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South Korean director Na Hong-jin's sci-fi thriller "Hope" is among 22 films competing for the Palme d'Or at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, which began Tuesday and runs through May 23 in the southern French resort city. The film is the first Korean entry in the competition section in four years, following Park Chan-wook's "Decision to Leave" and Hirokazu Kore-eda's "Broker" in 2022.

Coverage Comparison

According to Yonhap News, "Hope" portrays the sudden appearance of mysterious entities in a small coastal town near the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone. The cast includes Hwang Jung-min as a local police chief, Zo In-sung as a villager, and international stars Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Jung Ho-yeon, and Taylor Russell.

Na Hong-jin, known for "The Chaser" (2008), "The Yellow Sea" (2011), and "The Wailing" (2016), has now had four feature films invited to Cannes. "Hope" is set to have its global premiere at the festival on Sunday, with Na and the cast expected to attend a red carpet event.

Key Claims

  • "Hope" is competing for the Palme d'Or at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, alongside 21 other titles.
  • The film is the first Korean film in four years to compete for the Palme d'Or since "Decision to Leave" and "Broker" in 2022.
  • The cast includes Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Jung Ho-yeon, Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, and Taylor Russell.
  • Na Hong-jin's inspiration for the film was a sense of looming danger he felt about the world, as he expressed in an interview at the festival.
  • Park Chan-wook will serve as jury president at this year's Cannes, the first Korean to assume the role.
  • Other Korean films, including "Colony" and "Dora," are also being screened at the festival.

Perspectives

Director Na Hong-jin

Na Hong-jin said he felt "a lot of ominous things" on the planet and that it seemed "a war was about to happen, or that tremendous violence would mercilessly blanket the whole world." He noted that the film portrays how violence emerges and grows bigger. He expressed happiness and honor at "Hope" being selected for the competition, saying, "I feel really good and joyous about the fact it made it on the list. I didn't realize I would feel this good and honored."