Forged Films and Plus M Entertainment’s Hope (dubbed from the Korean film of the same name; A) is an epic science fiction monster film. Ko Bum-seok, police chief of Hope Harbor, a small village populated mostly by elderly people, is asked by his second cousin, Ko Sung-ki, to inspect a dead cow with gaping wounds. He soon realises that a large creature is on a rampage, killing animals and human beings. Bum-seok teams up with retired colonel Ahn Nak-yeon to track down the creature. It soon emerges that the creature might be an indestructible humanoid. Anyway, the creature is killed after being run over by a tanker. Before that, rookie officer Im Sung-ae had saved Bum-seok by firing a grenade launcher at the creature.
An eccentric hunter, Yang-bae, tells Bum-seok and Nak-yeon that he had killed a second creature. The body turns out to be a monster infant. Bum-seok realises that the adult creature had been searching for its offspring. Sung-ae now realises that there are several such creatures. Now, Sung-ae, Bum-seok, Nak-yeon and Yang-bae head out to look for Sung-ki.
Elsewhere, Sung-ki and his fellow hunters learn that the creatures are aliens. What happens thereafter? Who is killed and who survives?
Na Hong-jin’s story and screenplay are quite interesting but the drama becomes repetitive after some time. Moreover, since the characters are played by Korean actors, the Hindi film-going audience won’t get sucked into the drama, however engaging it may seem. The second half has enjoyable light moments.
Hwang Jung-min plays Ko Bum-seok with élan. Jung Ho-yeon is natural as Im Sung-ae. Lee Sang-hee does well as Ahn Nak-yeon. Eum Moon-suk is alright as Yang-bae. Zo In-sung lends fair support in the role of Ko Sung-ki. Michael Fassbender (as alien warrior Ma’veyyo), Alicia Vikander (as aliens’ Empress J’aur), Taylor Russell (as Ai’dovor), Cameron Britton (as alien Va’migere) and the others provide the necessary support.
Na Hong-jin’s direction is average. Michael Abels’ music is wonderful. Hong Kyung-pyo’s cinematography is very nice. Lee Hwo-Kyoung’s production designing is of a fair standard. Kim Sun-min’s editing ought to have been sharper. Dubbing is alright.
On the whole, Hope may be quite entertaining but it has no hopes at the Hindi box-office because of unrecognisable faces in its cast.
Released on 23-10-’26 at Metro Inox (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru AA Films. Publicity & opening: poor. …….Also released all over. Opening was dull everywhere.