Cannes 2023; is Kim Chang-hoon’s ‘Hopeless’ set to follow in the footsteps of Bong Joon-ho’s ‘Parasite’?

Cannes Film Festival 2023 is almost at an end, with much talk this year surrounding that there is not a clear frontrunner for the Palme d’Or, with original favourite Ken Loach’s ‘The Old Oak’ now merely in the running with the acclaim that French director Justine Triet has received with her in competition film, ‘Anatomy of a Fall.’ Should the director scoop the hallowed festival prize, it would lead to back-to-back-to-back wins for female directors at the festival - a first in its history.

But over at the Un Certain Regards section, with it’s jury led by John C. McGinley, it would appear that two films are being talked about quite frequently that may warrant award buzz - the first being the visceral, almost heightened-horror film ‘Club Zero’ by Jessica Hausner starring Mia Wasikowska, and a South Korean feature by first time Cannes participant Kim Chang-hoon, ‘Hopeless’ 

In its official synopsis on the Cannes Film Festival website, ‘Hopeless’ follows “Yeon-gyu, a teenage boy who wants to escape his hometown where violence is commonly enacted among neighbours. He only hopes to have a peaceful life with his mother. However, the world never allows him to have a dream nor hope for life. When Yeon-gyu needs a hand from grown-ups, Chi-geon, a thug of the town, offers a favour.”

“The simple favour leads Yeon-gyu to explore the world of Chi-geon. It ironically results in Yeon-gyu gradually falling into Chi-geon’s life. Grasping a hope to run away from where he is, he struggles between the border. Can he escape from the town at the end?”

It’s another example of South Korean cinema focusing on the aspirational perspective of struggling members of their society trying to better themselves and their future. If those themes sound vaguely familiar, you would be writing - Oscar winning picture ‘Parasite’ by Bong Joon-ho has similar sentiments, though portrayed with more blackened humour than maybe ‘Hopeless’ lends itself to.

‘Parasite’ also became a darling of the festival circuit and despite not picking up the vaunted Palme d’Or the year it screened, the buzz from even being part of Cannes in 2019 was enough for the Academy to include it within it’s shortlist - and subsequently, those who saw the film before it became a mainstream audience hit felt a sense of smugness they saw it first.

What other South Korean films were elevated after their appearance at the Cannes Film Festival?

While ‘Parasite’ was elevated with its inclusion at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, there have been numerous other South Korean films that have made their premiere on the French Riviera and go on to become cult classics in the celluloid world.

Old Boy - Park Chan-wook

The South Korean thriller, released in 2003, was another early entry into the pantheon of South Korean cinema becoming festival darlings and going on to achieve greater success after a general release - so much so, Hollywood thought it would warrant a remake.

The film follows the story of Oh Dae-su, a man who is mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years and then released without explanation. Determined to uncover the truth behind his captivity, he embarks on a twisted journey of revenge, unveiling shocking secrets along the way. It screened in competition at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival where it earned the Grand Prix; the runner up award for those films screening in competition - it was beaten by a little film called ‘Elephant’ by Gus Van Sant.

Safe - Moon Byuong-gon

However, one South Korean film that did pick up the Palme d’Or would be Moon Byoung-gon’s 2013 film ‘Safe.’ The film revolves around a young woman and a mysterious man trapped together in an elevator, delving into their psychological struggles and hidden truths - another example of how South Korean cinema plays with confrontation between characters in sometimes unusual situations. 

Decision To Leave - Park Chan wook

Park Chan-wook has a strong affinity for the Cannes Competition, and it seems the feeling is mutual. His fourth film in the competition, "Decision to Leave," is a captivating romantic thriller that delves into the complex dynamics between a police detective and the widow of a murdered man, who is also the prime suspect. The film's compelling storytelling earned Park Chan-wook his third Cannes accolade, the prestigious Best Director Award.