<화란> 'Hopeless' Movie Review


  Hopeless had been invited to the 76th Cannes Film Festival for Un Certain Regard. This itself was quite a news, since the film was relatively a low-budget. It was also an issue that star actor Song Joong-Ki had appeared in this film with no guarantee, captivated by the scenario. Watching Hopeless, I could definitely see why he chose this; to me, it was Song Joong-Ki's best character so far. Thanks to Song Joong-Ki, the character Chi-geon turned out to be more charming and handsome than he could ever be.

  This movie was the best noir movie I had seen that had been made during the past ten years. Noir movies had been made from time to time, but they were below by expectations. Ever since the action noir The Man from Nowhere, none were to my taste. But Hopeless finally exceeded my expectations. Produced by Sanai Pictures, the most renowned producing company for noir films, delicate perfection ran throughout the entire plot. 

  The plot focuses on two youth who struggle in their own way to exist amongst their harsh environment. Chi-geon is a skillful young leader of a thief gang and has accumulated quite a wealth through it. Meanwhile, Yeon-gyu is a high school student who has nothing more to lose, with no hope whatsoever. They meet by chance on the streets one day, a day when Yeon-gyu was deep in despair with nobody to save him. To his surprise, Chi-geon saves him that day, when he is nothing but a random boy. Later, Yeon-gyu goes to meet Chi-geon, the only person he can rely on, and asks him to accept him as a member of the gang. Chi-geon sees himself in Yeon-gyu, and decides to keep him close by his side like a brother. But as the gang leader inevitably orders Yeon-gyu to commit crime and sees the boy falling apart from it, he himself begins to feel hopelessly lost with no one to rely on...

  Hopeless was the best movie I had seen over the past six months. I won't say much; I just hope that many people watch this masterpiece:)

Review: Even when all seems hopeless, there will always be a person looking after you.. Cherish him with all your might.







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