed make a sequel if possible.”sponsored content
Married couple Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender appear in the film and Vikander explains that they both agreed to do the movie after she became a fan of Na Hong-jin. She revealed, “I just fell in love with Asian cinema.” She had been planning to work with Na on a project, but that opportunity would fall through and then this one came up. Vikander explained that he “reached out two or three years later. […] I didn’t think. I said yes! I think director Na is incredible, such a visionary, and I felt very honored to be part of his film.”
Her husband, Michael Fassbender, joked that he joined the film because “Alicia told me to do it.” And Vikander followed up, “He listens to me!”
What is being said about Hope?
For his review, Chris Bumbray revealed that Neon has snatched up distribution for Hope. He says, “It’s one of a kind, and a total blast that will no doubt become an instant classic as far as South Korean cult cinema goes. But, in this era where Korean pop culture is gaining a major foothold in North America, it might be wise for Neon to give this a wide, blockbuster-style release, as I doubt any summer action film out of the States this year will deliver the same kind of thrills.”
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