Emergency Declaration: A Gripping Blend of Genres
Passengers and crew aboard a flight from Incheon to Honolulu find themselves in a terrifying ordeal when a biological attack unfolds mid-air. A mysterious virus spreads rapidly, claiming the lives of those infected. As panic escalates, a government task force led by the Minister of Transport scrambles to find a solution, but no airport is willing to risk accepting the contaminated aircraft. With each passing minute, the situation deteriorates, fuel dwindles, and the passengers’ hope for survival rests on a miracle.
So-jin Kim as Kim in a still from “Emergency Declaration”
“Emergency Declaration” masterfully blends genres, delivering a cinematic experience that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. The film seamlessly combines the suspense of a thriller with the intrigue of a detective story, heightened by the sentimentality of a drama. From the outset, suspicion falls on a peculiar young man who inquires about the flight with the most passengers. It soon becomes clear that this is Ryu Jin-seok (Im Si-wan), a microbiologist with a sinister plan: to unleash a deadly virus on the unsuspecting passengers “just for fun.”
A Race Against Time
While the passengers remain blissfully unaware, a detective story unfolds on the ground. Before the ill-fated flight even takes off, the Incheon police receive a tip about a potential terrorist attack. Detective Koo In-ho (Song Kang-ho) discovers that the attack is the work of Ryu Jin-seok (Im Si-wan), a disgruntled microbiologist who was fired from a pharmaceutical company. Ryu has even posted a video online, revealing his diabolical plan to murder innocent passengers. The situation becomes deeply personal for Koo, as his own wife is on board the doomed flight.
Song Kang-ho as Koo In-ho in a still from “Emergency Declaration”
Echoes of Familiar Tropes
Among the passengers, we meet Park Jae-hyuk (Lee Byung-hun), a single father traveling to Hawaii with his young daughter, Soo-min. The ensemble cast also includes a group of terrified schoolgirls and a selfish individual who prioritizes his own safety above all else. These characters are reminiscent of those found in similar disaster films, such as the South Korean hit “Train to Busan.” The film also draws parallels to “Train to Busan” in certain scenes, such as when a girl tries to enter a restroom but is overtaken by another passenger.
So-jin Kim as Kim in a still from “Emergency Declaration”
A Unique Take on the Disaster Genre
Unlike some disaster films, “Emergency Declaration” avoids the trope of the undead. Instead, it focuses on the psychological and emotional toll of the situation. While the premise of a deadly virus on a plane may seem familiar, “Emergency Declaration” offers a fresh perspective. The film also draws inspiration from other films, such as “Airplane!” and “Inception.”
Despite the well-worn territory of the disaster thriller, “Emergency Declaration” manages to create a compelling and suspenseful experience. The film’s strength lies in its ability to blend genres and its stellar cast.
Im Si-wan as Jin-seok in a still from “Emergency Declaration”
Stellar Performances
The film boasts an impressive cast, including Song Kang-ho (“Parasite”) as the determined detective, Lee Byung-hun (“I Saw the Devil”) as the conflicted father, and Im Si-wan (ZE:A) as the chilling microbiologist.
Director Han Jae-rim expertly builds tension throughout the film, culminating in an emotionally charged climax. While the ending may feel somewhat anticlimactic, “Emergency Declaration” is a worthwhile addition to the disaster film genre.