[News Today] Movie ‘Hope’ premieres at Cannes

[LEAD]

Na Hong-jin's 'Hope' has been unveiled at Cannes, drawing sharply divided reactions. As the only Korean film in Competition, it is quickly becoming one of the festival's talking points. Na says he has no expectations of winning, but has already hinted at a possible sequel.

[REPORT]

Director Na Hong-jin's new movie 'Hope' is the sole Korean film invited to the competition section of this year's Cannes International Film Festival.

With a seven-minute standing ovation, Cannes welcomed the director who has returned with his first new movie in a decade.

Director Na earned critical acclaim for his genre-blending direction in the sci-fi thriller, which follows an alien appearing in a remote rural village in the 1980s.

Hollywood actor Michael Fassbender plays one of the unknown aliens. Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung and Jung Ho-yeon impress viewers with their acting in the life-or-death battle against the aliens.

Zo In-sung / ‘Hope’ Actor

When encountering someone unbeatable and fearsome, this man opts to declare human dignity.

There are polarizing reviews over its CGI. But the movie appears to be one of the hottest, eye-catching films at Cannes this year.

Director Na is adding finishing touches to the movie, which is set to be released in Korea this summer. While he says he has no expectations to win an award, he's passionate about the idea of a sequel.

Na Hong-jin / ‘Hope’ Director

Nothing specifically is in the works. But it will be great if I can produce and cinematize follow-up stories.

22 movies are competing at Cannes, including 'Hope'. The winners will be announced at the closing ceremony on May 23.