Time To Hunt

Time to Hunt (2020) is a dystopian heist thriller set in a near-future South Korea, where economic collapse has left society in disarray. The story follows Joon Suk, played by Lee Je Hoon, who is recently released from prison and dreams of escaping to a better life. Alongside his close friends Jang Ho (Ahn Jae Hong) and Gi Hoon (Choi Woo Shik), he plans a high-stakes heist to steal from a gambling den. However, their actions set off a deadly chain of events that leaves them hunted by a ruthless assassin named Han (Park Hae Soo). As the tension builds, the trio quickly realizes that their target wasn’t just a simple gambling den. The powerful underground syndicate that controls it sends Han after them, a relentless enforcer who will stop at nothing to track them down. The film expertly blends nail-biting suspense with fast-paced action sequences, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as the characters fight for survival. The film's visual aesthetics, directed by Yoon Sung Hyun, highlight the gritty, post-apocalyptic world, enhancing the sense of danger that surrounds the characters. With each step, Joon Suk and his friends are pushed to their limits, facing moral dilemmas and questioning their choices as they struggle to escape their pursuers. Time to Hunt has been praised for its gripping performances, particularly by Lee Je Hoon and Park Hae Soo, as well as its stylish cinematography and tense atmosphere. The film explores themes of desperation, friendship, and survival in a decaying world, making it one of the standout Korean thrillers of recent years.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 사냥의 시간
🌎 Also Known As: Sanyangui Sigan
🎭 Genres: Action, Thriller, Crime, Dystopian
🏷 Tags: Heist, Post-Apocalyptic, Survival, Friendship, Assassin
✍ Screenwriters: Yoon Sung Hyun
🎬 Directors: Yoon Sung Hyun
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: February 22, 2020 (Berlin International Film Festival), April 23, 2020 (Netflix)
📺 Original Network: Netflix
⏰ Duration: 134 minutes
🔞 Content Rating: 16+ (Violence, Strong Language)

Best Scenes

The thrilling heist scene where Joon Suk (Lee Je Hoon) and his friends rob a gambling den.
The intense chase through a maze of abandoned buildings as the group is hunted by Han (Park Hae Soo).
The rooftop showdown, where the group narrowly escapes Han’s relentless pursuit.
A heart-pounding sequence in a dark, narrow alley where the tension escalates.
The final confrontation, where the characters’ survival instincts come to a head.

Filming Locations

The film was shot in various locations around Seoul, giving it a gritty, urban atmosphere.
The rundown, dystopian streets of a near-future South Korea were constructed to create a post-apocalyptic feel.
Several scenes take place in abandoned warehouses, adding to the bleak tone of the film.
The gambling den heist was filmed in a seedy part of the city, enhancing the tension.
The climactic chase scenes were shot in labyrinthine industrial areas.

Visual Design and Costumes

The film’s color palette is dominated by cold, dark tones to reflect the dystopian setting.
The characters’ costumes are simple, practical, and reflective of their desperation and struggle.
The futuristic, decaying urban landscapes provide a striking visual backdrop.
The neon lights in the gambling den contrast sharply with the bleak outdoor scenes.
The film’s minimalist set design heightens the sense of isolation and danger.

Themes and Messages

Time to Hunt explores themes of survival in a collapsing world.
The film delves into the consequences of greed and the desire for a better life.
It highlights the strength of friendship and loyalty in the face of danger.
The characters’ journey symbolizes a struggle for freedom and escape from societal decay.
The relentless pursuit by Han symbolizes the inescapable consequences of their actions.

Interesting Facts

Time to Hunt premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, making it one of the first Korean films to do so.
The film was released globally on Netflix due to the COVID-19 pandemic, skipping a theatrical release.
The film’s director, Yoon Sung Hyun, won critical acclaim for creating a tense, atmospheric thriller.
Actor Choi Woo Shik, known for his role in Parasite, brings added star power to the film.
Time to Hunt was praised for its innovative cinematography, particularly in its action sequences.

Awards

Here are some of the awards Time to Hunt (2020) has received and notable film festival invitations:

Berlinale Special Gala – Berlin International Film Festival (2020): The film premiered in this prestigious category, marking a significant international debut.
Korean Cinema Today – Panorama – Busan International Film Festival (2020): The film was showcased as a representation of modern Korean cinema.
International Competition – Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (2020): Time to Hunt was part of this competitive category, gaining attention for its dystopian themes and thrilling plot.

These accolades and festival appearances highlight the film’s critical recognition and global appeal.

Real-Life Loves on Set

There have been no confirmed reports of any real-life romantic relationships developing among the cast members of Time to Hunt (2020). While the film itself focuses on intense friendships and survival in a dystopian world, the relationships between the actors remained professional. The focus of the movie is on action, suspense, and the struggle for freedom rather than romantic subplots, and no off-screen romances have been linked to the production.