[From Cannes: 'Emergency Declaration'] Timely and Unconventional Disaster, Impressive Acting [Review]

'Emergency Declaration' First Seen at the 74th Cannes Film Festival
Timely Disaster Theme Captivates
Combines Genre Fun and Breaks Stereotypes
A Theater Experience Film
Applause and Laughter for Song Kang-ho's Wit
Avengers-Level Acting Ensemble of Lee Byung-hun, Im Si-wan, and Jeon Do-yeon

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] This is a review released after one year. I watched the movie Emergency Declaration (director Han Jae-rim) at the 74th Cannes Film Festival press screening and premiere screening last July. How special it is for filmmakers from around the world to gather in one place and watch a movie despite hardships. That made me even more curious about Cannes. Our publication was the only domestic media outlet to cover the event on-site. Due to the pandemic's impact worsening the domestic theater situation, films hesitated to set release dates. As a result, no Korean films were invited (submitted) to the competition section, but looking at the invited works, many were outstanding enough to raise fans' enthusiasm.

Europe had different quarantine systems depending on the region. In Cannes, France, indoor mask-wearing was mandatory, and there were not many local correspondents covering the event. In Korea, one could not board a plane without vaccination at least a month before departure, but luckily, I hurried to get vaccinated and headed to Cannes. Having covered the 72nd Cannes Film Festival in 2019 and the 2020 American Academy (Oscar) Awards the following year, this 74th Cannes coverage held special meaning. To add, the 73rd festival only announced official selections and did not hold an offline festival. Through continuous coverage, I felt growing global interest in Korean films and domestic creators on the international stage.

Actor Song Kang-ho served as the first male actor to be a jury member at the 74th Cannes Film Festival, and Lee Byung-hun appeared on stage as an award presenter at the closing ceremony. Their film Emergency Declaration was invited to the non-competition section and screened at the Lumi?re Theater.

The released Emergency Declaration was a welcome film. Being able to watch a movie in a theater and experience it again in the same place with journalists and filmmakers from around the world was a moving experience.

Jae-hyuk (played by Lee Byung-hun), who has aviophobia, boards a plane to Hawaii with his child. A man uploads a video threatening to commit terrorism on the plane, and the passengers become engulfed in tension. Meanwhile, detective In-ho (played by Song Kang-ho) receives a tip about a plane terror plot and, during his investigation, learns that the suspect is on board. Suddenly, a disaster occurs on the plane, plunging passengers into fear and casting a shadow of darkness.

Emergency Declaration allows the audience to experience boarding the Hawaii-bound flight K1501 alongside the characters as they board one by one and the flight attendant closes the door with a click. Throughout the film, viewers feel as if they are on the plane together. Watching it at the Cannes Lumi?re Theater, equipped with excellent sound facilities and a large screen, made the experience even more satisfying.

The director’s attempt to follow the interesting formula of disaster films step by step while adopting a new form is intriguing. The film impressively balances genre entertainment while breaking away from clich?s. Early in the film, it is concise and precise. Characters are introduced methodically, and the process of being caught in the disaster unfolds at a fast pace.

Im Si-wan, who plays the lone passenger Jin-seok, reveals a new side. Jin-seok changes the atmosphere as soon as he appears and drives the plot forward. He injects tension and skillfully carries the role. His empty eyes fill the screen. At the press screening, foreign journalists showed the most interest in Im Si-wan. After the screening, there were questions like “Who is the actor playing Jin-seok?” showing the intriguing reaction.

“We were just swept up in a disaster no one wanted.” The passenger’s cry deeply resonates with the audience. The terrifyingly timely disaster evokes empathy and transforms into realistic fear. The metaphors embedded in each situation and character are also fascinating. Fear changes its face in extreme situations. Like evil testing humans, hatred rises. This part reminds one of Train to Busan, but it feels like a clich? and is structurally a completely different film. Scenes that recall real situations or events appear here and there.

The Cannes audience’s love for Song Kang-ho was exceptional. His unique delivery of lines elicited laughter, and applause broke out during the official screening. He supports the film steadily and plays a very important and interesting role that observes the disaster situation with seasoned acting. The local response was good enough to produce applause three times, including in the latter scenes.

Song Kang-ho and Lee Byung-hun play indispensable, treasure-like roles in Emergency Declaration. Lee Byung-hun’s role could have easily fallen into the trap of “disaster” or melodrama, but he cleverly avoids the trap and leads the film with sophistication and gravity.

Jeon Do-yeon, who plays the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, breathes life into the role with flexible acting despite its limitations. She fills the gaps in the script with her seasoned performance. She probably had the deepest concerns. Jeon Do-yeon’s strength in completing the character stands out. Kim Nam-gil’s performance is also noteworthy. Additionally, Park Hae-joon, Kim So-jin, Kim Guk-hee, Hyun Bong-sik, and Lim Sung-jae deliver impressive performances. Director Han Jae-rim’s skill in creating characters shines again in this film.

Immediately after the screening, I could not help but ask the director and actors about the ending in Cannes. I look forward to discussing the ending with many people after the film’s release.

Note 1, I flew alone to Cannes, France. After watching the film, the thought of flying back home made my head spin. On the return flight, I made sure to wear the seatbelt and stayed in my seat as much as possible.

Note 2, The Cannes screening version may differ slightly from the domestic release version. Typically, after a film’s world premiere at Cannes, it is refined before its domestic release. Since its release last July, Emergency Declaration likely underwent some revisions over the past year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.