‘Hope’ Review: Na Hong-jin’s Overlong Creature Feature is a Guns-Blazing Riot of Bawdy Humor, Bad CGI and Brilliant Action
Na Hong-jin's film 'Hope' blends humor and action in a unique creature feature. Despite its overlong runtime and subpar CGI, the film delivers some of the most impressive action sequences seen this year. Set in a small South Korean town, it combines elements of mythology with a comedic narrative.
- ▪The film is directed by Na Hong-jin, known for his previous work 'The Wailing'.
- ▪It features a high-profile international cast and is the largest production in Korean film history.
- ▪The story revolves around a police chief investigating mysterious events in a small town.
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Home Film Reviews May 17, 2026 3:10pm PT ‘Hope’ Review: Na Hong-jin’s Overlong Creature Feature is a Guns-Blazing Riot of Bawdy Humor, Bad CGI and Brilliant Action Despite subpar creature effects and silly stabs at mythology, for about 70% of its hefty runtime, the Korean master's fourth film is among the best — and funniest — action movies you have ever seen. By Jessica Kiang Plus Icon Jessica Kiang Latest ‘Hope’ Review: Na Hong-jin’s Overlong Creature Feature is a Guns-Blazing Riot of Bawdy Humor, Bad CGI and Brilliant Action 13 minutes ago ‘Gentle Monster’ Review: Léa Seydoux Brings Gravity to a Harrowing End-of-Family Drama 2 days ago ‘All of a Sudden’ Review: Virginie Efira and Tao Okamoto Forge a Life-Changing Friendship in Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Life-Giving Drama 2 days ago See All…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Variety.