"The Tunnel" is a 2016 South Korean disaster film (but more widely distributed in many countries in 2019), directed by Kim Seong-hun, starring famous actor Ha Jung-woo. The film is not only an attractive entertainment but also contains profound messages about resilience, love and gentle criticism of modern society. The film revolves around the main character Lee Jung-soo, a car salesman on his way home to celebrate his daughter's birthday. While passing through a tunnel, the entire tunnel suddenly collapses and he is trapped inside with very little food and water.
Unable to contact the outside world, Jung-soo struggles to survive in the darkness, cold and fragile hope. Meanwhile, outside, his wife and the rescue team are constantly trying to rescue him, despite the system's stagnation and bureaucracy.
What makes "The Tunnel" stand out from the disaster film genre is the way the film focuses on deeply portraying the human psyche rather than just creating drama through spectacular action scenes. Lee Jung-soo appears not as an extraordinary hero, but as an ordinary person with a full range of emotions: fear, despair, hope and then collapse. It is this authenticity that makes it easy for the audience to sympathize and put themselves in the character's shoes.
The film also clearly reflects the slowness and formality in rescue work - partly reflecting the sad reality of modern society, where people are often turned into numbers in cold administrative decisions. However, throughout the story, there is still the light of compassion, family affection and perseverance to overcome adversity.
"The Tunnel" is not just a disaster film, but also a profound reminder of the value of human life and the precious things in life. With Ha Jung-woo's excellent acting and emotional storytelling, the film has left many lingering thoughts and emotions in the hearts of viewers.
