'Hope' director Na Hong-jin confessed that he felt "bad" about the racist question that occurred at the Cannes Film Festival.
On the afternoon of the 6th, a press screening for the film 'Hope' was held at Megabox COEX in Seoul. Director Na Hong-jin and lead actors Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Jung Ho-yeon and others attended the event.
'Hope' (director and screenwriter Na Hong-jin, produced by Forged Films, co-produced by Plus M Entertainment·Westworld Co., provided and distributed by Plus M Entertainment) is the story that begins when Beom-seok (played by Hwang Jung-min), the branch office chief at Hopohang located in the demilitarized zone, hears from local youths that a tiger has appeared, and the whole village goes on alert and faces an unbelievable reality. Hwang Jung-min passionately portrays the arrogant but responsible branch office chief Beom-seok of Hopohang; Zo In-sung plays Seong-gi, a village youth who passes time by hunting and fishing; and Jung Ho-yeon is Seong-ae, a Hopohang police officer who does her duty in any situation.
The science fiction film 'Hope' is reported to have the largest production budget in Korean film history. It is said to be at least 70 billion won, and when late-stage marketing and publicity costs are added, it could be as much as 100 billion won. The star-studded casting lineup, including top stars Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Jung Ho-yeon and Hollywood actors Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell, Cameron Britton, is generating great buzz.
It was an official competition selection at the 79th Cannes Film Festival and is Na Hong-jin's new work released 10 years after 'The Wailing' (2016). It is the first Korean film to be in the Cannes competition in four years since Park Chan-wook's 'Decision to Leave', and after premiering worldwide in May, it received praise from many foreign media outlets. According to the Korea Film Council (KOFIC) integrated ticketing system, 'Hope' has already surpassed a real-time reservation rate of 45% and taken an overwhelming first place even though its release is more than a week away. It is already proving the public's anticipation for the film.
At an earlier official Cannes press conference, a foreign reporter, without revealing his affiliated media or name, asked dismissively, "Hello Michael, hello Alicia. I don't know the others," and then added, "If the director can answer," before firing rude questions such as, "Did you cast the married actors (Michael and Alicia) as a package?" and "Did you cast the two together because you could hire both for the price of one actor?" This prompted criticism that the remarks were racist.
On the day, director Na Hong-jin said about the question at the press conference, "I felt bad hearing that," and added, "But I thought it wasn't a place to express that I felt bad. I don't want to talk more about that."
About fun moments with Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander, he said, "The two actors came to shoot separately. They each had to look after their children. When one was working, the other had to take care of the kids," and added, "When Michael was here, we drank every day. He's not someone who drinks moderately.. (laughs) His upbringing and growth process were very similar to mine, so it was really fun."
He also added, "We giggled watching YouTube with Michael. I have very good memories, and I've known Alicia for a long time, so the atmosphere this time was good and fun. There was nothing special, but it was an enjoyable experience."
Meanwhile, 'Hope' opens on the 15th.<
[Photo] Reporter Lee Dae-seon
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