This movie clearly deserves a 7 or 8 out of 10. You can already guess the story. However, the acting was mind-blowing. A movie that's simple but speaks out the truth of such harsh experience or possibility. I personally recommend to watch the movie with family (not kids if they're not used to violent movies). Don't miss it out. Great watch with loved ones.
78 Reviews
Good movie with a story you've heard before
wteutonin23 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed this movie. There were no particular plot twists. You can pretty much predict most of the plot based on the premise: there is a nuclear plant and it's going to be damaged by an earthquake. All that logically follows has been delivered quite well. Warning: there will be crying men aplenty and a few moments when you might find yourself questioning the characters' life choices. I should also add that I watched this movie without translation. You can really deduct practically everything that happens without understanding the lines, because the actors' emotions speak louder than words. Everyone in the cast did a good job. P.S. Should you find yourself burdened with a glorious mission of fixing a failing nuclear reactor, I implore you to consider alternatives to exploding the place.
Pandora - a disaster film, a warning movie ...
thor202923 March 2017
My opinion---
Pandora is a catastrophe film, written and directed by: Park Jeong- woo, even if there is not an original scenario, the film is still very well realized, we feel well the idea that wanted to develop the Director with this film mainly making attention to the serious nuclear accident of Fukushima Daiichi "Japan" in March 2011. In staging this reconstruction of the facts he wanted to make the attention that with all the nuclear power plants of his country , That such a catastrophe could one day come if we did not take all the resolutions of security and prevention for maximum protection of the people of South Korea. It is frightening to see all the damage and consequences that such catastrophes can have on the inhabitants and even on the whole human race. Even if the special effects do not live up to the film, it is nevertheless a very good film witnessing this kind of accident and these serious consequences.
Pandora is a catastrophe film, written and directed by: Park Jeong- woo, even if there is not an original scenario, the film is still very well realized, we feel well the idea that wanted to develop the Director with this film mainly making attention to the serious nuclear accident of Fukushima Daiichi "Japan" in March 2011. In staging this reconstruction of the facts he wanted to make the attention that with all the nuclear power plants of his country , That such a catastrophe could one day come if we did not take all the resolutions of security and prevention for maximum protection of the people of South Korea. It is frightening to see all the damage and consequences that such catastrophes can have on the inhabitants and even on the whole human race. Even if the special effects do not live up to the film, it is nevertheless a very good film witnessing this kind of accident and these serious consequences.
One of the best korean films I've ever watched!
0U22 February 2020
My opinion--- Pandora is a catastrophe film, written and directed by: Park Jeong- woo, even if there is not an original scenario, the film is still very well realized, we feel well the idea that wanted to develop the Director with this film mainly making attention to the serious nuclear accident of Fukushima Daiichi "Japan" in March 2011. In staging this reconstruction of the facts he wanted to make the attention that with all the nuclear power plants of his country , That such a catastrophe could one day come if we did not take all the resolutions of security and prevention for maximum protection of the people of South Korea. It is frightening to see all the damage and consequences that such catastrophes can have on the inhabitants and even on the whole human race. Even if the special effects do not live up to the film, it is nevertheless a very good film witnessing this kind of accident and these serious consequences.
Where disaster meets melodrama
Leofwine_draca5 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Park Jung-woo's Korean disaster flick PANDORA follows the trials and tribulations of a large cast of characters in a story centred around a nuclear meltdown. It's a lengthy, episodic affair, notable for featuring some hugely suspenseful moments around the middle of the running time, and some good disaster sequences, particularly a well-handled earthquake and explosion. However, it's also notable for dolloping in the melodrama with no restraint whatsoever. Most viewers of Korean cinema will be used to melodramatic scenes, but this is by far the most extreme I've seen; the whole last forty minutes of the film just consists of characters crying and screaming at each other. It's a bit much to take, especially for this reserved Brit, and it sours things a little. It's a shame, as other stuff is good: as usual for a Korean film, the political commentary and satire is spot on, while both the scenario and key moments are reminiscent of the Japanese Fukushima disaster as well as the more recent HBO miniseries CHERNOBYL, the latter still the definitive treatment of the subject.
