Na Hong-jin film Hope faces significant edits in Pakistan release

The science-fiction thriller Hope, directed by South Korean filmmaker Na Hong-jin, is being released in Pakistan with a substantially shorter runtime than its international version. According to a review by Dawn, the Pakistani theatrical cut removes approximately 25 minutes from the 156-minute version available elsewhere, resulting in a runtime of roughly 131 minutes.

While director Na Hong-jin previously noted that minor reorganizations were made after the film premiered at Cannes to clarify the story, those changes were reportedly only a few minutes long. The significant reduction in Pakistan has sparked discussion regarding film editing and whether audiences are being informed of the version they are viewing.

Set in an isolated harbor village near the Korean demilitarized zone, the film follows a group of people attempting to survive attacks by mysterious, superhuman creatures. The cast features Hwang Jung-min, Jung Hoyeon, and Zo In-sung, with various international actors providing voice or creature performances.