Pandora (2016)

A disaster movie, yet using emotional + vivid suggestive power in the tradition of anti-war-movies

"Pandora" is a disaster movie.
I don't really consider myself a fan of this genre, which focuses on mass panic and adrenaline.
However, I consider this KMovie particularly valuable.

In this case I think the makers have succeeded in doing something similar to what anti-war movies try to achieve: deterrence by vividly conveying the threatening horror. In respect to the scenario of a nuclear catastrophe the movie applies emotional and vivid suggestive power, at the same time making people think and possibly question the sense and usefulness of highly dangerous nuclear power plants.
In view of the consecutive radical change of South Korea's nuclear policy six months after "Pandora" was released, one could say: the project was worth it. (It would probably be too daring to talk about causality, but it could be considered a noticeable correlation...)

The 2016 KMovie picks up on the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster and, against this background, develops a story that is comparable by South Korean standards. South Korea is the country with the highest population density in the immediate vicinity of its nuclear power plants. However, due to its insular position, a realistic evacuation plan in the event of a disaster is a major problem. With the movie "Pandora" the lid of the legendary box is shaken. In this case, a nuclear power plant on the East Coast suffers earthquake damage and radiation leaks, similar to Fukushima 5 years earlier. The film fictionally exercises the processes in the event of such a catastrophe (or a comparable one) and comes full circle with a deliberately touching scene in which Kim Nam-gil makes an emphatic plea against nuclear power in his usual impressively passionate way.

Regarding such critically oriented material, the production obviously had difficulties with its financing - in South Korea the lobby of the nuclear industry is as powerful as anywhere else. Nevertheless, the ambitious project could be realized through crowdfunding.


------------------------ SIDE NOTE: --- Sobering facts/outlook on nuclear power plants in South Korea ---

"Pandora" was released in December 2016.
In early summer 2017, as one of the existing South Korean nuclear reactors was actually scheduled to be shut down, President Moon Jae-in announced that the country's nuclear-focused energy policy would be stopped and that the country would instead steer towards a nuclear-free era. Accordingly, plans to build new reactors or extend the life of existing ones have been abandoned. A sign of hope?

However, by the autumn of the same year already, the government's political commitment was no longer valid. The nuclear lobby has actually been able to exert such pressure (the President's faction not having a majority in Parliament....) and prevail that new power plants were going to be built again.
South Korea's nuclear companies make a lot of money by exporting their self-developed reactors. The companies want reference projects in their own country... it is as simple as that...

As far as the people are concerned: According to a survey by the polling institute Realmeter in 2018, 61 percent of adult South Koreans still firmly support their president’s original nuclear phase-out course. Another 10 percent tend to do so. Yet, the lobby as so often has more to say...


... To date, South Korea covers a third of its electricity needs with 24 nuclear reactors.

... There are always earthquakes on the peninsula...

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A disaster-themed movie has quite often produced in Korean Industry these days. But what makes this movie really interesting was, it's purpose to criticize the Korean Government (President Park Scandal, Sewol Tragedy) as well as the concern of many regarding a nuclear power plant in southern areas which is peril of earthquake.

The movies showed a lil bit of government's incapacity to react on national crisis due to politics and nation's image issues. And this fatal mistakes led to a bigger crisis and loss from their citizen. The pace was fast. We got straight to the main crisis on the first few minutes, but the writer still capable to maintain the depth of each character. There wasn't any flashback scene (almost), unlike the usual Korean Movie's with fast pace plot, but we still able to understand each character's idealism and initial heart.

Pandora showed a good, undisturbing, graphics. There wasn't any action and all the focus was to solve one big crisis in any way feasible. Surprisingly, with this thick and intense plot, Pandora wasn't boring at all. In fact, we were brought to a roller coaster of emotion, right from the very start. A mass production, with the purpose to remind that a big advantage has the same amount of risk within it. Entertaining, as well as educating (who knows that South Korea has 24 nuclear power plant in 9 southern cities?)

That's it the Pandora.
"Don't close your eyes because of fear. Don't cover your ears because of fears. We have opened the Pandora's Box. Although disaster were inside. Wasn't there also hope?"

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I’ll start by saying this..., Pandora is a movie that definitely surprised me! To be honest I was “in” purely for the cast because the synopsis did not sell itself to me, I've seen similar themed movies so it didn't feel original and I still say it's not "original" per-se. However it's the emotional ride that counts here!

