Hopeless

A 17-year-old boy, Yeon-gyu, struggling in a dysfunctional family and living in a dilapidated apartment complex, decides to run away to find a better life. He finds himself entangled with a ruthless underworld boss, Chi-geon, who offers him a chance to escape his bleak reality. However, this path plunges him into a dangerous world where survival depends on loyalty and cunning.

Hopeless garnered significant attention for its gritty portrayal of street-level crime and its powerful performances, particularly from its lead actors. While praised for its bleak realism and intense atmosphere, some critics noted its familiar genre tropes. It was a standout film in festival circuits, often highlighted for its raw energy and compelling narrative.

• Praised for its intense atmosphere and realistic depiction of the criminal underworld.

• Song Joong-ki's transformative performance is a major highlight.

• The film offers a bleak yet captivating narrative of survival and desperation.

Google audience: Audience reviews frequently commend the film's dark and immersive storytelling, strong acting, and its unflinching look at societal issues. Many appreciated the character development and the film's ability to evoke empathy despite its grim subject matter.

Premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section. Nominated for several awards at various film festivals.

Song Joong-ki reportedly took a significant pay cut for his role in 'Hopeless' because he was so passionate about the script and the character.