I cried my eyes out..
It's really a good movie, the actors did really a great job acting i was so into it, it's a soo sad movie but at the same time it's full of positivity
I recommend it you have to watch it!
54 Reviews
Just wow!
hailahkhaled4 October 2018
Tears to my heart
KikyNez3 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Well, I just watched the movie, and made a search to find out it is based on the real "Nayoung case", and that they Korean system for law is so weak.
SPOILERS
Young girl walks at school, a man kidnapped her and then raped her brutally, and beat her almost to death. About the case, the man was prosecuted but his sentence was too light as the real case was.
The movie itself was a song for life and survival, a song for bonding and love.
As a rape survivor my self (at age 7 and 9. I know, you don't want to know, but it is important) this was so close to me, this have all feelings I had, all struggles I had (not at So-Won case physical level) for shame and pain, and all the conflicts to trust again.
This movie just touched me and had my crying a lot, feeling despair, and smiling at So-won's father fight to regain his daughter trust again.
The worst: there's nothing wrong to me.
The best: the young child actress is awesome.
Watch at your own risk, but trust me... this worth it.
SPOILERS
Young girl walks at school, a man kidnapped her and then raped her brutally, and beat her almost to death. About the case, the man was prosecuted but his sentence was too light as the real case was.
The movie itself was a song for life and survival, a song for bonding and love.
As a rape survivor my self (at age 7 and 9. I know, you don't want to know, but it is important) this was so close to me, this have all feelings I had, all struggles I had (not at So-Won case physical level) for shame and pain, and all the conflicts to trust again.
This movie just touched me and had my crying a lot, feeling despair, and smiling at So-won's father fight to regain his daughter trust again.
The worst: there's nothing wrong to me.
The best: the young child actress is awesome.
Watch at your own risk, but trust me... this worth it.
Above all a story of a father and a daughter
kainwalker8 January 2014
So Won (aka Hope also aka Wish) is a movie about a terrible event (the rape by a drunkard of a 9 yo girl) that shatters a family. It unravels slowly showing at first the parents (the father in particular case) who seem somehow too busy to take care of their daughter, then the tragedy happens, this part is not too graphic (thank God) but we are made aware that the poor girl will bear physical consequences for the rest of her life. Then there's the trial, and the need of money, and the shame for being at the center of attention. I was afraid this movie was going to be somehow a classic tearjerker describing the struggle of the family with money, work, slow/inefficient justice and so on. But the second half of the movie was about the father trying to get close to his daughter. And I think it was moving, and delicate at the same time.
The acting is very good. The food mascots costumes cuteness level was really over the top. Overall (as the rating suggests) I liked this movie, it was touching.
The acting is very good. The food mascots costumes cuteness level was really over the top. Overall (as the rating suggests) I liked this movie, it was touching.
Cried a half of the movie :'(
pe_lun_20611 May 2014
The only thing that I want to say is that you should watch this movie. And if you don't watch it, be regret :( I cried a lot, the acting was incredible, totally love the girl. In my thoughts, this may be a movie about father and daughter and I was completely fallen for it! How poor the little girl was, I can't imagine what she had been through! Her acting was very good, I even thought she had really been through that tragedy :'( And her Father was really really a emotional man, not like what I thought he would be at the beginning! He made me think of my Father and I just cried a lot! He won the Blue Dragon Award for The Best Actor! I think he totally deserved it! Btw, the movie got the Award too! SHOULD WATCH!
This movie is a global reference on HOW such a story needs to be handled!
BalticRustic28 March 2017
First of all, KUDOS to the director for keeping it gore-free. And thanks to him for such a DECENT, SENSITIVE and yet POWERFUL portrayal of a real-life incident without all the unnecessary elements. OMG! the way he handled a delicate topic very effectively and efficiently!! Any other (insensitive) director would have butchered the script and screenplay. WOW! Take a (lots of) bow, the ENTIRE CREW. EXTREMELY emotional. NEVER once did the director steer away from the subject. This EASILY TOPS as the BEST movie to WATCH in the history of world cinema. I'm already using this movie as benchmark and bashing other movies that they are not up to this movie's mark! Such is the impact of this movie on me.
There is no 100/10 on IMDb. Otherwise, my rating for this movie is exactly that and may be even more because 10/10 seems to be blase after watching this movie.
Even the little boy who cries towards the end for not accompanying the girl on that day, was so powerful histrionics-wise, that I'm BOWLED over by all the performances!! SPELL-BOUND! All the 3 lead actors DESERVED an Oscar each. I will give away one to each of them, really. The music was sensitive and seamless too, without jarring your ears. And coming back to the story, I cannot believe this was an actual incident that happened.
The scene between the father and the daughter at the hospital when he tries to shift her to another room is very touching! The emotions choke you because truth is always bitter. How the community chips in to help in every which way they could, is a revelation!
And WHAT the heck do you say about the JUDGE for going "easy" on the pervert bastard?! HE should have been the first one to be beaten to death. Does not he even have the basic IQ to analyze that the pervert criminal had all the time and "sanity" of the brain to plan this and leave her to death? No matter where you are, women and children have to be careful, they cannot rest on the immoral judges or ridiculous judiciary system or the spineless police force. I could not digest the sentence or the judge's words. And what a BRAVE girl is she! HOPE she is safe, sound and happy, even after the pervert is released.
There is no 100/10 on IMDb. Otherwise, my rating for this movie is exactly that and may be even more because 10/10 seems to be blase after watching this movie.