A hectic and entertaining disaster movie...
paul_haakonsen3 July 2017
"Pandora" is a disaster movie from South Korea that happened to stay low enough on the radar to avoid my interest up until now in mid-2017. So when I found this 2016 movie in the Asian section, I was naturally interested and after having read the synopsis, I decided to give the movie a go and went to sit down to watch it.
It is the thrilling storyline that really keeps the audience at the edge of their seats, because writer and director Park Jung-woo really managed to construct a very realistic and compelling story that deals with an interesting topic. And the storyline is really helped along quite nicely by an interesting character gallery.
I will say that the storyline worked out on multiple levels, because you are equally interested in what happens to the power plant and on a national scale, but at the same time you have an equal interest in the characters throughout the movie. So this was a great accomplishment for writer and director Park Jung-woo.
While mentioning the characters, then it should be said that the people they had cast for the various roles and characters were quite nicely cast, and they were performing quite well with these roles and characters. Now it was generally an entire cast of new faces for me, so I was more than happy to see new talents on the screen, especially when they performed as nicely as they did here.
The special effects and CGI in "Pandora" were quite good and quite convincing. I was especially impressed with the explosion when the power plant exploded, that just looked very cool.
A disaster movie like this is naturally enhanced by a great music score, and the music they composed for "Pandora" was quite good. It had excitement, yet it was still subtle enough to serve as background music. It most definitely added a good layer of suspense and thrill to the movie.
There is a great sense of urgency and panic throughout the movie, and that really helped to cement the realism that permeated the movie. And I was especially impressed with how the various characters went about dealing with the situation, ranging from ordinary residents to high ranking government officials.
"Pandora" is a rather compelling story, and I must admit that I was genuinely surprised with how exciting and interesting director and writer Jong-woo Park had managed to make this movie. Especially since there is a very realistic feel and atmosphere to the movie. If you enjoy disaster movies and if you are a fan of Asian cinema, then you definitely owe it to yourself to sit down and watch this movie.
It is the thrilling storyline that really keeps the audience at the edge of their seats, because writer and director Park Jung-woo really managed to construct a very realistic and compelling story that deals with an interesting topic. And the storyline is really helped along quite nicely by an interesting character gallery.
I will say that the storyline worked out on multiple levels, because you are equally interested in what happens to the power plant and on a national scale, but at the same time you have an equal interest in the characters throughout the movie. So this was a great accomplishment for writer and director Park Jung-woo.
While mentioning the characters, then it should be said that the people they had cast for the various roles and characters were quite nicely cast, and they were performing quite well with these roles and characters. Now it was generally an entire cast of new faces for me, so I was more than happy to see new talents on the screen, especially when they performed as nicely as they did here.
The special effects and CGI in "Pandora" were quite good and quite convincing. I was especially impressed with the explosion when the power plant exploded, that just looked very cool.
A disaster movie like this is naturally enhanced by a great music score, and the music they composed for "Pandora" was quite good. It had excitement, yet it was still subtle enough to serve as background music. It most definitely added a good layer of suspense and thrill to the movie.
There is a great sense of urgency and panic throughout the movie, and that really helped to cement the realism that permeated the movie. And I was especially impressed with how the various characters went about dealing with the situation, ranging from ordinary residents to high ranking government officials.
"Pandora" is a rather compelling story, and I must admit that I was genuinely surprised with how exciting and interesting director and writer Jong-woo Park had managed to make this movie. Especially since there is a very realistic feel and atmosphere to the movie. If you enjoy disaster movies and if you are a fan of Asian cinema, then you definitely owe it to yourself to sit down and watch this movie.
