Ok so, the first half of this movie was amazing. The thrill was there, performances were solid, everything was set up for a brilliant fast paced film, but then it just kind of wandered off a bit and turned into something completely different. A lot of unrealistic moments towards the end which knocks some points off but there's also a tearjerker moment that adds some back. Main awards go to si wan as the villain who did exceptionally good, and then of course the rest of the cast did well to match. Overall i'd say watch, you're not going to be disappointed but you will feel some things just didnt need to happen.
47 Reviews
Milking the Stress
3xHCCH28 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This film boasts of a powerhouse cast led by superstars Song Kang-ho (from "Parasite" and "Memories of Murder") taking charge on land, and Lee Byung-hun (from "Joint Security Area" and "Master") taking charge in the air. The story was reminiscent of classic American disaster film "Airport" (1970), where a man with a death wish boarded a plane and authorities scramble to figure out how and where to land the airplane safely.
We need to credit Korean filmmakers for being able to squeeze all they can from a stressful situation to sustain suspense throughout its running time. Jin-seok was already able to carry out his plans within the first 30 minutes, and there were 2 hours more of exciting stuff to go. The complications (medical, mechanical, personal, political, etc) kept on coming from all sides one after the other, such that the final resolution was still uncertain until the final five minutes.
This airplane really went through everything and anything during that flight. Aside from an unknown disease spreading and causing death and panic on board, the plane lost power and plummeted down into the sea, and was also shot at by security jets for unauthorized entry of foreign air space. On land, there was one particularly involving scene where the audience was placed virtual-reality-style inside a police car chasing a motorcycle in high speed.
A Korean film is not complete without a big heartfelt scene of tear-jerking melodrama, especially in this scenario where there are sick passengers trapped on a plane, while all their relatives were all waiting on the ground for a safe landing which was not forthcoming. I felt that there could have been a more memorable ending for one moment there, but then writer-director Han Jae-rim decided to take a safer route.
We need to credit Korean filmmakers for being able to squeeze all they can from a stressful situation to sustain suspense throughout its running time. Jin-seok was already able to carry out his plans within the first 30 minutes, and there were 2 hours more of exciting stuff to go. The complications (medical, mechanical, personal, political, etc) kept on coming from all sides one after the other, such that the final resolution was still uncertain until the final five minutes.
This airplane really went through everything and anything during that flight. Aside from an unknown disease spreading and causing death and panic on board, the plane lost power and plummeted down into the sea, and was also shot at by security jets for unauthorized entry of foreign air space. On land, there was one particularly involving scene where the audience was placed virtual-reality-style inside a police car chasing a motorcycle in high speed.
A Korean film is not complete without a big heartfelt scene of tear-jerking melodrama, especially in this scenario where there are sick passengers trapped on a plane, while all their relatives were all waiting on the ground for a safe landing which was not forthcoming. I felt that there could have been a more memorable ending for one moment there, but then writer-director Han Jae-rim decided to take a safer route.
Long, but enjoyable...
paul_haakonsen21 November 2022
When I stumbled upon the 2021 South Korean thriller "Bisang Seoneon" (aka "Emergency Declaration") here late in 2022, of course I opted to sit down and watch it immediately. I am an avid fan of Asian cinema, and usually there is a lot of good movies coming from the South Korean cinema. Sure, I had not heard about "Bisang Seoneon" prior to sitting down to watch it, but that hardly mattered.
Writer and director Han Jae-Rim put together a very enjoyable and entertaining script and storyline for the movie, and it was quite a thrill ride. If you enjoyed the classic movie "Outbreak", then you will definitely also enjoy "Bisang Seoneon".
They had a great cast ensemble put together for the movie, and the actresses and actors put on good performances to bring the movie to life on the screen. I was initially thrilled when I saw that the movie had Lee Byung-Hun on the cast list.
And with the recent pandemic situation the world has been through, the storyline in "Bisang Seoneon" just packs a bit more of a punch that lands closer to home, doesn't it?