Even the little boy who cries towards the end for not accompanying the girl on that day, was so powerful histrionics-wise, that I'm BOWLED over by all the performances!! SPELL-BOUND! All the 3 lead actors DESERVED an Oscar each. I will give away one to each of them, really. The music was sensitive and seamless too, without jarring your ears. And coming back to the story, I cannot believe this was an actual incident that happened.
The scene between the father and the daughter at the hospital when he tries to shift her to another room is very touching! The emotions choke you because truth is always bitter. How the community chips in to help in every which way they could, is a revelation!
And WHAT the heck do you say about the JUDGE for going "easy" on the pervert bastard?! HE should have been the first one to be beaten to death. Does not he even have the basic IQ to analyze that the pervert criminal had all the time and "sanity" of the brain to plan this and leave her to death? No matter where you are, women and children have to be careful, they cannot rest on the immoral judges or ridiculous judiciary system or the spineless police force. I could not digest the sentence or the judge's words. And what a BRAVE girl is she! HOPE she is safe, sound and happy, even after the pervert is released.
emotionally destroying- a masterpiece
aminifatimaaa22 January 2019
Hope is a heavy film. I felt this giant weight come over me as soon as the film ended. It endures through so much pain and its road towards joy is thick. Joon-ik Lee has created something beautiful and honest, it explores shadings of trauma that is morally ambiguous and it is filled to the brim with tear-jerking moments that it leaves you so heart-broken that I am still trying to restore the broken pieces. Sure, Hope can be labelled as a sentimental film, but it is melodrama that is done efficiently, filled with emotional intelligence and empathetic characters.
The biggest emotional roller-coaster out there..
doctorboat3 April 2017
After watching this film for the fourth time, I have decided to write a review. After the first watch, it went straight into my top 10. After multiple viewings, I gained more respect for it. But we must remember a good premise doesn't make a good film.. You still need execution.
And yes.. It was executed well. First off credit to Lee Joon-Ik for taking this film in the right direction, he could of gone into police investigations and court battles.. But instead decided to take this tragic true-story and go down the route of love and support from family, friends and community. The score and cinematography will not blow you away, but it fits the theme and tone perfectly.
Sol Kyung-Gu (Dong-Hoon), Uhm Ji-Won (Mi-Hee) & Lee Re (So-Won/Hope) are all outstanding. Throughout the entirety of the film, they don't miss a beat. Never have actors made me feel for characters they way those three did and continue to. They rest of the supporting cast is also very solid in their performances.
You may think after the first time that the emotional impact would wear off, but Hope has brought tears to my eyes every time (during three different scenes too, but always scenes between Sol Kyung-Gu and Lee Re. The chemistry is real!). Yet it is the only film to make me shed a tear.
I believe this is both the happiest and saddest film I have watched. Tears of happiness, tears of sadness.. and incredible outrage. No film has ever come close to making me feel like this. I don't think another will either. A true masterpiece of a drama.
And yes.. It was executed well. First off credit to Lee Joon-Ik for taking this film in the right direction, he could of gone into police investigations and court battles.. But instead decided to take this tragic true-story and go down the route of love and support from family, friends and community. The score and cinematography will not blow you away, but it fits the theme and tone perfectly.
Sol Kyung-Gu (Dong-Hoon), Uhm Ji-Won (Mi-Hee) & Lee Re (So-Won/Hope) are all outstanding. Throughout the entirety of the film, they don't miss a beat. Never have actors made me feel for characters they way those three did and continue to. They rest of the supporting cast is also very solid in their performances.
You may think after the first time that the emotional impact would wear off, but Hope has brought tears to my eyes every time (during three different scenes too, but always scenes between Sol Kyung-Gu and Lee Re. The chemistry is real!). Yet it is the only film to make me shed a tear.
I believe this is both the happiest and saddest film I have watched. Tears of happiness, tears of sadness.. and incredible outrage. No film has ever come close to making me feel like this. I don't think another will either. A true masterpiece of a drama.
Disturbing, but...
mrdjan17 February 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Very disturbing feature about rape and beating of an 8 year old girl on her way to school. Luckyly the film's director doesen't show the gruesome scenes and the whole movie is dedicated on the aftermath of the crime itself. It shows the importance of having family and friends support during such time. It also shows the stupidity of korean legal system ( it's similar here in Croatia ) and all crimes in that domain should be punished most severely. All in all, very good movie ( the most touching scene is when the little girl tells her dad that he can take off the funny cartoon costume in which he follows her around to make her days easier ). Those who like the movie, try another korean masterpiece - Miracle in cell no. 7. Cheers
A brutal, but very honest and ultimately an emotional movie...
paul_haakonsen28 June 2017
I had not heard about "Hope" (aka "So-won" and "Wish") prior to finding it when browsing through the Asian selection of movies. I only needed to look at the movie's cover in order to decide to sit down to watch it. I didn't read the synopsis for the movie, so I sat down to watch it with no anticipations or expectations.
It should be said that this movie is very atypical for a South Korean movie, and I mean that in a positive way. The movie deals with a topic that is taboo and very rarely seen in cinema, much less in South Korean cinema. And writer Ji-hye Kim and director Joon-ik Lee came up with a story and a movie that was brutal, realistic, emotional, realistic and very moving.
The movie tells the story of a family of three whose lives are abruptly uprooted and flipped upside down as the 8 year old daughter is abducted and raped by a sexual predator as she is on her way to school. Barely surviving the ordeal, the mother, father and little girl are left to struggle with the aftermath of the horrible ordeal.