Overlong but entertaining disaster film from Korea
Wizard-89 March 2019
It always amazes me that Korean filmmakers are able to make Hollywood-style genre movies on a fraction of a budget that Hollywood movies typically have. (Canadian filmmakers, take note!) "Pandora" takes on the disaster movie genre, and for the most part it does it pretty well. The movie looks very slick and expensive, having a wide scope that doesn't feel the least bit phony or stage bound. There is a lot of tension and excitement as well. Also, the human characters are written very well, showing them to be flawed but sympathetic individuals with a lot of depth. I will admit, however, that in the last part of the movie they do get kind of overblown with feelings of duty and nobility to one's country, and that gets the movie to be somewhat sappy. Another problem is that at over 135 minutes, the movie is too long for its own good, and as a result has some very slow spots. But I admit that despite the overlength of the movie, I was never bored at any moment. Definitely recommended, but some viewers might want to wait to watch it until they are in a somewhat more patient mood.
Better watch Chernobyl
Misss2530 April 2021
I have already watched Chernobyl, it was a masterpiece. It is good but somehow I am still Chernobyl, so I really didn't like this one that much. I feel like the movie is draging story. Why?? 2+ hours, it could be just 1 hour and 30 mins that would be enough.
Though I didnt like this that much, I must admit, I almost cried at the end, I really got emotional because of the dialogues.
It is a good movie but not good as Chernobyl. So,if you have already watched Chernobyl, better to skip this one, otherwise you wont like it.
Though I didnt like this that much, I must admit, I almost cried at the end, I really got emotional because of the dialogues.
It is a good movie but not good as Chernobyl. So,if you have already watched Chernobyl, better to skip this one, otherwise you wont like it.
Mind blowing
tranvanminh18 March 2017
This movie is nothing new about the script, even the story is striking familiar with the Japanese people. This movie retell the story of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Powerplant disaster with Korean adaption. However, the actors/actress and director deliver a emotional, heartbreaking story with a sense of reality. The heroism acts is not just random actions, it is a sense of responsibility, love and a clear mindset. I believe, this movie should pay tribute to Fukushima 50, the name of the group of volunteers that stay and handle the situation within 20km zone around the Fukushima Daiichi plant.
So, nuclear power plant and authorities that just think about themselves...
tenshi_ippikiookami4 June 2017
What could go wrong, right? You have no chance of things blowing up and a catastrophe happening. "Pandora" would like to disagree with you.
The story of the people that work at and live around a nuclear power plant in South Korea, "Pandora" will strike a chord with the viewer, bring a tear to their eyes, and give some food for thought. However, a too long running time and a penchant for cheesy moments drag the story a little bit.
And it is a pity, because the critique of selfish governments, rushed up cover-ups is full of energy and you will fall for the alluring power of the rousing speeches and the incredible images, with a dark and broody atmosphere that permeates every frame.
The story of the people that work at and live around a nuclear power plant in South Korea, "Pandora" will strike a chord with the viewer, bring a tear to their eyes, and give some food for thought. However, a too long running time and a penchant for cheesy moments drag the story a little bit.
And it is a pity, because the critique of selfish governments, rushed up cover-ups is full of energy and you will fall for the alluring power of the rousing speeches and the incredible images, with a dark and broody atmosphere that permeates every frame.
Pan Bore ah
southworthdarren31 May 2018
I was expecting a lot from this after reading such great reviews, and also because I've been watching a lot of Korean movies lately and enjoying them.
This is a dvd box that should not be opened. The actors just shout and scream at each other in such an over the top manner that eventually my ears were numb to it. I didn't really care for any of the characters. There are some dreadful cheesey lines in it, something I'd expect in an American blockbuster, but surprised to see in a Korean movie. And a special mention must go to the over used string section of the orchestra, informing the viewer to feel sad when the script, actors, or lack of interest in the characters fail to do so. Apart from all this, it's just so inaccurate and unbelievable. It left me feeling empty. I'm just glad all the shouting has stopped.
