“To be or not to be.” William Shakespeare posed the iconic question in his play titled Hamlet. Over the years, creative minds banked on the thought to weigh decisions when faced with dire circumstances.
The South Korean action thriller Emergency Declaration is a prime example of people contemplating life and death.
Imagine yourself in a situation where you want to continue living, but you’re compromised and deal significant harm to others. Do you fight for your right to live? Or do you accept your fate to protect humanity? That’s what the film thoroughly highlights. For more than two hours, viewers are at the edge of their seats, wondering what’s the right thing to do in a similar environment.
As a thriller film, Emergency Declaration combines various scenarios in a confined space, limiting the cast’s actions. It revolves around a bioterrorist attack unleashed by Jin-Seok (Im Si-wan) on a Sky Korea flight K1501 from Incheon, South Korea, to Honolulu, Hawaii. Upon releasing an airborne virus within the aircraft, exposing passengers and leading to fatalities, chaos erupts on both land and air as authorities scramble to find a solution.
With a highly contagious and lethal virus onboard, the captain and crew already have their hands tied to solve the matter. However, their problems become more severe as they face increasing fatalities, a steadily decreasing fuel supply, and international aid refusals.
By this time, everyone’s fight or flight response is in motion. As expected, many cowered in fear while some rose to the occasion. Among those who lent a helping hand to the situation was Jae-hyeuk, played by Lee Byung-hun.
Jae-hyeuk seems like an ordinary passenger traveling with his daughter but has a relevant skill that will come in handy toward the film’s ending. Other flight personnel helping him establish peace and order within the aircraft include First Officer Hyun-soo (Kim Nam Gil) and Chief Stewardess Hee-jin (Kim So-jin).
In the meantime, back on the ground, police detective In-ho (Song Kang-ho) works with the local government to learn more about the virus and bring the passengers home safely. He even goes beyond his duty and jurisdiction to prove that the human spirit can trump all adversities.
Their combined efforts and decision-making are what ultimately resolve the problems on the flight. Yet their actions came at a great sacrifice, and it wasn’t easy to choose between self-preservation or protecting the greater good.
Emergency Declaration is a fast-paced film with events happening throughout various settings that keep viewers alert for what’s next. Yet the action-themed movie also tugs at viewers’ heartstrings as it highlights the raw emotions of the people in the situation. After all, it could happen to anyone, but not everyone can make the right decision or provide the ultimate sacrifice.
Director Han Jae-rim ensured that all the details in the film count. Besides the compelling performances from the lead actors, the film also gave enough screen time to the other passengers to make them relatable as victims.
Emergency Declaration is now showing in local theaters.