"Hope" boasts some amazing acting performances from everyone on the cast list. And especially Mi-ran Ra (playing the mother), Sol Kyung Gu (playing the father) and child actress Lee Re (playing So-won) really carried the movie so beautifully with some amazing acting performances. I read that Mi-ran Ra had initially stated that she thought herself unable and inadequate to perform in the role of the mother in this movie, but I must say that she nailed it, and she really have a good talent for acting, and she was very convincing in the role. So I was very glad that she decided to perform in this movie after all.
The characters in the movie were very detailed and well-rounded, which added a lot to the overall enjoyment of the movie. It was especially so because the main characters - mother, father and daughter - were characters that you instantly take a liking to and sympathize for.
Director Joon-ik Lee luckily opted to deal with the atrocious event of the rape of a child in a very tactful manner, which was by showing nothing of the act on the screen. But it was very clear afterwards what had transpired. And that was the only way and the right way to deal with the topic, otherwise it would pass a threshold and step into a sleazy and creepy place.
Sure there are some visual aspects to the movie that can be difficult to watch for some viewers in the audience, such as seeing So-won in the hospital immediately after the act, and that visual had a very strong impact. But those are vital to the story and to the flow of the movie, because those visuals indeed tell so much without any words being necessary. The make-up and special effects department also managed to do a good job with their assigned tasks; especially on little So-won, because the injuries and bruises looked very realistic.
The dialogue in the movie is very well-written and very suitable and fitting to the movie. And it is actually clever dialogue which is so well delivered by all cast members. And there was a lot of emotion between the three main cast - Mi-ran Ra, Sol Kyung Gu and Lee Re.
Some of the music seemed rather unfitting for the movie, especially the music that played when So-won was sitting and talking with the social worker. The music they used there was just too upbeat and seemed quite out of place for the atmosphere of the movie. But in general, I will say that the music was adequate for the movie, especially because it was subtle enough to serve as background music.
The movie depicts quite well how the family struggles with the aftermath of the horrible tragedy. And it does tell the aspects quite nicely, both how So-won struggles with coming to terms with what happened to her and trying to return to a normal life. But it also deals nicely with how the mother and father are struggling with the events, and especially how the father is struggling to regain his relationship with her daughter in the aftermath as her trust in males was shattered.
However, do take into consideration that this movie deals with a very heavy and difficult topic and it is one that might cause a stir and not sit well with just everyone in the audience. And since it is a drama that is story-driven and character-driven, then the movie could even seem a bit slow paced and long for some viewers.
"Hope" is a beautiful movie, and I am very glad that I decided to sit down to watch it, because this was a very touching experience and a moving movie. "Hope" is definitely well worth your time, effort and money.
It should be said that this movie is very atypical for a South Korean movie, and I mean that in a positive way. The movie deals with a topic that is taboo and very rarely seen in cinema, much less in South Korean cinema. And writer Ji-hye Kim and director Joon-ik Lee came up with a story and a movie that was brutal, realistic, emotional, realistic and very moving.
The movie tells the story of a family of three whose lives are abruptly uprooted and flipped upside down as the 8 year old daughter is abducted and raped by a sexual predator as she is on her way to school. Barely surviving the ordeal, the mother, father and little girl are left to struggle with the aftermath of the horrible ordeal.
"Hope" boasts some amazing acting performances from everyone on the cast list. And especially Mi-ran Ra (playing the mother), Sol Kyung Gu (playing the father) and child actress Lee Re (playing So-won) really carried the movie so beautifully with some amazing acting performances. I read that Mi-ran Ra had initially stated that she thought herself unable and inadequate to perform in the role of the mother in this movie, but I must say that she nailed it, and she really have a good talent for acting, and she was very convincing in the role. So I was very glad that she decided to perform in this movie after all.
The characters in the movie were very detailed and well-rounded, which added a lot to the overall enjoyment of the movie. It was especially so because the main characters - mother, father and daughter - were characters that you instantly take a liking to and sympathize for.
Director Joon-ik Lee luckily opted to deal with the atrocious event of the rape of a child in a very tactful manner, which was by showing nothing of the act on the screen. But it was very clear afterwards what had transpired. And that was the only way and the right way to deal with the topic, otherwise it would pass a threshold and step into a sleazy and creepy place.
Sure there are some visual aspects to the movie that can be difficult to watch for some viewers in the audience, such as seeing So-won in the hospital immediately after the act, and that visual had a very strong impact. But those are vital to the story and to the flow of the movie, because those visuals indeed tell so much without any words being necessary. The make-up and special effects department also managed to do a good job with their assigned tasks; especially on little So-won, because the injuries and bruises looked very realistic.
The dialogue in the movie is very well-written and very suitable and fitting to the movie. And it is actually clever dialogue which is so well delivered by all cast members. And there was a lot of emotion between the three main cast - Mi-ran Ra, Sol Kyung Gu and Lee Re.
Some of the music seemed rather unfitting for the movie, especially the music that played when So-won was sitting and talking with the social worker. The music they used there was just too upbeat and seemed quite out of place for the atmosphere of the movie. But in general, I will say that the music was adequate for the movie, especially because it was subtle enough to serve as background music.
The movie depicts quite well how the family struggles with the aftermath of the horrible tragedy. And it does tell the aspects quite nicely, both how So-won struggles with coming to terms with what happened to her and trying to return to a normal life. But it also deals nicely with how the mother and father are struggling with the events, and especially how the father is struggling to regain his relationship with her daughter in the aftermath as her trust in males was shattered.
However, do take into consideration that this movie deals with a very heavy and difficult topic and it is one that might cause a stir and not sit well with just everyone in the audience. And since it is a drama that is story-driven and character-driven, then the movie could even seem a bit slow paced and long for some viewers.