This is a dvd box that should not be opened. The actors just shout and scream at each other in such an over the top manner that eventually my ears were numb to it. I didn't really care for any of the characters. There are some dreadful cheesey lines in it, something I'd expect in an American blockbuster, but surprised to see in a Korean movie. And a special mention must go to the over used string section of the orchestra, informing the viewer to feel sad when the script, actors, or lack of interest in the characters fail to do so. Apart from all this, it's just so inaccurate and unbelievable. It left me feeling empty. I'm just glad all the shouting has stopped.
Amazingly Heartbreaking and Passionately Human
jhester961422 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This movie plays out like a basic disaster movie: "crazy" people warning about the disaster, government awareness of the issue, greed winning over safety, environmental impact, okay acting, backstory, and exposition, blah blah blah.
But... somewhere around the 45-minute mark (of a two-hour movie), something clicked for me. The acting was okay, but the raw emotions of the characters got me. Our hero was scared and traumatized young man, who wasn't afraid to announce his fear but risks his life anyway. The President isn't actively being ignorant, his team knows he's morally sound and would have stopped them from cutting corners. The mother isn't a rude old hag, she's mentally frail...
There's no winning and that's why it hurts.
I can openly admit to crying starting around 1:20 minutes. The last 30 ish minutes of the film had me struggling to breathe through my sobs. I don't even know if it was that sad, but seeing the radiation poisoning, seeing civilians being tossed around like just numbers, getting to know these characters, it's like seeing a documentary after a tragedy and feeling the pain as you watch.
But... somewhere around the 45-minute mark (of a two-hour movie), something clicked for me. The acting was okay, but the raw emotions of the characters got me. Our hero was scared and traumatized young man, who wasn't afraid to announce his fear but risks his life anyway. The President isn't actively being ignorant, his team knows he's morally sound and would have stopped them from cutting corners. The mother isn't a rude old hag, she's mentally frail...
There's no winning and that's why it hurts.
I can openly admit to crying starting around 1:20 minutes. The last 30 ish minutes of the film had me struggling to breathe through my sobs. I don't even know if it was that sad, but seeing the radiation poisoning, seeing civilians being tossed around like just numbers, getting to know these characters, it's like seeing a documentary after a tragedy and feeling the pain as you watch.
Well paced disaster action thriller.
paulclaassen16 June 2018
I must be honest, the repetitive dialogue by just about everyone about the possibility of something happening at the power plant kind of ruined the possibility of something happening. Yeah, off course we knew it was going to happen because that's what the film is about, but it would have been more effective if the characters were unsuspecting. When the disaster did come, it was a roller coaster ride of excitement and suspense. The earthquake scene was very well done, as well as the explosion of the reactor. The pacing was really great with never a dull moment during this 136-minute film. The highway scene as everyone fled the villages was not very credible,though, as people were running away from the nuclear plant as radiation spread, and then suddenly they were running towards the plant again, with no sign of the radiation clouds that threatened them minutes before. It did get a little too sentimental towards the end, but it was all good and a thoroughly entertaining disaster film. The visual effects were very good.
Tiresome, preachy and predictable
Paynebyname28 July 2020
I like my fair share of South Korean films. Brotherhood, War of Arrow, Kingdom (series) and hence thought we'd give this a go.
I gotta say that it waa boring and most of the characters pretty unlikeable. The worst thing was this ever present bias that Nuclear is bad.
When we are having the tirsome cliche of inept workers and a devious lazy management that are ignoring the one honest employee, I just found myself saying 'oh give me a break'.
So we've unlikeable characters, an obvious agenda and cardboard characters deliberately set up to act badly to both drive the story and political agenda.
No thanks.
I gotta say that it waa boring and most of the characters pretty unlikeable. The worst thing was this ever present bias that Nuclear is bad.
