[Dispatch | Cannes (France)=Jung Tae-yoon] "At first, I was conceptualizing a crime story…." (Na Hong-jin)

Director Na Hong-jin's new film "Hope" began as a crime story. While thinking about how to approach it differently from his previous work, he ended up probing the fundamentals. Why do we commit crimes and why does violence occur.

If the previous film "The Wailing" took a supernatural approach, this time it reaches into space. It was a result of pushing the questions from the previous work further. Digging into the roots of social problems, he ultimately extended his reach into the realm beyond humanity.

"I also think 'Hope' is a film that metaphorically depicts how problems in the world happen and how they grow. I wanted to tell this kind of story." (Na Hong-jin)

The film "Hope" held an official press conference at Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France. Director Na Hong-jin, along with Hwang Jung-min, Cho In-sung, Jongho Yeon, Taylor Russell, Michael Fassbender, and Alicia Vikander were present.

The previous day (18th) saw the premiere screening of "Hope." It was an occasion to introduce the film to global audiences for the first time. As it was a highly anticipated work, international media coverage on the day was intense.

"Hope" is set against the backdrop of Hope Port, located in the demilitarized zone. It tells the story that unfolds when the outpost commander Beom-seok (played by Hwang Jung-min) hears from young women in the neighborhood that a tiger has appeared, and encounters an unbelievable reality.

Director Na Hong-jin has challenged new stories that transcend genre boundaries. This time, he brought forth a grand storytelling shaped by the perspective differences and ignorance between humans and aliens.

This time, he realized the creature through CGI to deliver powerful visuals. Director Na Hong-jin explained, "This film is a blockbuster featuring a CGI creature, but I wanted to implement action that feels like something seen long ago."

The actors had to execute primitive action sequences. To do this, risky action and acting based on grand imagination were required.

Na Hong-jin said, "I persuaded, deceived, and lured the actors well," and continued, "Actor Cho In-sung had knee surgery and couldn't run, I told him he wouldn't have to run, but in reality he had to run through the forest tremendously."

However, Cho In-sung said, "I think courage is needed to create something new," and added, "Emotionally it was harder than physically. I focused on how to convey this fear."

Hwang Jung-min likewise said, "My body wasn't tired at all. It would have been difficult if the other was a person, but it was an unknown entity," and continued, "Rather, it was fun. Drawing out the best imagination became the energy."

Action preparation was also thorough. Jongho said, "I did pre-production alone for 5 to 6 months. Gun action and car action were both firsts for me, but thorough preparation subdued the fear on set."

In particular, this is Jongho's screen debut. He said, "Alicia Vikander's words, 'Feel the joy of trying something you haven't done rather than fear,' gave me strength. Senior Hwang Jung-min encouraged me saying 'just do it confidently,' so I was able to finish the difficult scenes safely."

How did Taylor Russell, Michael Fassbender, and Alicia Vikander come to choose this film? Michael laughed and said, "Alicia was offered it first, and she just told me 'just do it,' so I agreed."

Taylor Russell said, "Being able to participate in an international film festival with a film in a different language like this feels like a dream come true," and added, "I've come to love Korean cinema even more."

There was also regret about Hollywood actors appearing only briefly as aliens. Director Na Hong-jin conveyed, "After watching the film, you will likely guess who the baton of the story will be passed to."

He continued, "Originally, this film's narrative is much bigger. Their story proceeds endlessly. It's not a package concept, but I actively persuaded them to cast based on the hope that such a future could happen," and emphasized.

Finally, Director Na Hong-jin resolved, "I've also written the subsequent story. If there's an opportunity, it's naturally something we must make. I will work to create that opportunity."

Meanwhile, "Hope" was invited to the competition section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival and made its debut to global audiences on the 16th. The award results are scheduled to be announced on the 24th.

<Photo=Dispatch DB>