High school student Yeongyu (Hong Xa-bin) endures a nightmare of violence and poverty at the hands of his stepfather. Yet, he finds solace in his stepsister Hayan (Kim Hyoung-seo), who also attends the same school, as they provide mutual support for each other. After being coerced into offering compensation following a fight with a classmate, Yeongyu encounters a mysterious figure, Chigeon (Song Joong-ki), the mid-level boss of a local gang, and seeks his assistance. As Yeongyu becomes entangled with Chigeon, his life takes an unexpected turn. Within the spectrum of Korean noir, Hopeless is a welcomed and refreshing shock due to its determination and intensity. The film portrays a drama rich in themes of strong bonds, compassion, sympathy, and protection. Additionally, it delves into a brutally honest coming-of-age narrative and explores the turmoil of a village’s troubles. The film defies simplicity, refusing to be confined to mere realism, and delves deeply into the realms of atonement and catastrophe with a raw, feral aura and thick, symbolic blood. (JUNG Hanseok)