While "Bisang Seoneon" is a rather enjoyable movie, it could have benefitted from a more round-handed trimming in the editing room. Running at 141 minutes, this is quite an ordeal to sit through. Yeah, it was entertaining, but it was just a tad too long.
My rating of "Bisang Seoneon" lands on a six out of ten stars.
Writer and director Han Jae-Rim put together a very enjoyable and entertaining script and storyline for the movie, and it was quite a thrill ride. If you enjoyed the classic movie "Outbreak", then you will definitely also enjoy "Bisang Seoneon".
They had a great cast ensemble put together for the movie, and the actresses and actors put on good performances to bring the movie to life on the screen. I was initially thrilled when I saw that the movie had Lee Byung-Hun on the cast list.
And with the recent pandemic situation the world has been through, the storyline in "Bisang Seoneon" just packs a bit more of a punch that lands closer to home, doesn't it?
While "Bisang Seoneon" is a rather enjoyable movie, it could have benefitted from a more round-handed trimming in the editing room. Running at 141 minutes, this is quite an ordeal to sit through. Yeah, it was entertaining, but it was just a tad too long.
My rating of "Bisang Seoneon" lands on a six out of ten stars.
South Korea always upping the ante
A_Different_Drummer18 November 2022
In 1968 a Canadian writer named Arthur Haley wrote AIRPORT, a bestseller which is generally acknowledged to be the spark, the trigger, for the dozens of similar stories and films that followed. (That book itself spawned two feature movies, in 1970 and 1975). As I have explained in my other reviews, South Korea prides itself on picking up themes from the west and raising the stakes. So it is with Emergency Declaration, the definitive Korean take on the airplane disaster movie. Boasting a 2hr20min runtime, it follows the typical story arc -- well known to K-drama fans -- of setting up the factual circumstances and then taking extensive detours into the personalities of the various characters in the story. Which is why South Korean zombie films also shine so well -- character development. Recommended. I have two Korean films on my IMDb list of the best films of all time. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))
Issues with Tension
pshermanwallabyway15 August 2022
So locally, the movie was pretty good. I think (almost) every scene was well shot, well acted, and even every plot point was a good choice and moved the movie forward. My only issue with this movie was that if failed to create tension properly. Once the 'problem' begins you kinda feel the same level of stress. There aren't many local periods of anxiety or triumph. Even when some story critical sub plots work out, it just doesn't feel like anything was gain because at the same time nothing was risked. A good movie, just needs to vary tension, and pacing to achieve that goal.
Oh my God !
hosseinhematinejhad27 October 2021
Not bad, but I wanted more
Leofwine_draca17 December 2022
A typical stab at a disaster movie from Korea, fairly good and watchable but instantly forgettable at the same time. My favourite Korean movies are their thrillers with harder bloody edges while this one lapses into shameless melodrama towards the climax. The first half, a tight thriller set on an aeroplane with a documentary feel, is certainly the best and keeps you watching thanks to strong direction and assured performances from Lee Byung-hun and Song Kang-ho among others. The second half is totally different, a wider-scale traditional disaster flick like one of those old AIRPORT movies of the 1970s. Not bad, but I wanted more.
Best disaster movie
sayantanroy-1118612 August 2021
A good one-time watch IN THE CINEMA!
navenkumarselva12 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
After hearing and reading some reviews, I went to the cinema with zero expectations and memories of the previous Korean movie I watched, Parasite. The other draw I had for this movie was that actor Song Kang-ho who gave a splendid performance in Parasite was part of the film. That made me pretty excited to buy the tickets. The movie started pretty slowly as they took a good 30 minutes to build up the characters who were going to board the plane. The makers did a good job of establishing a connection between the audience and the characters which makes you feel for the characters, their motives and grievances. The entire sequence in the plane was very well made and definitely gave chills down the spine when the flight was almost going to crash or be attacked by forces from a neighbouring country. The actors, cast and crew did a splendid job, especially the VFX and cinematography department. Although I was not humming much music due to the intense sequences, the music did serve the purpose of keeping the audience engaged throughout. Now, here are some of the things which I wished director Han Jae-Rim explored further. The villain/terrorist who is responsible for this entire crisis on board does not seem to have a clear motive on why he carried out such activity on board a flight apart from being a mad scientist. The weak motive and narrative of the villain are major drawbacks for me. This movie would have been way better if the director had focused on that part and established a connection with the ongoing crisis the world is facing today. The other major drawback for me was that the ending was something that most audiences expected which made this movie more of an ordinary disaster thriller. A different and more tragic ending would have elevated this film to another level. I would recommend this movie to those who love disaster thriller films.
