He gets into a violent altercation at school and is quickly reprimanded.

His mother expresses disappointment but doesnt do much to discipline him.

Through association, Yeon-gyu is now embroiled in all the elements of being a low-level gang member.

‘Hopeless’ review Cannes

‘Hopeless’Plus M Entertainment

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At 2:12 minutes,Hopelessfeels like 3 hours.

It goes around in circles, working to reach a point that never comes.

Disjointed isnt a fitting enough word to describe this plot with its many subplots that dont see resolution.

Cannes Film Festival reviews 2023

He is naive and not cut out for this because of his conscience and impulsivity.

Not once did I feel sorry for him.

It is not because of his circumstances but because the script didnt make room for that connection.

With its needless violence and road-to-nowhere story,Hopeless is an apt title for this Korean slice-of-life drama.

The story deals with disturbing subject matter, but the messaging isnt all that impactful.