User reviews

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.

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.

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))

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.

A great movie with great actors and a pure thrill.

In a word, it was a beautiful film

This movie should be sent to the Oscars .. not the movie Escape from Mogadishu..

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.

Omg. Eye catching visual that keeps u on glued into the screen.

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.

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.

An extremely unsurprising, unreal, cliche plot. Fortunately, awesome acting from the villain and some main characters elevate the film. Can't love more the acting from the villain.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.