"Hope" is a beautiful movie, and I am very glad that I decided to sit down to watch it, because this was a very touching experience and a moving movie. "Hope" is definitely well worth your time, effort and money.
It would Rip-off your Emotions Right through your Heart
prakash-gautamrocks5 May 2014
Don't Expect the movie to be a great entertainer or charming as it depicts the most shameful and lowly act of humans and the loopholes of the laws of our nations.
The entire movie is made so serene and beautiful that you would find it hard to say anything. The scenes and emotions would neither make you cry nor angry but just rip out your emotions and feelings which would be like the relationships and emotions where words aren't even necessary.
If you are a fan of science fiction or action movies don't watch it as you'd be disappointed but if you are someone who cares about the society or just want to watch a movie to get to know what true emotions and feelings are, give it a try. The movie will definitely touch your innermost feelings and instigate you to think what life really is.
The entire movie is made so serene and beautiful that you would find it hard to say anything. The scenes and emotions would neither make you cry nor angry but just rip out your emotions and feelings which would be like the relationships and emotions where words aren't even necessary.
If you are a fan of science fiction or action movies don't watch it as you'd be disappointed but if you are someone who cares about the society or just want to watch a movie to get to know what true emotions and feelings are, give it a try. The movie will definitely touch your innermost feelings and instigate you to think what life really is.
People Seeking Justice; Beware!
markrschulz15 October 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is shocking on many levels. There is not too much to it that has not been revealed in the rather brief synopsis above. A little girl is brutally raped and almost dies, the movie is a character study of the impact that this heinous event has on her family, friends and community at large.
While some scenes are touching, the way the movie portrays the malevolence of the criminal, along with the ineptitude of the Korean criminal justice system left many in the audience either weeping or gasping as each line delivered in these scenes is like a punch to the stomach.
In a manner that truly befits an episode of 'Dexter', the monster escapes unpunished along with the promise to the girl's father that he will create the same situation for another family as soon as he can.
In the end we are left with a shattered community trying to pick up the pieces, and having limited success. One can only assume that the titular 'wish' is that things will get better after the credits roll...
While some scenes are touching, the way the movie portrays the malevolence of the criminal, along with the ineptitude of the Korean criminal justice system left many in the audience either weeping or gasping as each line delivered in these scenes is like a punch to the stomach.
In a manner that truly befits an episode of 'Dexter', the monster escapes unpunished along with the promise to the girl's father that he will create the same situation for another family as soon as he can.
In the end we are left with a shattered community trying to pick up the pieces, and having limited success. One can only assume that the titular 'wish' is that things will get better after the credits roll...
Still Crying
beladaburak30 November 2018
Reality
a_a-55-45620011 May 2018
Incredible!!
paulclaassen4 January 2019
What besiege a man to do such a brutal act to an innocent child? That's the question I kept asking myself after watching the film. 'Hope' is a film every parent with a young child should see. This is one of the most emotional and inspirational films I've seen in a while.
The actors were exceptional, especially Re Lee as the little girl. It was interesting to see how a somewhat divided family was brought together through tragedy, and the many obstacles they had to overcome in the process. This is an incredible film!! Very touching indeed.
The actors were exceptional, especially Re Lee as the little girl. It was interesting to see how a somewhat divided family was brought together through tragedy, and the many obstacles they had to overcome in the process. This is an incredible film!! Very touching indeed.
Best movie I have ever seen in my life
maolaoy27 March 2020
Everything about this movie is great and words can't describe my feelings right now but I'll try my best
I am sure 100% there is no movie in this world was ever made or will be made in the future is comparable to this mighteness I have just watched and believe me when I tell you that I've watched over 1000 movies in my life I always rate a great movie and just simply go watch another and forget about the one I've watched but with this movie the case is different I couldn't just walk away like I did with other movies without doing something extra of course , So I decided least I can do to this greatness I've seen is to write a review about it and believe me I don't bother my self always doing something extra or taking a bit of effort.
I can't say anything more so I'll finish my words by just saying Thank you "Korea"
I am sure 100% there is no movie in this world was ever made or will be made in the future is comparable to this mighteness I have just watched and believe me when I tell you that I've watched over 1000 movies in my life I always rate a great movie and just simply go watch another and forget about the one I've watched but with this movie the case is different I couldn't just walk away like I did with other movies without doing something extra of course , So I decided least I can do to this greatness I've seen is to write a review about it and believe me I don't bother my self always doing something extra or taking a bit of effort.
I can't say anything more so I'll finish my words by just saying Thank you "Korea"
I went through all the pain
sapraakshat17 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
There is a line which father says to his friend, "You didn't went through all of it". Being a passive viewer of the situation, I felt everything. It felt like I was with the father the whole time. He was feeling so helpless that he couldn't do anything to ease his daughter's pain.
The film was full of powerful emotional frames. Out of all, there was one scene which affected me deeply. It was when victim was rushed away from the media, and while her father was cleaning her, she yelled for help, told her father to go away and not to touch her. Putting these words cannot surpass the potency of the scene. You'll feel so much pain.
I couldn't get through all of the turbulent emotion running all the frames sequentially while I was writing the review; therefore, I will just end it.
The film was full of powerful emotional frames. Out of all, there was one scene which affected me deeply. It was when victim was rushed away from the media, and while her father was cleaning her, she yelled for help, told her father to go away and not to touch her. Putting these words cannot surpass the potency of the scene. You'll feel so much pain.
I couldn't get through all of the turbulent emotion running all the frames sequentially while I was writing the review; therefore, I will just end it.