Story:
As I've already have mentioned it probably won't be new to some of you as similar themes have been done before maybe not a Korean movie but it's still not “brand new”. However the way it was delivered, the emotional journey you go through while watching it makes it one of the most quality story lines for such types of movies I've seen thus far. I did not expect to get all emotional while watching this, I can assure of that, but things just don't always turn out they way you expect them to do.

Pandora story is told in a way that would get you attached to the characters very fast!! This is just beyond wonderful because normally it takes a whole drama with 16 ep+ for me to get attached to the characters (that is if I get attached at all). Somehow in Pandora, you can relate to the characters and feel them, which is what makes it a very emotional ride without being a tearjerker or tire you down with emotional scenes on purpose. In fact, this is what I loved about the plot, it not trying to be over the top or play the emotion game. The writer has managed to keep things in tact without draining you with all the tragic events. Pandora story pretty much mastered the love, friendship, loyalty, sacrifice, neighbors, heroic acts, dirty politicians... all in one plot which is over 2 hours without tiring me.

Acting:
Kim Nam Gil: He is the main reason why I decided to go all the way to the cinema in the cold harsh winter and watch this movie, which didn't appeal to me at first. If you are reading this review and have never seen anything for this man I earnestly ask you to pls hunt his profile down and WATCH HIM! Simply because there are no words that could be said, enough to compliment this amazing actor. He has yet again embraced me with his impressive beyond words performance but this time with a Jeolla Satturi accent! This is my first time watching him preform this accent and he's one of the best K-actors who perfectly mastered it to the point that I had to remind myself that it is truly KNG! His performance didn't just move me, it moved the whole audience in the theater, and the whole hall was crying in tears and crying in heart. Amazing heartfelt sincerity that broke my heart into pieces.

Jeong Jin Yeong: This man owned the first half of the movie! I've had the pleasure of seeing this actor before but I was even more delighted to see him here because what he showed me here is on a whole different level. He is my favorite character from start to end, loved Pyeong Seob with all my heart! Such a courageous, righteous, wonderful character played by this wonderful mister.

Han Joo Hyun: What a wonderful surprise! I've seen this girl twice but never like in Pandora. This movie has to be her breakthrough! When I was watching her I couldn't resist falling for her, her character is my 2nd favorite but how Joo Hyun played it is just too precious. The whole time I was so impressed I couldn't avoid my girl-crush. She stood her ground as a new talent among these giant actors! Bravo!

As for the rest of the cast I honestly loved them all, Kim Myung Min, Lee Kyeong Yeong, Kim Young-Ae what a stellar cast!

Re-watch
I don't really re-watch things (except for few exceptions), and in my opinion even for those who do re-watch I don't think it's the type of movie that you'd want re-watch.

Overall
**Although I would love to say this is a movie for everyone, but it would be wiser to say that it's a movie for those who don't mind bloody scenes. The story isn't aggressive but "nuclear power plant" is involved so scenes of injuries are bound to happen, just a warning ahead for those who hate the sight of blood.

Compelling emotional story, high quality direction and production, and finally stellar cast. I’d love to state all the points I loved about it but I tried not to give anything away so I will conclude my review in one sentence, “try not to miss Panodra” :)

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The plot is the best asset of this movie. It clearly reminded me of the notable Fukushima disaster therefore it highlight the tremendous stake of building a nuclear central. In this regard, it is worth to watch "Pandora" for this sole reason.
This movie makes you question your own value: Do you prioritize money money money or health/humanity and common sense? In short, the plot was meaningful and brilliant.

The first part of the movie was excellent, not too slow not too fast paced. There were action, suspense, thriller, romance/drama, comedy, political stuff.
However, the last 30 minutes were way too slow, way too tragedic/melodramatic. I could not hold myself from skipping. Sure it can makes you cry a lot, but that was really too much. I would have shortened a solid 15 minutes who were unecessary because we get the message really well without all those extra dramatic scenes... But aside of that, everything was very well done and the message of the movie is well perceived and portrayed.

The actors and actresses did an excellent job!

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The Korean movie industry has been producing good movies all year round and Pandora is not an exception. Quality-wise you can't criticize this movie. They didn't hold back from showing what radiation can do to the human body and the desperation with which people try to escape this fate in a nuclear disaster. Thanks to the actors and actresses, that I am sadly not familiar with, the movie came to life and was believable.

