Film Review: Hijack 1971 劫機1971 (하이재킹) (2024) - South Korea
Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)
"Hijack 1971" is a high-octane disaster thriller that seizes audiences from the outset. Set during a harrowing hijack attempt on a Korean Air F27 airliner in 1971, the film's intense and tight narrative unfolds predominantly within the confines of the aircraft, intensifying the suspense and urgency.
Director Kim Seong-han expertly utilizes this limited setting to amplify the tension, drawing viewers into the heart-pounding struggle for survival that ensues onboard. The stellar performances from Ha Jung-woo, Yeo Jin-goo, Sung Dong-il, and Chae Soo-bin further enrich the story, infusing their characters with depth and emotion. The relentless pace of the film maintains a gripping hold on the audience, heightening the stakes with each passing moment.
Despite the constrained environment, the film effectively captures the chaos and fear of a hijacking, immersing viewers in the characters' harrowing ordeal. "Hijack 1971" excels as an entertaining and immersive thriller, compelling narrative, standout performances, and ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats throughout.
I rated it 8/10
Reviewed in Cinemas, Hong Kong