Just a okay movie
alcaseyyun6 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I know it is just a movie but even so, no rational country would let their own citizen to die,letting the pilot to make decision not to land. And why people are so stupid thinking that by landing they will infect their family? Did they not understand what quarantine means? Even if the vaccines haven't been found, did they have to blindly think it is the end of the world for them? Yes it is a movie but can it be sensible and rational? And why in the world the transport and infra minister went to the hospital and taking charge of the patient infected with virus? Where is the health minister? At the end of the movie,what kind of hearing they committee was discussing? I thought they will discuss on what went wrong,why the planes have to skip landing in Hawaii and Japan etc. Instead they are talking nonsense such as why the perpetrator turns from normal guy to a monster. I regretted watching the movie cause my mind cannot process the stupidness of the actions.
An edge-of-the-seat thriller
steveinadelaide6 September 2022
The South Korean movie, EMERGENCY DECLARATION, is an on-the-edge-of-the-seat thriller. While investigating a terrorist threat that goes viral online, Korean authorities discover that a suspect has recently boarded an international flight bound for the United States. When a healthy passenger on the same flight suddenly dies a gruesome death of unknown cause, panic erupts both in-flight and on the ground. With steadily decreasing fuel and international refusals to offer aid, the captain and crew will be forced to take unprecedented emergency measures to save the lives of their passengers.
This is a non-stop action-packed film with excellent acting by the entire cast. The tension mounts with each passing minute as the authorities race against time to find the source of the deadly virus before it claims any more victims. The special effects are top-notch, and the film's ending is sure to leave audiences breathless.
The cinematography must have been incredibly challenging. The interior of the aircraft is shot so that we feel we are right there with the characters. This adds to the suspense and makes for a truly harrowing experience. And the fear and anxiety we have all experienced about dangerous viruses as we have lived through the pandemic intensified the impact of this film for me. (Note: The movie doesn't exploit the pandemic -- it was conceived before the pandemic had begun).
EMERGENCY DECLARATION is a well-crafted, edge-of-your-seat thriller that is sure to keep audiences entertained from beginning to end. It is a must-see for fans of the genre.
This is a non-stop action-packed film with excellent acting by the entire cast. The tension mounts with each passing minute as the authorities race against time to find the source of the deadly virus before it claims any more victims. The special effects are top-notch, and the film's ending is sure to leave audiences breathless.
The cinematography must have been incredibly challenging. The interior of the aircraft is shot so that we feel we are right there with the characters. This adds to the suspense and makes for a truly harrowing experience. And the fear and anxiety we have all experienced about dangerous viruses as we have lived through the pandemic intensified the impact of this film for me. (Note: The movie doesn't exploit the pandemic -- it was conceived before the pandemic had begun).
EMERGENCY DECLARATION is a well-crafted, edge-of-your-seat thriller that is sure to keep audiences entertained from beginning to end. It is a must-see for fans of the genre.
One thing after another keeps things interesting
phd_travel4 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The viewer will get their money's worth because so much is going on. First there a wacko unusually played by good guy actor Im Si Wan and then there is a virus then landing issues. Eerily prescient as it was made prior to covid. Non stop problems for those on board or those on land. Maybe too much.
All star cast which helps the viewer to remember who is who. Good job by Kim Nam Gil and LBH. Little digs at Japan.
