Floodgates of Debate: Kim Da-mi & Park Hae-soo’s ‘The Great Flood’ Hits Global Netflix #1, But Divides Audiences! ✨🎬

Hello, Hello Korea Fam! ✨ Your K-Content editor Emily Park is here, and today we’re diving deep into the latest buzz-worthy K-movie that’s taking Netflix by storm – and causing quite the splash across the globe! Just like a perfectly curated skincare routine, K-Content continues to deliver captivating experiences, but sometimes, a truly unique product can spark intense, passionate discussions. And that’s exactly what’s happening with the new Netflix film, ‘The Great Flood’.

Starring the incredible Kim Da-mi, known for her powerful roles, and the versatile Park Hae-soo, this K-SF masterpiece has achieved a monumental feat, securing the #1 spot globally on Netflix’s film category for three consecutive days, starting from December 20. We at Hello Korea are thrilled to see Korean cinema continue its global domination, proving that compelling storytelling transcends borders!

According to FlixPatrol, the global OTT platform ranking site, ‘The Great Flood’ has landed in the Top 10 in an astonishing 93 countries, including Korea, Brazil, Canada, and France. This truly underscores the immense global appeal of Korean science fiction.

However, despite its chart-topping success, the film has become a lightning rod for incredibly polarized reactions, both domestically and internationally. It seems audiences either hail it as an SF masterpiece or deem it one of the year’s worst! Even film critic sites reflect this division:

• 🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: Critics’ Freshness Score 54%, Audience Score 42%.
• 📊 IMDb: An average score of 5.4/10, with reviews ranging from “A must-see for SF fans!” (9 points) to “The worst movie I’ve seen all year” (1 point).

Those who praise the film often highlight its bold originality and unexpected narrative twists. Many viewers expressed pleasant surprise, expecting a typical disaster movie but instead finding a unique SF experience with impressive visual effects and thought-provoking philosophical questions. One reviewer noted, “It developed in a completely different direction, which was amazing. The visual effects were great, and the philosophical questions were intriguing. If you’re ready to embrace something different, you’ll truly enjoy this!” Others lauded its intricate way of conveying a story, especially appreciating how it delves into the internal workings of AI.

Conversely, critics pointed to a confusing ending and a narrative that lost its focus, becoming overly long and complex. A major point of contention was the film’s genre shift – from a disaster thriller in the beginning to a deep dive into science fiction. Opinions were sharply divided between those who wished it had remained a disaster film and those who applauded the innovative transition to SF. Interestingly, the child character, Zain, also garnered surprisingly strong, negative reactions from some viewers, with comments like “The child character was too annoying” or “The movie could have been saved without the child.”

The passionate debate isn’t just among audiences; it’s reached the industry too! Writer Heo Ji-woong took to his SNS on December 23 to express his frustration over the extreme criticisms, comparing them to harsh delivery app reviews. Director Kim Byung-woo himself stated in an interview on December 22 that he didn’t create the film expecting 7 to 9 out of 10 people to love it, acknowledging the potential for polarized reactions from the start. Actor Park Hae-soo shared his sentiments on December 23, saying, “It’s heartbreaking, but we must still move forward.”

At its core, ‘The Great Flood’ begins with AI researcher Anna’s struggle to protect her son Zain amidst a catastrophic flood. However, it cleverly evolves into an intricate AI simulation focused on training an ’emotion engine’ for synthetic humans, undergoing 21,000 repetitions to achieve its complex narrative. Production-wise, the team utilized the highly challenging ‘Dry for Wet’ technique, filming actors in a studio filled with smoke to realistically portray water, earning high praise for its technical innovation. Director Kim Byung-woo expressed immense gratitude to Kim Da-mi for her dedication, stating, “I couldn’t even make eye contact with her because she suffered so much from July to January.”

As your K-Beauty guru, I always emphasize listening to your skin and being mindful of internal stressors! ✨ It’s fascinating how art, much like a new skincare trend, can elicit such strong, contrasting reactions. Whether it’s a revolutionary serum or a thought-provoking film, embracing diverse perspectives and allowing space for genuine discussion is truly the most beautiful approach for both our complexions and our minds. Don’t let the debate cause wrinkles, K-Fam! 😌

Despite its global #1 achievement, ‘The Great Flood’ stands at the heart of a heated discussion, praised for its “potential for original Korean SF” while criticized for “narrative confusion due to over-ambition.” It’s a film that demands your attention, sparks conversation, and challenges traditional storytelling. We encourage all our Global K-Fans to watch it and form your own well-rounded opinion! What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below! 🌸

Editor: Emily Park ✨

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