'Hope,' 'The Assassin(s)' show widening gap between reviews, viewers

Two prominent Korean films, released in the same year, reveal a significant disparity between critical reviews and audience opinions. As of Wednesday, the film "Hope," directed by Na Hong-jin, has been watched by 4.59 million viewers, while "The Assassin(s)," directed by Hur Jin-ho, has attracted 3.08 million viewers. These figures illustrate the divergence between how critics and ordinary audiences perceive these movies.

"Hope" is a prime example of mixed expectations. Produced on a large scale and released in July, it marked Na Hong-jin's first feature after "The Wailing" in 2016. Many viewers entered the theater with high expectations, anticipating a tense thriller. However, they often left the theater feeling confused or even angry. Common criticisms include a thin storyline, an ending that clashes with the rest of the film, and awkward computer-generated imagery.

Some viewers felt the movie was merely a setup for a potential sequel, lacking a complete narrative.

Despite these criticisms, critics praised Na Hong-jin's film for its open-ended nature. Renowned critic Lee Dong seems to have embraced this aspect, recognizing the film's ability to engage audiences in interpretation without providing clear hints. This approach, while appreciated by critics, seems to leave some viewers feeling frustrated, as they may expect clearer guidance from the narrative.