A few plot faults. The self sacrifice is very old fashioned K drama. Also as if they won't let them land. The end is a bit lacking. Should have shown what happened to more of the characters.
All star cast which helps the viewer to remember who is who. Good job by Kim Nam Gil and LBH. Little digs at Japan.
A few plot faults. The self sacrifice is very old fashioned K drama. Also as if they won't let them land. The end is a bit lacking. Should have shown what happened to more of the characters.
Excellent acting, mediocore plots
detail-9835723 August 2022
oohhh...
ops-5253513 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
My godness of graciousness, what a south korean roller coaster was this?! It goes from some of the most decent of thrilling disaster action scenes, to the uttermost other end of the scale of south korean of human aking melodrama that the hollywood thrilleractionfan would considere as a big blunder of stupid/ filmaking, a cultural move im sure the south korean audience will gap over with tears and consciousness, at least my wife sat like stunned till the end, and she is very norwegian, so it stands the test over here.
But im still grumpy, old and squemish, there are a few thumbs up action, but its mostly generic melodrama that dominates this film, its a long version of terror in flight, could easily have been cut to a 90 minute flick that wouldve turned the nerves even more, so just a 6, cause its limping a bit.
But im still grumpy, old and squemish, there are a few thumbs up action, but its mostly generic melodrama that dominates this film, its a long version of terror in flight, could easily have been cut to a 90 minute flick that wouldve turned the nerves even more, so just a 6, cause its limping a bit.
like others say before, it's slightly long. would've been better if they cut the last 15mins of the movie
rozhanbbb29 January 2023
Like others say before, it's slightly long.
Would've been better if they cut the last 15mins of the movie.
You either make it a sad ending, or happy ending.
No need for ops, there're actually a cure. So make a u-turn.
This is like watching spanish soap opera with twist after twist after twist. Yeah we get it you guys like twist that much. Stop it you're ruining a good movie!
Also the landing scene almost rival fast & furious airplane landing lane length.
It's almost 2minutes and the plane still didnt stop after spinning 3times, or is it 2times? Whatever.. if the movie length is 2hours i would've give it 8stars. Somehow that ending just dumb down what an enjoyable watch i've had.
Would've been better if they cut the last 15mins of the movie.
You either make it a sad ending, or happy ending.
No need for ops, there're actually a cure. So make a u-turn.
This is like watching spanish soap opera with twist after twist after twist. Yeah we get it you guys like twist that much. Stop it you're ruining a good movie!
Also the landing scene almost rival fast & furious airplane landing lane length.
It's almost 2minutes and the plane still didnt stop after spinning 3times, or is it 2times? Whatever.. if the movie length is 2hours i would've give it 8stars. Somehow that ending just dumb down what an enjoyable watch i've had.
A Good Watch!
cheyennesky-2233721 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I kind of wish Im Siwan had more screen time since he was a pleasure to watch. For me he was probably the highlight of this movie. This was a good disaster movie, it been in a plane added to the excitement. There is a VERY good cast line up in here as well. This movie definitely showed how people react and their divided opinions when it comes to disasters. There is a lot that went on with some of the passengers wanting to seclude the sick, protestors, the foreign countries not wanting to assist and the cop intentionally making himself sick to show whether the cure was effective or not. I think the only downside was the motive of the bad guy not been fully explained or was he just a crazy, angry scientist who hated the world? A movie that kept me entertained and wanting to know whether they make it or not.
Ok but not super
madbird-6124313 February 2024
This movie is slightly above standard. As a fans, I complain that the story behind Lee has not been portrayed more. His part in the movie is less than expected. His image and outlook is not also in par with a pilot. I look for a more handsome and smart Lee, rather than an average middle age father.
Overall the plot of the movie is logical and sensible, though the story line is not very intricating. The story development and the ending is all expected without surprise. The transport secretary chuen is good at acting. But she is not given any chance to show her super acting skill. So does Lee.
All in all, it is not a bad movie but not a super one.
