Christopher Nolan's latest film, 'The Odyssey,' premiered in South Korea on August 5, and early audience reactions are flooding in. As of 10 a.m. on the release day, the first early morning screening at the Yongsan IMAX theater had concluded, leading to a wave of positive reviews on Naver from local viewers.
Audience members expressed their enthusiasm, with comments such as, "Christopher Nolan + Matt Damon = 100 points," and "I am grateful to live in the era of Nolan again." Others noted themes of humanity, repentance, and the journey home, stating, "Ultimately, the focus is on humanity," and "Isn't Nolan a god?" One viewer remarked that the film's emotional impact in the latter half prompted them to reflect on their own life.
International viewers shared a common sentiment that it is not necessary to have an in-depth understanding of the original work. Many agreed that having a basic knowledge of Odysseus, the Trojan War, and key figures like Agamemnon is sufficient to grasp the film's narrative. Some suggested that knowing too much about the original could lead to disappointment in the film's condensed storytelling.
Viewer A noted, "Homer's original 'Odyssey' also begins in the middle of the story and reflects on the past. Embracing Nolan's unique temporal structure makes for a more enjoyable viewing experience." Viewer B, who watched the film in 70mm IMAX in the U.S., commented, "Before its release, there was a buzz that this film must be seen in IMAX 70mm, but ultimately, the core lies in the story and its message." They added, "If you don't have a large IMAX theater nearby or find it difficult to travel, watching it in a regular theater poses no issues for understanding the story. However, if you want to experience Odysseus's journey fully, IMAX is definitely different. The massive screen and overwhelming sound create an immersive feeling, as if you are floating on the sea, and the film's warm color palette is impressive."
Viewer C, who saw the film in Singapore, stated, "The visual beauty alone makes it worth leaving the theater. I felt as if I were in the midst of Bronze Age Greece. Odysseus's journey felt like my own." They praised the performances, saying, "All the actors were excellent, and any casting controversies or historical accuracy issues were hardly noticeable while watching. If you enjoy serious and weighty stories, I highly recommend it. I plan to watch it again with friends."
Viewer D, who watched the film at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood, remarked, "The IMAX shines brightest during the sequences at sea," adding, "The film's color palette is truly beautiful." They noted that the film is closer to works like 'Oppenheimer' and 'Dunkirk,' which delve deeply into human emotions and the scars of war, rather than being an action blockbuster like 'The Dark Knight' or 'Inception.' They praised Nolan's signature style of mixing timelines and building tension as still being outstanding.
They also mentioned, "The intervention of mythological gods feels realistically reinterpreted, and the film focuses more on human anguish and the theme of returning home rather than action." However, some viewers pointed out that while 70mm IMAX offers the best viewing experience as intended by Nolan, the characteristics of older theaters, such as seating, sound, and screen distance, can lead to mixed opinions on the viewing environment.
Meanwhile, 'The Odyssey' saw a surge in pre-bookings when special screenings began last month, causing delays due to high traffic at the CGV Yongsan IMAX. Prior to its release, advance ticket sales surpassed 500,000, and most screenings at Yongsan IMAX were sold out for about two weeks. Some prime seats were even resold at a premium on secondary markets, reflecting the high interest in the film.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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