Korean film Hope arrives in cinemas
The Korean film Hope has arrived in cinemas on October 28, marking its release after a long development period and anticipation from audiences.Meeting at Cannes with the film's actors
At a meeting in Cannes, the film's actors Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, and Taylor Russell discussed their involvement in Hope, which had been filmed over two years earlier. Alicia Vikander admitted she had not yet seen the final version of the film during the event.Na Hong-Jin's return to Cannes
Hope was screened at the Cannes Film Festival the same evening as the meeting. The film marks the return of director Na Hong-Jin, known for previous Cannes entries such as The Chaser, The Murderer, and The Strangers, which established him as a significant figure in Korean cinema.A science-fiction thriller with Western stars
Hope is a science-fiction thriller written by Na Hong-Jin over ten years and features three Western stars portraying aliens. The actors discussed the challenges of embodying these roles, including the use of motion capture technology and the unique aspects of the film's narrative.Collaboration between Alicia Vikander and Na Hong-Jin
Alicia Vikander explained how she and Na Hong-Jin came together for Hope. She had previously tried to recruit him for a project but learned he was working on a long-planned film. Two years later, he offered her a role in Hope, leading to their collaboration.Na Hong-Jin's influence on the actors
The actors expressed admiration for Na Hong-Jin's filmmaking style, noting his mastery of visual storytelling, sound design, and the ability to blend horror with humor. His approach to the narrative, including potential future films, also intrigued them.Filming process and technical challenges
The filming of Hope involved two distinct phases. First, the Korean actors were filmed, and then the Western actors joined. The process used motion capture technology, requiring the actors to wear sensors and helmets to capture their movements and facial expressions accurately.Language and themes in Hope
The film features a unique alien language created by linguists using ancient Mongolian forms. This language plays a crucial role in the story, highlighting themes of miscommunication and human behavior. The actors discussed how the film addresses current social issues through the lens of science fiction.Final thoughts and humor from the cast
Michael Fassbender concluded the interview with a humorous remark about a possible sequel, suggesting that BTS, the South Korean group, might appear in the next installment. This lighthearted comment underscored the film's blend of serious themes with moments of levity.