Overall the plot of the movie is logical and sensible, though the story line is not very intricating. The story development and the ending is all expected without surprise. The transport secretary chuen is good at acting. But she is not given any chance to show her super acting skill. So does Lee.
All in all, it is not a bad movie but not a super one.
Great!
htrucf27 January 2023
I don't know why this film is so underrated. It might not live up to fans' expectations as so many famous, veteran Korean actors and actresses were casted, but I find it's pretty realistic and interesting. Each and every character was portraited well, and the plot is full of thriller and emotions. Another thing I love about this film is that the government did a really good job trying to save the plane - from the Minister to the scientists. There's no irresponsible, despicable bureaucrat. Also, hats off to the director, I bet it's not easy to film such kind of scenes. I definitely recommend this movie!
I declare this movie thrilling and exciting!
paulclaassen24 January 2024
For those unfamiliar with the aviation term 'Emergency Declaration' (as I was), the film explains this in the beginning: If an aircraft cannot fly safely due to lack of fuel or other problems the pilot makes a declaration to the Authorities. This plane then has first priority to land.
As we discover in the film, though, although the pilot declared an emergency declaration, airports did not want the plane to land due to circumstances. So, lets start at the beginning and find out why. Jin-seok, a biochemist, uploaded a video to the Internet saying he is going to attack a plane. When Sergeant In-Ho sees the video, he decides to look into the matter despite his colleagues viewing it as a prank. Arriving at Jin-seok's apartment, though, they make a gruesome discovery.
Meantime ex-pilot Jae-hyuk and his young daughter Soo-min prepares to board a plane to Hawaii. When Soo-min accidentally notices Jae-hyuk hiding something under his skin, he starts following them and then takes the same plane.
On the plane, suicidal maniac Jae-hyuk releases a virus. With passengers starting getting infected - and dying - the film becomes a race against time to land and find help. However, this is easier said than done as we discover. The film takes so many turns and it is thrilling, exciting and nerve-wrecking.
'Emergency Declaration' is a very well made film with convincing performances from a seasoned cast, and a good score. It provides excitement for the entire 142 minutes runtime, and there honestly never was a dull moment. The film grabbed me from the beginning, and kept me glued to the screen and on the edge of my seat until that nail-biting finale. This is another fantastic Korean production.
As we discover in the film, though, although the pilot declared an emergency declaration, airports did not want the plane to land due to circumstances. So, lets start at the beginning and find out why. Jin-seok, a biochemist, uploaded a video to the Internet saying he is going to attack a plane. When Sergeant In-Ho sees the video, he decides to look into the matter despite his colleagues viewing it as a prank. Arriving at Jin-seok's apartment, though, they make a gruesome discovery.
Meantime ex-pilot Jae-hyuk and his young daughter Soo-min prepares to board a plane to Hawaii. When Soo-min accidentally notices Jae-hyuk hiding something under his skin, he starts following them and then takes the same plane.
On the plane, suicidal maniac Jae-hyuk releases a virus. With passengers starting getting infected - and dying - the film becomes a race against time to land and find help. However, this is easier said than done as we discover. The film takes so many turns and it is thrilling, exciting and nerve-wrecking.
'Emergency Declaration' is a very well made film with convincing performances from a seasoned cast, and a good score. It provides excitement for the entire 142 minutes runtime, and there honestly never was a dull moment. The film grabbed me from the beginning, and kept me glued to the screen and on the edge of my seat until that nail-biting finale. This is another fantastic Korean production.
The Best Comedy Film, even the Director doesn't know he's making one.
Gleunji11 August 2022
Here's a warning, if you want to watch your Oppa. A star studded cast can only get you so far.
Everything in the production is just aimless, from writing to sound production. There is no direction. It's just mess after mess. I'm all for a mindless action movie, but this is just a major facepalm.
Funny how they even approved this movie, when they just make fun of the incapability of their own country.
Everything in the production is just aimless, from writing to sound production. There is no direction. It's just mess after mess. I'm all for a mindless action movie, but this is just a major facepalm.