However, even though I am not an expert on nuclear power plants, I couldn't help but be sceptical in some scenes. For example if the radiation is that high and the people were clearly on site where the power plant is, then shouldn't they immediately die from the exposure? In these scenes they could have pushed the image of "horror" involving this disaster more. What irresponsible people worked there when they just ignore leakage and other important stuff? It kinda seemed unrealistic to me that they handled the issue of a power plant exploding this lightly.

On another note, I liked how they focused on the different point of views from governmental authorities and residents to workers and Jaehyeok instead of solely settling on a heroic position and telling a story through just one perspective. Even though "Pandora" didn't keep me on my toes for approximately the first half of the movie or more (due to slow progress) they managed to get me afterwards as slowly everything went downhill. I know they intentionally wanted to make the viewers emotional with sacrificing someone but I gladly accepted this emotional rollercoaster at the end since the acting convinced me that much.

Last but not least can! I! get! an! amen! Their critical approach towards Korea's current political situation and the usage of power plants definitely receives some plus points. When directors use their platform right to bring a message across to the audience it's always admirable.

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How to enjoy a disaster movie when I don't feel the connection to any of the characters, but the movie relies on me feeling something?

Since the disaster happened relatively fast, I didn't have enough time to get to know the characters. They all were just nameless random people to me. I didn't care about the mains more than any other background person running away. Will they die? Will they survive? Who knows? But also, who cares?

The political aspects just frustrated me to the bone. Since various terms and procedures had to be explained to the viewers via narration, everyone making the important decisions about the disaster looked incompetent - everything had to be explained. The president was spineless until the plot decided it was time for him to act the role. The same "miraculous change" happened to the main hero, who was first to try to leave and then out of a blue first one to try to save others. The "development" of the characters just happened in between scenes, and there was no nice and logical progression.

The acting from the main cast was good, but some of the supporting actors could tone down the over dramatic acting a bit.

Overall, a nice movie to play as a background as you do other daily activities. Far too long for what it presents and offers.

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GOOOD LORD!! I don't think I can cry any more. I think I have ran out of tears!! I'm going to try not to give spoilers...but when it's categorized as "tragedy" they mean it! This is the first movie ever to actually make me full out sob, and it's not even a true story! Normally, if a movie is sad, I'll tear up a bit, oh no no OH CONTRAIRE If you don't want to cry, don't watch this.........Other than the crying part (lol) The story was really good, cast was on point, and music was perfect! My only issue is, I know it's a disaster movie, and the people are supposed to be panicking.......But does almost every single person need to yell?? I understand the panic, but please panic at a lower volume....yeah thanks haha

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Ended on a strong message that we cannot close our eyes and cover our eyes to the damage we are causing to our planet. That if we care about our children's future, we must face down fear of the unknown with hope and dedication. 

The movie was really well done. Great cast and special effects. The storyline was crafted together well. Power plant meltdowns are not easy to explain to the general public but I thought they did a good job without making me feel bored.

I took a class on how government in the U.S. operates during natural disasters and I couldn't help but think about all the ways the government in this movie went wrong. It was an interesting thought experiment that added to the overall depth of the film. I feel like something was lacking in the film that is keeping me from running out to the store to buy it. I think the characters weren't fleshed out enough. If they had spent just a little more time on developing them and their relationships, I think the movie would've been a smash hit.

But I definitely recommend  watching it. My heart was racing the whole time which is truly the mark of a great thriller.

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Shades of Sewol and Fukushima, Gritty, Heartbreaking, and Heroic.