The film is about a 8-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted by drunk man in her way to school.
checil26 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The film is about a 8-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted by drunk man in her way to school. This 8-year-old girl was Im Sowon (stared by Lee Re). The other main casts are Sol Kyung Gu as Im Dong Hoon, Sowon's father, and Uhm Ji Won as Kim Mi-Hee, Sowon's mother. This movie was directed by Lee Joon Ik. This movie is based on a true story, the horrific rape in 2008 of an 8-year-old girl called "Na Young" by a drunk 57-years-old man. This movie evoked a lot of controversy whether this movie reopen the old wound of the victim, Nayoung. The story begin when Sowon went to school by her own. In her way to school, she met a shabby looking man asking to share her umbrella with him, since it was raining. But then, shortly, Sowon was dragged by the man into an abandoned building near the school, and was beaten and raped until her intestines spill out. She survived from the assault by calling 119 (emergency call number in Korea).
ACTORS & ACTRESS--The characters of this movie was well played by the actors and actress, even the children actors and actress did a great job in bringing the character live. For the example, Han Young Seok (Sowon's classmate) character was well played by Kim Do Yeop. I cried a lot in the scene when Young Seok cried out of guilty because he didn't wait for Sowon on the way to school and he blamed himself in a very sweet and innocent way. I also love the way Sol Kyung Gu brought the character of Im Dong- Hoon (Sowon's father) to live. The way he cried and raged was full of emotion that makes the audience know really well what his character was feeling. He was success fully being a desperate father of a sexually abused child. I just can't help crying when he cried. Overall, the actress and the actors are all excellent.
FAMILY THEME--I love the interaction between Sowon and his father, Donghoon. The way he want to protect her daughter very much, and the way he want to cheer up her daughter without scare her were the sweetest thing I found in this movie. (After the incident, Sowon showed a tendency of being uneasy/scared around men, including her father, so her father wore Kokomong, Sowon's favorite cartoon character, costume every time he showed up in front of Sowon).
FRIENDSHIP THEME--I like the friendship between Sowon's mother and Youngseok's mother and the friendship between Sowon's father and Youngseok's fathers. The fathers and the mothers have very good relationship, and they are not only friends, they are neighbors and best friends who help each other whenever the other are in difficulties. For example, when Donghoon needed some money and he called Youngseok's father and asked about severance pay that he would get if he left his job, but Youngseok's father knew that his friend needed money, so he was willing to lend him some of his savings. Okay, this is very sweet and heartwarming, and I cried again in this scene. And at last, Youngseok and Sowon became friends. Youngseok promised that he will always keep Sowon safe.
In short, this movie is one of the best which could bring us to experience the real problem that the main character had by the great acting of the actors, the splendid story and some touching scene. Sexsual abuse victims may be able to recover from physical injuries, but rarely from those who can recover from their psychic injuries, if not directly handle. The film gives a message that the importance of the parent's role in supervising the child and the importance of educating the child to avoid crime as told in this film.
ACTORS & ACTRESS--The characters of this movie was well played by the actors and actress, even the children actors and actress did a great job in bringing the character live. For the example, Han Young Seok (Sowon's classmate) character was well played by Kim Do Yeop. I cried a lot in the scene when Young Seok cried out of guilty because he didn't wait for Sowon on the way to school and he blamed himself in a very sweet and innocent way. I also love the way Sol Kyung Gu brought the character of Im Dong- Hoon (Sowon's father) to live. The way he cried and raged was full of emotion that makes the audience know really well what his character was feeling. He was success fully being a desperate father of a sexually abused child. I just can't help crying when he cried. Overall, the actress and the actors are all excellent.
FAMILY THEME--I love the interaction between Sowon and his father, Donghoon. The way he want to protect her daughter very much, and the way he want to cheer up her daughter without scare her were the sweetest thing I found in this movie. (After the incident, Sowon showed a tendency of being uneasy/scared around men, including her father, so her father wore Kokomong, Sowon's favorite cartoon character, costume every time he showed up in front of Sowon).
FRIENDSHIP THEME--I like the friendship between Sowon's mother and Youngseok's mother and the friendship between Sowon's father and Youngseok's fathers. The fathers and the mothers have very good relationship, and they are not only friends, they are neighbors and best friends who help each other whenever the other are in difficulties. For example, when Donghoon needed some money and he called Youngseok's father and asked about severance pay that he would get if he left his job, but Youngseok's father knew that his friend needed money, so he was willing to lend him some of his savings. Okay, this is very sweet and heartwarming, and I cried again in this scene. And at last, Youngseok and Sowon became friends. Youngseok promised that he will always keep Sowon safe.
In short, this movie is one of the best which could bring us to experience the real problem that the main character had by the great acting of the actors, the splendid story and some touching scene. Sexsual abuse victims may be able to recover from physical injuries, but rarely from those who can recover from their psychic injuries, if not directly handle. The film gives a message that the importance of the parent's role in supervising the child and the importance of educating the child to avoid crime as told in this film.
Heart wrenching, devastating, beautiful movie
hawalee4 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The movie 'Wish' follows a young girl who is sexually assaulted by a man, and the repercussions of this traumatizing experience on her and her family. It delves into her recovery from the experience and gives an insightful look into the emotions felt by herself, and those around her.
I cannot even begin to describe my love for this film. Upon literally watching it 5 minutes ago, I believe it may be one of my most favorite movies of all time. I am not ashamed to admit I sobbed throughout literally an hour and thirty minutes of the film (basically 3/4 of the entire movie.) This movie was honestly so touching, emotional, heartbreaking, absolutely soul crushing to watch. And the fact that it is based on true story, is even more raw and honest-feeling.
