Overview
“Time to Hunt” is a South Korean film released in 2020 that merges the genres of drama and thriller. Directed and written by Yoon Sung-hyun, the film depicts a future South Korea suffering a severe economic downturn. Instead of visually intense sequences, this film is more about the inner, emotional lives of the young people trying to improve their lives and are willing to gamble on trust, friendship, and bold choices.
Time to Hunt delves into the profound challenges posed by a person’s socio-environment and simultaneously paints a picture of hope, illustrating that unwavering aspirations can endure in even the most tumultuous circumstances.
Setting and Atmosphere
The film is set in a future South Korea, where the economy has collapsed, resulting in massive unemployment and declining living conditions. There is rampant inflation and rampant store closures, and the general population can only strive toward survival.
Against this backdrop, a sense of complete stillness and slowness pervades entire neighborhoods. There is a strange, potent combination of hope and despair that pervades the atmosphere. The characters are lost in introspection and perpetual second-guessing about their choices and are trying to navigate in the backdrop of this setting.
Even in this harsh world, the movie conveys an important message — depicting the goodwill that can be found in humanity’s struggle to survive.
Plot Summary
The film centers on the character Joon-seok, a thoughtful and determined young man who has recently been released after spending several years in a correctional facility. In contrast to the life that he has prior, the world is devoid of any hope. There are no jobs to be found, the streets are completely empty, and the future is bleak.
It does not take long for Joon-seok to connect with his best friends Jang-ho and Ki-hoon, who have unfailingly supported him. Struggling under the same burden of a harsh reality, the three have always dreamed of escaping to a peaceful life by the ocean in a friendly nation that welcomes them to live in peace.
In pursuit of this dream, the trio develops a distinct approach aimed at making a quick fortune. To this end, they contact Sang-soo, a more knowledgeable friend of theirs in the area. Together with these four young men, a distinct approach was formulated, aimed at serving as a stepping stone to the new life they have always wanted.
Yet, upon executing their plan, they come to the startling realization that a mysterious figure is tailing them, indicating that their plan is known. This figure is not overt in their movements, but their actions reveal that they are tracking the plans the group has in mind. The group soon understands that their quest towards liberation is going to be far more difficult than they had ever anticipated.
To make matters worse, they will be grappling with fear, uncertainty, as well as the bonds of their relationships with one another. The trust they had built is now crumbling, and the plot is no longer centered around the act of escape, but rather, the themes of betrayal and selfhood.
Complete cast and their roles
Lee Je-hoon as Joon-seok
This is the role of a young man who is hopeful, and aspiring, Joon-seok is willing to take risks and help change their reality. He is determined to change the lives of the group and believes in a second chance, trying to help the rest of the group achieve their goals. He is determined and acts as the group leader who motivates the others to work towards a collective dream.
Ahn Jae-hong as Jang-ho
This is the role of another young man in the group who seeks to maintain the group’s spirit. He not only gives the group the needed optimism, but Jang-ho’s attitude is a needed one. He actively supports his group and acts as a cheer leader when they are down. Kindness and cheerfulness is his trademark.
Choi Woo-shik as Ki-hoon
As Ki-hoon, Choi is a quiet as well as observant member of the group, alongside being a loyal friend. As the story progresses, Ki-hoon is revealed to be someone who takes too much time pondering the external shifts that are taking place in their lives.
Park Jung-min as Sang-soo
Sang-soo is smart and considerate. He is initially hesitant about the plan but eventually decides to help the group, and he becomes integral to the teamwork.
Park Hae-soo as the Pursuer
This character adds the suspense to the film. Quiet and calm, he acts as a reminder to the group that their path forward is fraught with challenges.
Direction and Storytelling Style
In Yoon Sung-hyun’s film, he utilizes the very last frame to build a character-driven story. His focus on the atmosphere instead of the action makes the film one of the more intelligent I have seen. He paces the story with calm gentleness that leaves a weight on the sensitive themes being explored.
The film captures the essence of the world with the use of quiet and stillness. The conversations portrayed are realistic, and the use of long and still shots build the world. The color on the screen captures the character’s moods – cool tones with empty streets suggest isolation and loneliness, while the warmth of friendship brightens scenes.
The score is quiet but captures emotions, enhancing the feeling as the film progresses. Feeling of skepticism, hope, and uncertainty are all present.
Themes and Messages
- Trust and Friendship
One of the most striking elements of the film is the acute friendship formed between the four lead characters. Despite the challenges they encounter, they remain fiercely loyal to one another. Their companionship helps them to overcome very tough challenges.
- Hope and Dreams
The characters depicted in Time to Hunt are not in pursuit of glory and riches. Rather, they seek tranquility. This aims to capture the essence of the human aspiration of seeking a second chance in a place where one longs to be unburdened and at ease.
- Fear and Uncertainty of the Future
The film capturing the human tendency of acting when the least is known about the following day is very captivating. It is a reflection of the social dynamics of how the fear of the unknown individually and collectively brings people together and the extent to which one person’s decision in times of fear determines the life of another.
- Responsibility and Growth
In the beginning, each character undergoes a form of emotional growth. They begin to realize that every aspiration comes with its respective challenges and that true courage is tempered with honesty and the willingness to accept the consequences of one’s decisions.
Reception
At the time of its release, Time to Hunt was well received for the unique approach it took to the thriller genre. Viewers praised the emotional performances and the gradual escalation of tension, in addition to the meticulous world-building.
The relationships were described as capturing the nuance of the characters beautifully against the backdrop of the skilled cinematography and acting. Although the backdrop is a speculative future, the essential elements of hope, friendship, and resilience are elements that many people can identify with and appreciate.
It gained attention across the globe and was presented in several film festivals. It was appreciated in South Korea as much as the global audience because of its thoughtful tone and universal appeal.
Conclusion
Time to Hunt is a story that resonates with the audience deeply during this time of uncertainty in the world. It is a film that elicits emotions that many people can relate to, such as the real emotions of friendship, and trust, as well as a willingness to hope for a better future.
It is the power of stillness that this film is able to harness that speaks to the audience most. It reminds us of the simple truth, that in the midst of difficulties in life, the love and care of people can act as a guiding light toward hope.
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