The film Hope wrapped up its schedule at the Cannes Film Festival.
On the 24th, the team behind Hope (director Na Hong-jin, produced by Forged Films, co-produced by Plus M Entertainment·Westworld, provided/distributed by Plus M Entertainment) announced that they had completed all events at the 79th Cannes Film Festival and released behind-the-scenes stills.
At this Cannes Film Festival, the Hope team, which had been officially invited to the competition institutional sector, attended the schedule led by director Na Hong-jin and starring actors Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Jung Ho-yeon, Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander and Taylor Russell. The combination of actors representing Korea and Hollywood drew attention.
On the Cannes premiere red carpet, the excitement and emotion ahead of the first screening were fully evident. The warm atmosphere between Hwang Jung-min and Jung Ho-yeon, who met with music director Michael Abels, also drew attention. Beyond official events, the bright smiles of the actors during interviews with domestic and international media and local schedules showed their confidence in the film.
Hope depicts the story of Beom-seok, the head of the Hopohang branch office located in the demilitarized zone, who hears from local youths that a tiger has appeared, and, as the entire village is put on alert, encounters an unbelievable reality that begins the tale. It was the Korean film invited to the Cannes Film Festival competition institutional sector for the first time in four years and marked Na Hong-jin's first entry into the Cannes competition. Previously, from his debut The Chaser through The Yellow Sea and The Wailing, Na Hong-jin had never had a feature film invited to the Cannes Film Festival.
In particular, Hope received enthusiastic reviews immediately after its screening at the Cannes Film Festival. "With outstanding immersion and ingenious imagination, it made the hearts of the European critics race" (Numerama), "Korean cinema's power that completely replaced and overwhelmed Hollywood's blockbuster formula. Its unpredictable development and original visuals captured the attention of critics worldwide" (France 24), "A gigantic wave named Hope that swallowed the festival. This powerful energy sent tremendous ripples through the stagnant festival" (Culturopoing), "It shattered Cannes' preconceived notions and delivered an unprecedented, intense genre stimulation to audiences" (Vanity Fair) — such praise poured in from foreign media.
Director Na Hong-jin, wrapping up the Cannes Film Festival schedule, said, "Attending this Cannes Film Festival was a decision made in gratitude for Cannes' love call at the most important point in postproduction. The most important thing now is the time remaining until we meet Korean audiences, and from now on is the decisive stage of the finalization work. I will focus on raising the film's completeness as much as possible during the remaining time before release."
He added, "Building on the valuable outcome of the support and encouragement from many critics and members of the press at this Cannes Film Festival, we will produce the best result. I thank the festival organizers and everyone who enjoyed Hope and gave kind words."
Hwang Jung-min said, "When we opened the gates at Cannes, I thought, 'How much fun would it be to watch this with Korean audiences?' I look forward to the moment of sharing this special experience with audiences." Zo In-sung said, "The fact that I could challenge something new, and that I could happily work with a great director, makes Hope a meaningful film to me," and Jung Ho-yeon said, "It was an honor to see my first film at the historic Lumière Grand Theatre. Watching my performance on the big screen was both frightening and exciting, and hearing the applause and cheers made me feel supported and moved."
[Photo] Provided by Plus M Entertainment.
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