I believe that some of the most stand out scenes were: 1) The scene in which the father had tried to help clean his daughters burst colostomy bag and her reaction to this. Not only was it heart breaking to watch her freeze in fear, but the fathers reaction to her doing this and the pain and sadness he would've felt.
2) The scene in which the daughter removes the head of the Kokomong suit her father had been wearing around her just so he could be near her without scaring her off, and the emotions shown on the actors face conveyed so much of everything, it was an extremely touching moment.
3) The scene in which the father and mother react to the sentence which was given to the rapist and as the father is about to (I want to say kill, because the look in his eyes was absolutely full of rage) beat the rapist and the daughter rushes into the court room and grabs onto her fathers leg pleading him to just go home.
Of course there were many more amazing scenes, but those were a few that really stood out to me.
All I can say about this movie is that, it was an eye opening and heart breaking film to watch and that EVERYONE should definitely see it.
I cannot even begin to describe my love for this film. Upon literally watching it 5 minutes ago, I believe it may be one of my most favorite movies of all time. I am not ashamed to admit I sobbed throughout literally an hour and thirty minutes of the film (basically 3/4 of the entire movie.) This movie was honestly so touching, emotional, heartbreaking, absolutely soul crushing to watch. And the fact that it is based on true story, is even more raw and honest-feeling.
I believe that some of the most stand out scenes were: 1) The scene in which the father had tried to help clean his daughters burst colostomy bag and her reaction to this. Not only was it heart breaking to watch her freeze in fear, but the fathers reaction to her doing this and the pain and sadness he would've felt.
2) The scene in which the daughter removes the head of the Kokomong suit her father had been wearing around her just so he could be near her without scaring her off, and the emotions shown on the actors face conveyed so much of everything, it was an extremely touching moment.
3) The scene in which the father and mother react to the sentence which was given to the rapist and as the father is about to (I want to say kill, because the look in his eyes was absolutely full of rage) beat the rapist and the daughter rushes into the court room and grabs onto her fathers leg pleading him to just go home.
Of course there were many more amazing scenes, but those were a few that really stood out to me.
All I can say about this movie is that, it was an eye opening and heart breaking film to watch and that EVERYONE should definitely see it.
Beautiful and Horrific Film That Stays With You Forever
spasek14 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
There are those films that are so poignantly powerful, that they stay with you forever, even if you only see it once. Such movies that have left a permanent imprint upon me are movies like this one, "Schindler's List," "Sophie's Choice," "Platoon" and still others. These are films that are so disturbingly realistic because they hit you right where you live.
I'm a TEFL teacher who has taught in four different countries, including South Korea. The most depraved crime that always hits me the worst are those perpetrated on children. I've had many children as students over the years, and even the mere thought of something happening to them pains me beyond comprehension. We like to think that there aren't any monsters out there, but sadly, there are. What makes it even more frustrating are inept justice systems, like the one in Korea, that more or less, rewards the criminal based on some insane notion that, just because the criminal can't remember anything due to his intoxication, then he deserves a lighter sentence.
Still, this film is touching in the power of family and friends who rally behind Hope, doing everything that they can to help her and her family recover. I cannot imagine anything more distressful for a parent than to endure something like this. As a parent, all you want to do is protect your children and make sure that they're safe. Hope's father is especially traumatized when he attempts to help clean his daughter up after escaping the maddening media, only to discover horrifically that she's pleading and crying for him to stop. In his attempt to help her, he partially relives and reawakens her assault.
The way in which Hope's father tries to reach his daughter is pure love and magic. He feels that the only way to help her is to step back himself and take on the persona of her favorite cartoon character. If these precious moments don't strike a chord with you, then I really don't know what can.
Another powerfully touching moment is her schoolmate who comes to see her after she's come home. He bursts into tears, wracked with guilt, for not having walked with her to school on that fateful day. Hope's father is especially sweet in comforting him.
Hope has to recover, not only from the assault, but from the effects as well, both physical and psychological. I had a colostomy for the first five years of life, so I know what it's like and what it means to be different in that way. That resonated deeply with me.
The performances in this film are outstanding, especially Re Lee (Hope) who plays the role with such sweetness and purity that you cringe and pray, that what is about to happen, doesn't happen. She has the face of an angel, which makes all the more horrific. Nothing truly graphic is shown, but a couple of images are likely to stay with you.
Kyoung-gu Sul (Hope's father) also turns in a powerful performance as a distraught father trying to heal his daughter as well as deal with the his own anger and outrage concerning Choi (the assaulter) and the inept legal system. Just as he has helped to save Hope, Hope saves him in the end.
"Hope" is one of those movies that I will likely only be able to watch once, but I've already discovered the once is more than enough for me.
I can only pray helplessly that no child should ever endure something so terrible as this. If only we lived in a world where this was true. Children, with their innocence and purity, cast the brightest light, and among the brightest is certainly Hope's.
I'm a TEFL teacher who has taught in four different countries, including South Korea. The most depraved crime that always hits me the worst are those perpetrated on children. I've had many children as students over the years, and even the mere thought of something happening to them pains me beyond comprehension. We like to think that there aren't any monsters out there, but sadly, there are. What makes it even more frustrating are inept justice systems, like the one in Korea, that more or less, rewards the criminal based on some insane notion that, just because the criminal can't remember anything due to his intoxication, then he deserves a lighter sentence.