This is not really my kind of movie. At the moment I need feelgood and uplifting. But I'm glad I watched this story of what happens when you allow companies to neglect and mismanage a dangerous resource such as nuclear power, and compound that crime by trying to abandon whole populations to save face. It's a cautionary tale but told at a human level.
We meet the ordinary families and men and women who work at the plant. witness their differences of opinion about the humble nature of their existence. They're good natured, hard working (mostly) and not without their dreams. Some of them know they are being exploited and want to get out, but family ties get in their way.
Management cuts corners on maintenance, the individuals who raise the alarm about it are drowned out and sidelined - a practice that goes from the shop floor to the Blue House, where reports that the President should see are kept from him.
And then an earthquake leads to disaster, chaotic failure to properly evacuate the area (no proper plan in place) ... just one area of complete incompetence after another, all doggedly upheld by cabinet members, until the president pulls himself together and gets a grip.
At the end of the day the only people who can do anything to stop further meltdown with disastrous consequences not only for the area but for the whole country, are the engineers who have only just escaped and are still close to site in an under-equipped medical tent from which all but one nurse had fled.
All are suffering from radiation sickness and know they are going to die from this soon, but if nothing further is done the plant will completely meltdown and flood the country with radiation. So they volunteer to go back in to fix the coolant leak and when that fails, come up with a plan which will save all but one of them, who volunteers to stay.
This film had me in turns bloody furious with Korea's culture of deference, cover-up and the delegation of responsibility to those who have least power and resources, and heartbroken for the little people who knew their chances of surviving perhaps even weeks were low and volunteered to potentially die even sooner. The picture of ordinary people sacrificing themselves would make anyone weep, and I did - buckets.
This is a fiction - reminiscent of other disasters but not - as far as I know - showing the same events, causes etc.
It's an extremely well made film: well written, well produced and paced, excellent acting from all involved, including some well known faces and some relative unknowns (to me). The music at times was intrusive, but latterly became hauntingly beautiful, and added to the depth of feeling.
It was nominated for a number of awards, from Best actor, Best Director to a number of technical awards - lord knows how it managed not to win any - though perhaps the unveiled criticism of government failures may have made it a risky choice. That may also have been instrumental in it being the first Korean film to be pre-sold to Netflix only weeks before its theatrical release. All this is pure speculation though.
Just know that this is an exceptional film and even though it's pretty harrowing, I highly recommend it.

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Certified Tearjerker!

I dont think I have ever cried on any movie as much as I did for Pandora. As a sucker for disaster movies, I was prepared to get teary eyed. What I did not expect was that Kim Nam Gil will move me to a sobbing mess by the end of the movie. I felt his anguish, his pain and his fear. And him calling out to his eomma was like a stake to my heart ?. Seriously, I was still crying even after the movie has ended. It was just so hard to move on...
This may have been the most realistic disaster movie out there. As real as the danger of nuclear power, government corruption and carelessness. As real as the heroism and sense of responsibility of ordinary people in the face of danger. Watch it now and im sure this movie will end up on your fave movie list.

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Even if you dont understand what the "scientific" side is about, this is still heart wrenching.

Now let me start by saying that i dont have much knowledge about the factory and govermental side of the story. They did an amazing job at explaining the crucial parts to the story so you dont get lost trying to find an answer. Comparing this to other (natural) disaster movies ive seen its quite realistic. I dont know much about how radiation and the factory worked since i am NOT a professional in the field of this stuff. So i cant go around criticizing any potential unrealism. Altho even if there are mistakes (of which i didnt notice any) it wont surprise me since ive seen a lot of (natural) disaster movies being criticized by professionals in the field of the disaster explaining the mistakes in the movie. So ill be talking bout how great of a MOVIE it is. Not how much it makes sence scientifically. To start off lets talk about the story. Perfect in every aspect. The chronological order was on point and the scenes were also portrayed very nicely so you wont get confused in the slightest. The acting was so surreal and heart wrenching. There was only ONE slight (potential) mistake i noticed. SPOILER ALERT (search for END OF SPOILER to continue reading)!!: At the end where he was waiting in the room full of explosives. At first he was struggeling to breathe because of the radiation but when the story got emotional he was suddenly able to breathe normally. Now i put potential before mistake because i dont know whether pain killers can cause your air ways to function properly after taking the pain killer. I have a feeling that pain killers dont affect your air ways so thats why i want to point this out. END OF SPOILER. Now the music. To put it simple; nothing wrong with it. The emotional music was perfect. Rewatch value has to be high up there. I wanna bet ill cry again after i watch this for the second time. Amazingly emotional movies just keep tugging at your heart strings like that. Now of course i recommend this movie. Its simply amazing. I dont often see (natural) disaster movies that have an extreme emotional side to it. They are often thrilling but this was both thrilling and emotional. At first it seems not too threatening but when you think about it it gets very scary real quick. This really doesnt have to be visually terrifying for it to scare you. Radiation is terrifying.

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UNEXPECTED

i came into this thinking this might be the typical action packed tragedy movie but no i was wrong suspense wise this was just avg , plot was also avg but nearing the end things changed it went from somewhat action packed to full on sad, the last 15mins or so was a tearjerker. I usually never cry while watching movies but this one got me, things just felt so real and the patriotism these people had in them was just... wow .

overall i def rec this movie it was a very educational movie that teaches us on how catastrophic these events can be and what is to be unveiled when governments don't take issues seriously

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