Funny how they even approved this movie, when they just make fun of the incapability of their own country.
Gripping disaster movie on a plane
witra_as17 August 2022
A bit lengthy with some overheated exchanges and too many issues at same time, Han Jae-rim managed to present a gripping disaster movie from start to finish. Despite being underutilized, Song & Lee showed great fortitude to lead high-quality cast.
Very mid movie
dangerism15 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The setup is interesting, but how it unfolds is as if they were living in a non-Covid19 world, as nobody wears a mask in the movie even when there's people coughing here and there. The villain is so badly written that it's hard to understand his underlying motives. Movie stretches on for too long, especially when double-dipping trying to show the 'inhumane' nations being ass to Korea. The solution to the problem happening in the flight shows horrible understanding of medical knowledge. And lastly, it had what could've been a genuinely provoking ending, but they suckered out and switched to a happy ending at the last moment. Could've been gold, but alas, ends up mediocre.
Wonderful disaster movie
ryanmo-351787 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Seldomly watch a Korean disaster movie, and it is related to airplane which is much more difficult to be filmed! The plot is reasonable and the bad guy acted well to dispense the virus. Although the pilots died consecutively, the main actor, the former pilot, was there to help to fly ( he does not fly anymore due to the previous accident). During the flight, all of them are striving to live. The most touching is that all passengers know they could not be cured and fly away and say goodbye to their families and made me cry! But anyway a happy ending as the detective uses himself to test the antibiotics. Good movie!
Excited to see developments that are always one step ahead of imagination
moviefon14 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
There are many developments and it will exceed your imagination.
Not just terrorism, but also political aspects were involved, which reminded me of a little "Shin Godzilla" development. How to draw the government side, how to draw foreign countries, etc.
The appearance of a police officer solving problems head-on was truly a superhero movie. I thought that Lee Byung Hun was the main character, but Song Kang Ho of Parasite was the real main character. Song Kang Ho, really good.
Anyway, everyone who comes out is a good person. It's supposed to be a scary and panic movie about plane terrorism, but it's a warm and gentle movie. Even in the theater, I could hear everyone's sobs, and something touched me. I'm glad it ended with a happy ending.
Not just terrorism, but also political aspects were involved, which reminded me of a little "Shin Godzilla" development. How to draw the government side, how to draw foreign countries, etc.
The appearance of a police officer solving problems head-on was truly a superhero movie. I thought that Lee Byung Hun was the main character, but Song Kang Ho of Parasite was the real main character. Song Kang Ho, really good.
Anyway, everyone who comes out is a good person. It's supposed to be a scary and panic movie about plane terrorism, but it's a warm and gentle movie. Even in the theater, I could hear everyone's sobs, and something touched me. I'm glad it ended with a happy ending.
This movie itself needs to declare EMERGENCY
YYYYYYYYYYyyYYYYYYYYYYY21 April 2023
If you look at the line up, they presented the top stars of Korea.
But the plot.. oh it sucks sooo much.
They got all the top stars in one movie and managed to screw it up so bad.
This movie is like, you are preparing for steak.
You got the best steak.
You got the best rub.
You got the best firewood You got the best side dishes You cooked the best steak.
Then you put it into fridge and microwaved it the next day and ate it.
You won't know what I'm talking about until you see the movie.
But the plot.. oh it sucks sooo much.
They got all the top stars in one movie and managed to screw it up so bad.
- Typical crying and forcing audience to feel sad by playing saaaad movie and people crying
- Trying to mix politics in this. I mean what do you get out of it by mixing politics?
- Why cast top stars if all they do is talk few phrase with no impact?
- dragging way too much. First 20 minute felt like a good build up. Then it all crumbled down
This movie is like, you are preparing for steak.
You got the best steak.
You got the best rub.
You got the best firewood You got the best side dishes You cooked the best steak.
Then you put it into fridge and microwaved it the next day and ate it.
You won't know what I'm talking about until you see the movie.
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