Na Hong-jin's 'Hope' falls short of Palme d’Or win at Cannes

A scene from Na Hong-jin's film "Hope" / Courtesy of Plus M Entertainment

Director Na Hong-jin’s film “Hope” fell short of winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday, but the genre-bending work remained one of the most talked-about entries in this year’s competition.

Set in a remote harbor village near the Korean Demilitarized Zone, "Hope" follows a police chief and a rookie officer as they confront a mysterious being.

Anchoring the spectacle, the ensemble cast — including Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung and Jung Ho-yeon alongside Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander and Taylor Russell — gives performances anchored in fraught human reactions: fear, panic, denial and opportunism.

Despite missing the top prize, “Hope” drew significant attention throughout the festival, emerging as a dark horse with its unconventional mix of thrills, comedy, action and science fiction.

The film generated strong buzz at Cannes, selling to major international markets and mirroring the success of Park Chan-wook’s "Decision to Leave" (2022). Critics described it as a rare surprise in an otherwise subdued lineup.

Na said the film stems from his contemplation of violence and its origins.

“I wanted to explore how small incidents can grow into something uncontrollable,” he said at a festival press conference. “This time, that question expanded into the universe.”

Na's debut feature film was “The Chaser” (2008), followed by “The Yellow Sea" (2010) and “The Wailing” (2016). “Hope” is scheduled for a summer release in Korea.

Director Cristian Mungiu, second from left, Palme d'Or award winner for the film "Fjord," poses with Park Chan-wook, third from left, jury president of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, on stage during the closing ceremony of the festival in Cannes, France, Saturday. Reuters-Yonhap

Though the prestigious Palme d'Or went to "Fjord," directed by Romanian filmmaker Cristian Mungiu, Korean cinema successfully reasserted its global presence after a brief period of stagnation.

The inclusion of "Hope" in the main competition marked a significant turning point for the domestic film industry.

In 2025, Korean cinema failed to invite a single feature film to Cannes for the first time in 12 years, but they made a major comeback this year with a diverse lineup.

The enthusiasm for Korean films extended well beyond the main competition category.

Director Park Chan-wook served as the first Korean head of the competition jury, while Yeon Sang-ho’s sci-fi thriller "Colony" met moviegoers at Midnight Screening section. Additionally, director July Jung's "Dora" was showcased to international audiences in the Directors' Fortnight section.

Adding to the celebratory mood for the country, director Jin Mi-song proved the capabilities of younger Korean filmmakers as her short film "Silent Voices" won Second Prize in the La Cinef category.

"This award demonstrates the power of the next generation of Korean cinema," Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young said Saturday. "It will serve as an opportunity to bring new courage and inspiration to our young filmmakers."