Still, this film is touching in the power of family and friends who rally behind Hope, doing everything that they can to help her and her family recover. I cannot imagine anything more distressful for a parent than to endure something like this. As a parent, all you want to do is protect your children and make sure that they're safe. Hope's father is especially traumatized when he attempts to help clean his daughter up after escaping the maddening media, only to discover horrifically that she's pleading and crying for him to stop. In his attempt to help her, he partially relives and reawakens her assault.
The way in which Hope's father tries to reach his daughter is pure love and magic. He feels that the only way to help her is to step back himself and take on the persona of her favorite cartoon character. If these precious moments don't strike a chord with you, then I really don't know what can.
Another powerfully touching moment is her schoolmate who comes to see her after she's come home. He bursts into tears, wracked with guilt, for not having walked with her to school on that fateful day. Hope's father is especially sweet in comforting him.
Hope has to recover, not only from the assault, but from the effects as well, both physical and psychological. I had a colostomy for the first five years of life, so I know what it's like and what it means to be different in that way. That resonated deeply with me.
The performances in this film are outstanding, especially Re Lee (Hope) who plays the role with such sweetness and purity that you cringe and pray, that what is about to happen, doesn't happen. She has the face of an angel, which makes all the more horrific. Nothing truly graphic is shown, but a couple of images are likely to stay with you.
Kyoung-gu Sul (Hope's father) also turns in a powerful performance as a distraught father trying to heal his daughter as well as deal with the his own anger and outrage concerning Choi (the assaulter) and the inept legal system. Just as he has helped to save Hope, Hope saves him in the end.
"Hope" is one of those movies that I will likely only be able to watch once, but I've already discovered the once is more than enough for me.
I can only pray helplessly that no child should ever endure something so terrible as this. If only we lived in a world where this was true. Children, with their innocence and purity, cast the brightest light, and among the brightest is certainly Hope's.
TISSUES ARE A MUST!
alcantaraj-1659419 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
SLIGHT SPOILERS (BUT IF YOU KNOW WHAT THE MOVIE IS ABOUT, YOU ALREADY KNOW HOW IT ENDS)
The fact that the movie focused on Hope's journey from a sweet little girl to her recovery is great. It shows how hope can change someone's perspective of life. (In the film's case, The Father saw his blurry relationship with his daughter after the incident and never lost hope as he tries to reconnect with her) The acting. PERFECT!
You can't lose Hope
kosmasp30 October 2017
This is pretty heavy stuff, the movie does not hold back any punches when it comes to emotional weight. It is a drama of high quality. It feels as real as it can get, without losing its touch with the viewer. I watched another drama recently, where a character had to cope with a heavy blow to his ordinary life.
But it didn't handle the story as well as this movie does. The viewer stays connected and is along for the ride. It's not easy, but the movie walks the line and knows how to keep the viewer attached and bewildered at the same time. No small fee if you ask me and really a heavy burden that we carry with the characters ... But even with the long running time the quality never lets you down ...
But it didn't handle the story as well as this movie does. The viewer stays connected and is along for the ride. It's not easy, but the movie walks the line and knows how to keep the viewer attached and bewildered at the same time. No small fee if you ask me and really a heavy burden that we carry with the characters ... But even with the long running time the quality never lets you down ...
An UNFORGETTABLE Korean MASTERPIECE! Hope will fill your life with Hopes to fight off the worst and toughest phases of your life.
SAMTHEBESTEST3 July 2021
So-won / Hope (2013) :
Brief Review -
An UNFORGETTABLE Korean MASTERPIECE! Hope will fill your life with Hopes to fight off the worst and toughest phases of your life. What could be the best purpose of making a film according to you? Do you limit your expectations for 2 hours entertainment or quality cinematic experience? Or are you looking for something to take home that might just encourage you to do something in life or just change it forever or just be the biggest motivation for you in toughest situations. If you are looking for something like this alongwith cinematic brilliance then Hope is a MUST MUST WATCH for you. Story of an 8 year old girl coping with a gruesome rape damaging her internally and affecting emotionally, trying to overcome all obstacles in the aftermath of the incident with a good support from those around her. It is based on a true story so the reliability and realistic sense is there. You can't just give an excuse of fictional writing to ditch it. Fictional writing does not approve the probability of the story happening in real life so while rating such films i always cut one mark even if it's a Classic. With Hope, that deduction is excluded hence my final rating is extremely high, i mean higher than many universal classics. Child Abuse is a very sensitive topic and it is enough to shatter your mind. I remember watching Danish Masterpiece 'The Hunt' based on similar issue and it completely shattered me inside out. I just thought, what if the same happens to me? I mean it's Highly possible right? It's nothing inhuman or fictional so yes what if i go through such trauma? Hope reminded me the same but this time it wasn't just about one character. It's about the girl, her mental tension, her mother, her father's struggle to fight financial crisis, fight for his own existence alongwith fight for the justice. I don't know how many times i broke down while watching the film and how many times i was encouraged. No spoilers, Just don't miss it and you'll know what i mean.
RATING - 9/10*
By - #samthebestest.
