The movie ‘Gunche’ has made a massive impact as a global highly anticipated work, successfully completing its official photocall, red carpet, and world premiere at the 79th Cannes Film Festival.
‘Gunche’ tells the story of survivors trapped in a building during a mysterious infection outbreak, fighting against constantly evolving infected beings. Director Yeon Sang-ho and stars Jun Ji-hyun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-bin, and Kim Shin-rok captured the hearts of global movie fans during their official schedule in Cannes.
Thierry Frémont, the General Delegate of the Cannes Film Festival, caught everyone’s attention by telling the ‘Gunche’ team before the photocall, “I’m still feeling the terror even after watching the movie for the first time.”
The team’s playful chemistry shone at the photocall. Sporting casual yet sophisticated styles, they lit up the atmosphere with bright expressions and various poses for the press. Even after the event, they actively responded to fans’ requests for autographs and photos, ramping up the excitement for the film.
Interest was sky-high even before the official screening. Thanks to Director Yeon Sang-ho’s new work, the star-studded cast, and the genre’s appeal, ticket competition was fierce. Fans were even spotted around the Palais des Festivals holding handmade pickets to get tickets.
The world premiere took place at the Lumière Grand Theatre, the main venue of the Cannes Film Festival. The 2,300-seat theater sold out early, with long lines forming outside.
At the red carpet, Director Yeon Sang-ho and the actors spent late hours communicating with fans. Adding to the special atmosphere, Director Park Chan-wook, this year’s Jury President, made a surprise appearance. Director Park and General Delegate Thierry Frémont hugged each member of the ‘Gunche’ team one by one to show their support, drawing applause from the crowd.
As the screening began, the theater was filled with cheers and tension. Scenes combining a new type of infected being with Director Yeon Sang-ho’s signature imagination completely immersed the audience, leading to a standing ovation for about 7 minutes after the credits rolled.
Word has it that General Delegate Thierry Frémont praised Director Yeon Sang-ho after the screening, saying, “Cannes is yours,” highlighting the overwhelming response.
International media are also raving. Samuel Jamies, President of the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), called ‘Gunche’ “an innovative work that presents a new physical grammar to the zombie genre.” NYAFF has even selected ‘Gunche’ as the opening film for its 25th anniversary North American premiere.
French magazine ‘Trois Couleurs’ praised the “intense and immersive action sequences,” while Matt Neglia of ‘Next Best Picture’ stated that the film “delivers overwhelming genre pleasure from start to finish.”
US outlet ‘Variety’ noted the film’s message, stating that ‘Gunche’ “cleverly explores the erosion of human individuality within AI and collective thinking through the zombie genre.”
Korean media outlets who watched the film in Cannes also shared positive reviews. Yonhap News mentioned the message on humanity and individuality, and News1 highly praised Director Yeon Sang-ho’s signature spectacular zombie action. Other outlets noted the speed, which differs from existing zombie films, and the powerful ensemble of the actors.
After completing their Cannes schedule, the director and actors shared their emotional thoughts. Director Yeon Sang-ho said, “I spent an unforgettable time experiencing the warm welcome and reaction at the Cannes Film Festival, which is a dream stage.”
Jun Ji-hyun shared, “It was a time where I gained a lot of inspiration and meaning as an actor,” and Koo Kyo-hwan picked the moment a fan called him by his character’s name on the streets of Cannes as a special memory.
Ji Chang-wook expressed, “I don’t think I’ll ever forget the thrill of receiving applause from about 2,300 audience members,” while Shin Hyun-bin and Kim Shin-rok also expressed their gratitude for the fans’ passionate support.
Meanwhile, ‘Gunche,’ which left a strong impression at the Cannes Film Festival, is currently screening in theaters nationwide.
