Korean noir film “Hopeless” features an intense interplay between talented newcomer Hong Xa-bin and global star Song Joong-ki, plus a daring move into acting by one of Korea’s most iconic singers, Kim Hyoung-seo–or more commonly known as BIBI, making for an onscreen acting synergy that you won’t be able to tear your eyes from.
In order to escape the hellish reality that surrounds the two men, they must become a part of that hell themselves. With the unpredictable course of their relationship, the film achieves a strained tension and a unique cinematic sensibility.
“Hopeless” marks the birth of an innovative, intense noir drama by talented new director Kim Chang-hoon. Having been invited to the Cannes Film Festival with his debut film, the director is drawing attention from film fans as a new talent to watch.
Synopsis
For us, there are things we just have to do.
A town with no future, and no hope. Seventeen-year old Yeon-gyu (Hong Xa-bin) was born in this place, and has never been to anywhere else. While enduring the repeated violence inflicted by his stepfather, he saves up money in the lone hope of moving to the Netherlands with his mother.
Chi-geon (Song Joong-ki), born and raised in this town, is now a mid-level boss in a criminal organization. Having learned early in life that this world is hell, he gets by in his own way.
One day Yeon-gyu gets into a fight to protect his stepsister Hayan (Kim Hyoung-seo). Unable to raise the settlement money, Yeon-gyu is helped by Chi-geon, and in that way Yeon-gyu comes to start a new life as a member of Chi-geon’s gang. Although scared and awkward, Yeon-gyu gradually adjusts with the help of Chi-geon who is like an older brother to him. Having earned Chi-geon’s trust while fighting to survive in the gang, Yeon-gyu begins to fall into more and more dangerous circumstances.
In order to escape from hell, they become a part of it.
Watch the movie trailer:
Korean movie “Hopeless” screens in Singapore cinemas from 19 October 2023.
Review
Having watched the film on the big screens, I would have never expected “Hopeless” to be director Kim Chang-hoon’s debut work, and I could definitely see why it was invited to the iconic Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.
I was throughly impressed by Hong Xa-bin’s acting skills in his first breakout role, and he’s definitely someone to keep an eye out for.
Given that Song Joong-ki’s role in the film, a boss of a criminal organisation in a small town, his character was a refreshing take from the typical mafia bosses. Throughout the film, we see his humanity displayed here and there, starting from when he first helped Xa-bin’s character.
I was also surprised to find out that Song Joong-ki actually did not receive any pay from his role in this movie!
Although BIBI’s scenes and lines were comparatively lesser than the other two main leads, her portrayal of Xa-bin’s stepsister left a deep impact on me. The way she protected Yeon-gyu both at home and during an intense moment between Chi-geon, truly tugged at my heartstrings.
While the movie was at the slower side in the beginning, I definitely did not expect myself to be taken on a rollercoaster ride at the later parts of the movie.
Not to give too much spoilers, but I’d advice viewers to be mentally prepared for gory scenes (unlike me, who was covering my eyes at most parts🫣)
Buckle up for the “Hopeless” launch, coming to cinemas near you on October 19!
