Emergency Declaration shows a fictional virus in a way that feels real. Even though it was planned before COVID-19, the film hits home for those of us who lived through the 2020 outbreak.

One of the most memorable scenes is when the first infected passenger collapses and coughs up blood on the plane. Passengers shout, “Stay away from the infected!” and panic spreads, a feeling that feels especially real to those of us used to masks and social distancing. Director Han Jae-rim shows not only the fear of the virus but also how it affects relationships and brings out discrimination.

The character of terrorist Jin-suk, played by Im Si-wan, also stands out. Instead of being motivated by madness, he is shown as a young man who has lost hope in society, making his actions feel more real and frightening for people his age. Im Si-wan’s blank smile, especially coming from a former K-POP idol, is genuinely chilling.

A Dual Human Drama Unfolding on the Ground and in the Air

Emergency Declaration stands out for showing both the investigation on the ground and the fight for survival in the air. Song Kang-ho plays Detective In-ho, who is trying to save his wife, while Lee Byung-hun is a former pilot, Jae-hyuk, trying to protect his daughter. Watching both men fight for their families in different places is very moving.

Song Kang-ho delivers an excellent performance, conveying the complex feelings of a calm detective deeply affected by his love for his wife. The look on his face when his call with her is cut off says everything about his despair.

Meanwhile, Lee Byung-hun plays a heroic role, overcoming his fear of flying to save passengers using his skills as a former pilot ultimately. His intense, almost demonic expression during the scene in which he stabilizes the plane moments before the crash was a true testament to his acting prowess.

The Reality of International Politics and Questions of Humanity

One of the most brutal scenes to watch in Emergency Declaration is when country after country refuses to let the plane land. The United States, Japan, and even South Korea all say no, claiming it’s for the safety of their own people. It’s excruciating to see.

But the film doesn’t just criticize these political choices. It also shows how complicated they are. Scenes of protests for and against letting the plane land at the Korean airport capture the real-life dilemmas we faced. The debate between helping the infected and protecting ourselves is something we all remember from the pandemic.

A Moment That Restores Faith in Human Goodness

Particularly striking is the scene where the middle-aged man, who had been so aggressive on the plane, ultimately reflects on his actions. The moment he apologized to the high school girl with “I’m sorry” after she said, “You wouldn’t have accepted us,” made me hope for the inherent goodness in humanity.

Similarities to Virus Pandemic Films

There have been other in-flight panic movies like Flightplan and Snake Flight, but Emergency Declaration stands out because it deals with the modern threat of a virus. Unlike Train to Busan, which also shows infection panic, Emergency Declaration feels more realistic and political.

While Train to Busan maintained a consistently critical view of the government until the end, *Emergency Declaration* portrays government officials (like the Minister of Transportation played by Jeon Do-yeon) as characters grappling with human conflicts. This multifaceted perspective is precisely what elevates *Emergency Declaration* to a more mature social commentary film.

The Reality Born from the Pandemic

Looking at it globally, the film shows the reality of border closures we saw during the pandemic and sharply criticizes national self-interest in a connected world. There are many pandemic movies, but after living through a real one, Emergency Declaration feels more real and frightening than any before.

The Perfection Woven by Cinematography, Direction, and Cast

In terms of direction, the in-flight scenes—filmed using actual aircraft equipment—masterfully convey the claustrophobia of confined spaces. The crash sequence, shot with a rotating camera as passengers and flight attendants slam into the ceiling, immerses viewers in a terrifying experience as if they were on board.

Still, this scene went on a bit too long. Instead of feeling scared, I started to wonder when it would end. It might have worked better if it were shorter.

Clever Story Structure and Some Issues

The script is very well done, keeping up the tension for all 147 minutes without dragging. It’s imposing how the crisis builds up step by step, from meeting the characters, to the virus outbreak, and finally to the countries refusing to let the plane land.

There are a few flaws, though. In the last part, things happen a little too easily, which doesn’t quite match the realistic tone from earlier. Also, some of the minor characters on the plane could have been developed more to help us connect with them.

Even so, the film really shows off the technical skill and strong character work that Korean movies are known for. After Parasite, this feels like another standout film that brings more global attention to Korean cinema.

Powerhouse Cast Delivers Weighty Performances

The main cast delivers outstanding performances across the board. Following Parasite and Snowpie, the main cast is excellent all around. After Parasite and Snowpiercer, Song Kang-ho once again shines as a grounded but strong lead in Emergency Declaration. His role as a detective caught between his family and his job is something only he could do so well,  trying to navigate the complexities of a former pilot grappling with a fear of flying. His natural chemistry with his daughter painfully conveys a father’s love.

Jeon Do-yeon is also strong as the Minister of Transportation. She plays someone caught between her job and her feelings, showing both dignity and warmth.

Summary: A Message of Hope for Us Living Through the Pandemic

The film ‘Emergency Declaration’ transcends mere entertainment, posing crucial questions about modern society. By setting a virus panic, it poses fundamental questions: Can we truly maintain our humanity in a crisis? Can we transcend the egoism of nations and individuals to achieve solidarity?

In particular, the “certain decision” made by the passengers depicted in the final scene offers lessons we in the modern era should learn. This profound yet hopeful conclusion, prompting reflection on self-sacrifice and social responsibility, will linger in the heart long after the credits roll.

Emergency Declaration is an ambitious film that pushes Korean cinema forward and shares a strong message for people everywhere. Maybe it’s because we’ve lived through COVID-19 that we can really feel the fear and hope this movie shows.