An UNFORGETTABLE Korean MASTERPIECE! Hope will fill your life with Hopes to fight off the worst and toughest phases of your life. What could be the best purpose of making a film according to you? Do you limit your expectations for 2 hours entertainment or quality cinematic experience? Or are you looking for something to take home that might just encourage you to do something in life or just change it forever or just be the biggest motivation for you in toughest situations. If you are looking for something like this alongwith cinematic brilliance then Hope is a MUST MUST WATCH for you. Story of an 8 year old girl coping with a gruesome rape damaging her internally and affecting emotionally, trying to overcome all obstacles in the aftermath of the incident with a good support from those around her. It is based on a true story so the reliability and realistic sense is there. You can't just give an excuse of fictional writing to ditch it. Fictional writing does not approve the probability of the story happening in real life so while rating such films i always cut one mark even if it's a Classic. With Hope, that deduction is excluded hence my final rating is extremely high, i mean higher than many universal classics. Child Abuse is a very sensitive topic and it is enough to shatter your mind. I remember watching Danish Masterpiece 'The Hunt' based on similar issue and it completely shattered me inside out. I just thought, what if the same happens to me? I mean it's Highly possible right? It's nothing inhuman or fictional so yes what if i go through such trauma? Hope reminded me the same but this time it wasn't just about one character. It's about the girl, her mental tension, her mother, her father's struggle to fight financial crisis, fight for his own existence alongwith fight for the justice. I don't know how many times i broke down while watching the film and how many times i was encouraged. No spoilers, Just don't miss it and you'll know what i mean.
RATING - 9/10*
By - #samthebestest.
An Emotional Ride
akellashashank30 April 2021
I want to write so much about this movie, as it deserves every bit of appreciation for making a film like this and handling a delicate matter effectively. This is based on a real child rape case which happened in 2008, i'm so glad that they made this movie. It is so fucking tough to be in that position after being hit by a such a tragic storm in their life and yet trying to make their kid happy by giving everything they have is no less than a death, as it kills the inner peace of the family.
Just imagine how a family can cope up after their 8 year old kid getting raped ???? No, we can't even give it a thought, it is the worst thing that should never happen to anyone. Hatsoff to the director Lee Joon-ik for tackling a sensitive, delicate subject so effectively by not going overboard and yet he managed and succeeded in raising the much needed emotional quotient on screen with panache.
More than 3-5 times, tears welled up in my eyes, such is the impact of this movie. Especially the scenes between the father and daughter are so good that i got emotionally drenched and made me a part of their family. Not just the abuse topic, but director beautifully showcased how important moral support is through supporting cast is another plus.
Sol Kyung-gu in father role stole the show and i can literally feel his pain throughout the movie. The way he portrayed Dong-hoon on screen is incredible, you can see his acting prowess in the hospital scene with his daughter So-won where he tries to cheer her up but couldn't control his emotions, bloody good. Even Re Lee as So-won is stellar , as she brought that innocence and pain of a 8 year old kid on the screen perfectly. Entire cast did a spending job.
JUST WATCH IT and GET DRENCHED IN THIS EMOTIOANL JOURNEY!!!!
Just imagine how a family can cope up after their 8 year old kid getting raped ???? No, we can't even give it a thought, it is the worst thing that should never happen to anyone. Hatsoff to the director Lee Joon-ik for tackling a sensitive, delicate subject so effectively by not going overboard and yet he managed and succeeded in raising the much needed emotional quotient on screen with panache.
More than 3-5 times, tears welled up in my eyes, such is the impact of this movie. Especially the scenes between the father and daughter are so good that i got emotionally drenched and made me a part of their family. Not just the abuse topic, but director beautifully showcased how important moral support is through supporting cast is another plus.
Sol Kyung-gu in father role stole the show and i can literally feel his pain throughout the movie. The way he portrayed Dong-hoon on screen is incredible, you can see his acting prowess in the hospital scene with his daughter So-won where he tries to cheer her up but couldn't control his emotions, bloody good. Even Re Lee as So-won is stellar , as she brought that innocence and pain of a 8 year old kid on the screen perfectly. Entire cast did a spending job.
JUST WATCH IT and GET DRENCHED IN THIS EMOTIOANL JOURNEY!!!!
Be brimming with tears
Wccsua_y3 April 2020
The reality is still so disgusting, only family and fairy tales can let us live. If the soul is not comforted, a just judgment will be a tragedy. In the film, the father's deep love for his daughter makes her overcome the tragedy gradually, but in reality, prisoner will be released in 2020. How horrible and satirical.
Perfectly described, ironically, a word called Hope
gk30300712 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
You have a problem and its only you need to suffer. The others, even your loved ones, will never understand the agony. This movie showcases the after effect of a rape victim, a kid, how she had to move along in life keeping that abuse which she faced, a jerk of someone but a horror for her, piggybacked all her life. And yes, the same happens to the family, virtually.
There are two very emotional moments in this movie which tore me; a one where the father tries to change clothes of her victimed child and another at the end when the child asks her father not to loose anger on the rapist. The first one perfectly describes the hope which child had lost to any male. It is the onus on her father to get that faith back and thats why he disguises himself as a bunny to keep her child safe and happy. The other moment describes the kids only hope for if her father does any damage to the rapist, by killing him, it will only be the moment which will be releived, but her entire life will again be spoiled as she will loose her father, he will end up in jail, and her only hope which took long for her father to earn.
Hats off to the director, writer and creator to represent such a beautiful message of a social challenge. A big appluase to the father and her kid in movie to act for that cause.
There are two very emotional moments in this movie which tore me; a one where the father tries to change clothes of her victimed child and another at the end when the child asks her father not to loose anger on the rapist. The first one perfectly describes the hope which child had lost to any male. It is the onus on her father to get that faith back and thats why he disguises himself as a bunny to keep her child safe and happy. The other moment describes the kids only hope for if her father does any damage to the rapist, by killing him, it will only be the moment which will be releived, but her entire life will again be spoiled as she will loose her father, he will end up in jail, and her only hope which took long for her father to earn.
Hats off to the director, writer and creator to represent such a beautiful message of a social challenge. A big appluase to the father and her kid in movie to act for that cause.
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