Hopeless (film)

Hopeless is a 2023 South Korean neo-noir thriller film directed by Kim Chang-hoon and starring Hong Xa-bin in his film debut. The film also features Song Joong-ki and Kim Hyung-seo. The film depicts a teenage boy, Yeon-gyu, who while wanting to escape from his hellish reality, meets the middle boss of a local gang, Chi-geon, and ends up in the world of crime. It premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. The film was released theatrically in South Korea on October 11, 2023.

Premise
Although he never had what he wanted in his 18 years of life, he still struggles to grasp a hope, Yeon-gyoo is a teenage boy who wants to escape his hometown where violence is commonly enacted among neighbors. 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-gyoo needs a hand from grown-ups, Chi-geon, a thug of the town, offers a favor. The simple favor leads Yeon-gyoo to explore the world of Chi-geon. It ironically results in Yeon-gyoo 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?

Cast

 * Hong Xa-bin as Yeon-gyu
 * Song Joong-ki as Chi-geon
 * Kim Hyung-seo as Ha-yan
 * Jung Jae-kwang as Seung-mu
 * Jung Man-sik as the owner of the Chinese restaurant
 * Park Bo-kyung as Mo-kyung, Yeon-gyu's mother
 * Kim Jong-soo as Joong-beom, the boss of the organization

Release
Hopeless premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival on May 24, 2023. It was also invited to the 28th Busan International Film Festival in 'Korean Cinema Today - Special Premiere' section.

Reception
As of October 14, 2023, the film has grossed US$966,670 at the local box office and accumulated 135,178 admissions from 976 screens.