Director Na Hong-jin has commented on the level of violence depicted in his latest film, ‘Hope,’ stating that it is significantly less intense compared to his previous works. The filmmaker shared his thoughts during a press conference and screening event held for ‘Hope’ at the Megabox COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 6th.
‘Hope’ Explores a Village on Edge
‘Hope,’ scheduled for release on the 15th, is set in the fictional location of Hopo Port, a non-military zone. The narrative begins when the local community hears news of a tiger’s appearance, sparking panic among residents. The story unfolds as the villagers confront a reality that is difficult to believe, grappling with fear and uncertainty.
Director Na, known for his critically acclaimed films ‘The Chaser,’ ‘The Yellow Sea,’ and ‘The Wailing,’ returns to the director’s chair for ‘Hope.’ During the event, he specifically addressed the film’s depiction of violence.
Comparing Violence Levels Across Films
When asked about the violence in ‘Hope,’ Director Na stated, “As you will see when you watch the film, the level of violence is very low compared to my previous works.” He elaborated on his intention behind this creative choice, “I wanted to try making it like that this time. Although the film features knives and guns, which could be considered brutal weapons, I felt they could be effectively portrayed to achieve the desired impact.”
The director further explained the thought process behind the film’s title and setting. “First, I thought about the name ‘Hope,’ and then I created the fictional place name ‘Hopo Port.’ I conceived the name while thinking of a small village within Korea,” he said. He acknowledged that audiences might perceive the film differently but reiterated his stance on the violence. “Regardless of how the audience views this film, ‘Hope’ has a very low level of violence compared to my previous films. I intended to create it that way this time.”
Prioritizing Actor Safety in Action Sequences
Director Na also detailed his approach to directing the action sequences in ‘Hope,’ emphasizing the paramount importance of actor safety. “Above all, I focused on the safety of the actors,” he stated. “A year before filming began, I meticulously planned the shot division. With the continuity and storyboards already prepared, I engaged in discussions with the actors and staff.”
He continued, “This time, I wanted to film without using stunt doubles, and the preparation process to achieve this was quite extensive.” This commitment to practical execution and safety underscores a deliberate shift in his filmmaking methodology for ‘Hope,’ aiming for a more grounded and secure production environment for his cast and crew.
Thematic Elements and Setting
The premise of ‘Hope’ involves a community thrown into disarray by an unexpected event, leading to a narrative that explores themes of fear, resilience, and the human response to the unknown. The setting of a non-military zone adds a layer of isolation and vulnerability to the story, making the appearance of a tiger a catalyst for heightened tension and communal anxiety.
Director Na’s previous films, such as ‘The Wailing,’ were noted for their intense atmosphere and graphic content. ‘The Wailing,’ released in 2016, depicted a series of mysterious and violent events in a rural village, drawing widespread critical acclaim for its suspense and horror elements. By contrast, his comments suggest a conscious effort to modulate the intensity of violence in ‘Hope,’ potentially focusing more on psychological tension and character-driven drama.
Filmmaking Process and Preparation
The director’s emphasis on pre-production, including detailed shot division, continuity planning, and storyboarding, highlights a methodical approach to filmmaking. This level of planning is crucial for executing complex scenes, especially when aiming to minimize reliance on stunt performers. It allows for greater control over the visual narrative and ensures that the action sequences serve the story effectively while prioritizing the well-being of the actors.
The extensive preparation mentioned by Director Na indicates a significant investment of time and resources into ensuring that ‘Hope’ could be realized as envisioned. This includes not only the creative aspects but also the logistical and safety considerations necessary for a smooth and successful shoot. The goal of filming without stunt doubles, while challenging, often results in a more authentic and visceral performance, provided it is executed with meticulous care and planning.
Audience Reception and Director’s Intent
Director Na expressed awareness that audience reception can vary, but he remains firm in his intention to present a film with a comparatively lower violence threshold. This suggests that while the film may contain elements of suspense and drama, the focus might be shifted towards exploring the emotional and psychological impact of events on the characters and the community, rather than relying on explicit depictions of violence.
‘Hope’ is poised to offer a different kind of cinematic experience from Director Na Hong-jin, one that potentially balances suspense with a more restrained approach to on-screen brutality. The film’s success will likely depend on its ability to engage audiences through its narrative, characters, and thematic depth, even with a reduced emphasis on graphic violence.
The upcoming release on the 15th will allow audiences to experience firsthand the narrative and directorial choices made by Director Na in ‘Hope,’ offering a new perspective on his filmmaking capabilities and thematic explorations.
