How a VFX Controversy Propelled the Strange Journey of Na Hong-Jin's Sci-Fi Blockbuster Hope

Na Hong-jin, the director and writer of the upcoming sci-fi blockbuster Hope, had just one concern on his mind as he sat down for an interview at a hotel conference room table in San Diego. He wanted to know how the film would look the following week and if it would still hold its position at the top of Korean cinema. The reason behind his concern was the record-breaking opening weekend for Hope, which accounted for 66% of all movie ticket sales in the country. The film had set a new record for opening-weekend admissions in Korea.

Despite the success of Hope, Na was aware that other major releases like The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day could potentially overshadow his film. However, he remained optimistic as Neon, the distributor of Hope, announced that the movie would open in 1,500 theaters, the most a Korean film had had since Bong Joon-ho's Parasite. Additionally, Hope would be shown in premium screens like 4DX, with many of the showings already sold out in major cities.

Hope, which stars Hwang Jung-min, Jung Ho-yeon, and Zo In-sung, is an action-packed sci-fi film about aliens invading a small town near the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. The movie's structure and pace are unique, with one climax following another, and Na successfully blends both serious and comedic tones. The film features profanity, with the Korean word for "fuck" appearing 137 times in the trailer, which reflects the discourse surrounding the movie.

The film's journey to theatrical release was as unique as the movie itself. Na first showcased Hope at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where it competed for prestigious awards like the Palm d'Or. Although it didn't win, its inclusion alongside more traditional dramas at the festival was a victory in itself. Early reactions to the film were overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising its visual effects and action sequences.

However, there were mixed reviews regarding the CGI aliens. Na, aware of the attention his alien creatures received, explained that they were brought to life using motion capture technology, resulting in shape-shifting, odd-looking entities. Despite potential criticisms, Na found the creatures charming, especially in certain scenes where their movements were exaggerated.