Language – Korean
Director – Jong-woo Park
Writer – Jong-woo Park
Cast – Do-bin Baek, Seung-Hoon Choi, Sung-Wook Eo
Genre – Action, Drama
IMDb: Pandora
Streaming on Netflix.
Probably one of very honest portrayals of man-made disasters triggered by government’s inefficiency and corruption. The failure of the country’s administration to have a realistic emergency disaster management plan had cost the lives of innocent civilians who were willing to sacrifice themselves to save each other.
The movie touches upon the emotional element of losing loved ones and the safety protocols that are attached to nuclear plants. The intention behind it is to communicate a message to the public about the threats contributed by these plants that are constructed near residential areas. It also gives a very raw picture of how the attitudes of the government and the rescue personnel go into ‘survival mode’ at the strike of danger.
The fact that the ill-effects of nuclear radiation in humans is irreversible even through medical procedure and that trying to save someone poses a risk to one’s own life is a helpless reality that runs throughout the movie.
The story is sure to keep you hooked till the end as things get worse with each minute. The movie progresses quite fast and covers a lot of ground with regard to rescue operations. Usually in Hollywood films that point a finger at the government, there are too many redundant characters in terms of “officials” that contribute to the chaos. Pandora is a bit different in this front as it takes a direct hit at the country’s President putting him solely responsible for the catastrophe. I felt it was a very brave move being that South Korea is a country that is well-known for its nuclear technology.
The actors have done a good job and the scenes at hospitals showing the panic to treat the ‘radiation symptoms’ on those affected deserve kudos. Yet, I would say that this movie deserves claps mainly for its story and the seriousness in which the issue at hand is conveyed.
Owing to the current Covid-19 pandemic that we are facing, I think we should take a step ahead to be more considerate towards our fellow citizens as “wear a mask” is a recurring dialogue in the movie to protect the people from contaminated air. That pretty much explains, I guess.
Verdict: 6/7 Stars
Brilliant.