When we are having the tirsome cliche of inept workers and a devious lazy management that are ignoring the one honest employee, I just found myself saying 'oh give me a break'.
So we've unlikeable characters, an obvious agenda and cardboard characters deliberately set up to act badly to both drive the story and political agenda.
No thanks.
prepare to cry
Should-Quit24 February 2017
Warning: Spoilers
firstly don't take the public rate seriously this movie deserve more than 9/10 but less than 10/10 simple story with mind blowing production acting and soundtrack ,i am sure you will enjoy i am strongly recommended to see this movie enjoy
firstly don't take the public rate seriously this movie deserve more than 9/10 but less than 10/10 simple story with mind blowing production acting and soundtrack ,i am sure you will enjoy i am strongly recommended to see this movie enjoy
firstly don't take the public rate seriously this movie deserve more than 9/10 but less than 10/10 simple story with mind blowing production acting and soundtrack ,i am sure you will enjoy i am strongly recommended to see this movie enjoy
If You Want To Cry Watch This
Neptune1652 October 2018
Tear jerker, powerful and melodramatic
narayan-62 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
It's a hard movie to watch towards the end with the mother and the rest of the family watching as the "hero" sacrifices himself.
Here's the only technical problem I had - they used seawater to flood the main reactor to cool it down. Why couldn't they pump water into the storage unit to keep the water level up and do a more leisurely repair instead of having a suicide squad go in and deal with that radiation?
Here's the only technical problem I had - they used seawater to flood the main reactor to cool it down. Why couldn't they pump water into the storage unit to keep the water level up and do a more leisurely repair instead of having a suicide squad go in and deal with that radiation?
Human made Drama
kosmasp22 June 2017
Nuclear energy is dangerous. Or rather the factories that handle the precious material. Amidst all this there is human drama and you always have that in movies about incidents that big. Of course as always we get to know the people that we are about to care through the course of the movie and it has a nice beginning.
The build up is good too, to a certain point. But there is almost too much cliché in it. You then get the effects. And they are really up to the task. I don't know how realistic I would call certain scenarios (probably not very much), but they do their job. So this is more than decent enough with a lot of TV movie of the week drama being shared. At the end it may get a bit unbearable, but that's just the way it is ...
The build up is good too, to a certain point. But there is almost too much cliché in it. You then get the effects. And they are really up to the task. I don't know how realistic I would call certain scenarios (probably not very much), but they do their job. So this is more than decent enough with a lot of TV movie of the week drama being shared. At the end it may get a bit unbearable, but that's just the way it is ...
The content and rhythm of the film are smooth
yoggwork23 February 2019
The content and rhythm of the film are smooth, but it exaggerates the radiation resistance. Many people think that this film of the black government, do not want anyone to delay, obstruct, not the moth and the big mouse! _____________ After the Fukushima accident, the mainland has never thought about it, suggesting that Wumao people check how many nuclear power plants there are in the mainland. In the east, except for the areas in Hebei where the big people live, the big people only care about their own death. With the population density of the mainland, it is almost impossible to carry out effective evacuation and isolation after the accident. Whether it's peace or war, what's the use of a nuclear power plant that's waiting to eat with its mouth open?
This is a hard-hitting movie
wp-6365623 March 2017
Honestly, I watched this movie without any expectations whatsoever. It turns out to be an incredibly emotional ride til the end. The plot, acting, graphics and ambiance are reasonably realistic. The last time I watched a movie feeling this emotional was when I was watching "What's Eating Gilbert Grape". I know that the acting and script are a bit Asian (well, this is an Asian movie), but all in all, this is a good movie. I admit that I watched it twice already.
