HOPELESS
Genre
Drama
Running time
124 minutes
Year
2023
Language
Korean
Subtitle
English
Country
South Korea
Director
Kim Chang-Hoon
Bio
Producer
Jae-Duk Han
Cast
Xa-Bin Hong, Joong-Ki Song, Kim Hyung-Seo
Scriptwriter
Kim Chang-Hoon
From the classy end of the Korean extreme cinema spectrum, this gangland drama about a boy drawn inexorably into the orbit of his local crime boss is as sad and ultra-violent as the title promises, but it's thoughtful too. Yeon-gyu (Hong Xa-bin) fends off blows from his drunken stepfather and dreams of emigrating with his mother to somewhere peaceful. Instead, he finds himself stealing and stripping motorbikes for local boss Chi-geon (superstar Song Joong-ki) – eventually and inevitably moving into their murky dealings in local politics – to pay off a petty debt. His relationship with Chi-geon becomes that of an apprentice to a master; he will never escape this life now. Sombre storytelling spliced with crunching bouts of violence makes Hopeless a bracing trip to hell.
Other movies
HIJRA
Director: Shahad Ameen
A grandmother and her two granddaughters journey from Taif to Mecca. When the eldest granddaughter vanishes, the two remaining women travel north to find her, with their search highlighting the deep cultural and generational bonds between Saudi women. Set against the backdrop of the Hajj pilgrimage, Hijra portrays the intimate and emotional odyssey of these women, which evolves into a spiritual quest. Their journey carries the weight of an entire heritage and offers an emotional, powerful and insightful look at identity. Shot across eight Saudi cities, the film provides a deep dive into the nation’s rich cultural tapestry. Actress Khairia Nazmi infuses the story with profound emotion due to her strength and energy.
THE FINALE
Director: Rodolphe Chedid
In a secluded Lebanese village, Amal and Naeem, married for 50 years, find their peaceful life marked by the absence of their children, who left during the war more than three decades ago. Feeling a profound void, Amal seeks to rekindle their connection and rediscover meaning by asking Naeem to write their life story. He reluctantly agrees, and they embark on an intimate journey through forgotten memories and unspoken truths. As they revisit their past, they confront the love they’ve built and the questions that have shaped their lives. Filmed with a unique and original cinematic language, this love story is a powerful testament to how film can beautifully convey emotions, memories and the intimate details that make life extraordinary.