Good action but the constant hand-wringing made me turn it off
dan-bgb28 December 2019
So why did I rate it a 7 ? Because the acting, special effects and action was good. I really wanted to like this movie as I love K-drama, K-horror, etc. Perhaps the culture is different, but I just couldn't get over the over-the-top emotionalism of everyone involved. "Get back to work !!!" (as everything is falling down around them)..."Go in and save them !" (as we're told the radiation levels are too high for a safe retrieval)..."Come with us !" (person #1) "Come with us !" (person #2) "Come with us" (person #3) (as the person in question tells each one that he almost has the problem at hand fixed). It was just too much hysterics for me...against all common sense.
Technically and operationally inaccurate
pdashby16 April 2017
Being a worker in the nuclear industry, I can only categorize this movie as fear mongering. The technical and operational information alluded to in the movie is incredibly inaccurate, and the way those particular plants are designed is so that nothing of that sort could ever happen. Fukushima and Chernobyl are not the same type of plant and had incredibly horrible circumstances surrounding them both. (Had Fukushima only been hit by an earthquake, it would have not melted down and had a hydrogen explosion.) Immediately following the earthquake, the plant would shut down completely, not just "stabilize".
Long story short, it is just a movie. Don't take any of it's technical or operational information seriously, as nuclear power is horribly misrepresented in the film.
Rated 3 out of 10 cause I moderately enjoyed the flow of the film, despite not being able to actually finish it.
Long story short, it is just a movie. Don't take any of it's technical or operational information seriously, as nuclear power is horribly misrepresented in the film.
Rated 3 out of 10 cause I moderately enjoyed the flow of the film, despite not being able to actually finish it.
Pandora Review: An emotional disaster film which you...SHOULD see!
Achyut_Prashast_Singh26 August 2017
Movie: Pandora (12)
Rating: 4.5/5
All know very well that South Korean movies are emotionally very engaging. When I started to watch this disaster-action film PANDORA, I wasn't expecting anything of the grade it went on to transform into. Yes, the trailer raised expectations and I knew what the film would be about, but I didn't know it would be this excellent.
PANDORA is a film which takes some time to build up, but when it does, it doesn't let go of the grip it has on you. I was seriously left spellbound as to what would happen next. Certain scenes are so well filmed that they deserve a standing ovation.
The performances are extremely mindblowing. They hold you very well, especially Kim Nam-gil's performance in the climax. I mustn't forget to mention that I was seriously crying and shedding tears while watching the emotional scenes. After TRAIN TO BUSAN, this is the second South Korean film which made me cry.
The technical aspects are amazing. The cinematography is decent, the visual effects are excellent and the action sequences: simply jaw- dropping.
PANDORA is a film which isn't a must see but indeed a SHOULD see movie.
Rating: 4.5/5
All know very well that South Korean movies are emotionally very engaging. When I started to watch this disaster-action film PANDORA, I wasn't expecting anything of the grade it went on to transform into. Yes, the trailer raised expectations and I knew what the film would be about, but I didn't know it would be this excellent.
PANDORA is a film which takes some time to build up, but when it does, it doesn't let go of the grip it has on you. I was seriously left spellbound as to what would happen next. Certain scenes are so well filmed that they deserve a standing ovation.
The performances are extremely mindblowing. They hold you very well, especially Kim Nam-gil's performance in the climax. I mustn't forget to mention that I was seriously crying and shedding tears while watching the emotional scenes. After TRAIN TO BUSAN, this is the second South Korean film which made me cry.
The technical aspects are amazing. The cinematography is decent, the visual effects are excellent and the action sequences: simply jaw- dropping.
PANDORA is a film which isn't a must see but indeed a SHOULD see movie.
Unbelievable
suie-2197127 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
There's a nuclear explosion! Everyone just screaming and yelling to each other and ran away in chaos! You can't trust the government and any authorities, first responders just stand around the plant and do nothing! No foreign countries is gonna help you...! The main characters survived in a nuclear explosion and they can hang out at the hospital for a long time because we need them to save the world at the climax of the movie!......I'll suggest you watch Chernobyl from HBO rather than wasting this 2+ hours.
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