No, the 2016 South Korean film Tunnel is not a true story.
The Fictional Basis of Tunnel
The film Tunnel is based on an original novel, not a real-life event. It presents a gripping fictional narrative about a man's struggle for survival after being trapped in a collapsed tunnel, and the subsequent rescue efforts and societal reactions.
Despite its fictional origin, the movie's powerful portrayal of a disaster and the often bureaucratic and chaotic response resonated deeply with many viewers. The themes explored, such as the value of human life, the efficiency of emergency services, and media sensationalism, touch upon universal concerns.
Audience Perception and Real-World Echoes
Many audiences who watched Tunnel found its depiction of a large-scale disaster and the nation's response reminiscent of the tragic Sinking of MV Sewol, a ferry disaster that occurred in South Korea in 2014. The film's critical portrayal of systemic failures and the public's emotional investment in the rescue efforts drew parallels to that real-life tragedy.
However, it's important to clarify the timeline:
- The original novel, upon which the film Tunnel is based, was published before the MV Sewol incident in 2014.
- This means the film was not directly inspired by or based on the Sewol disaster, but rather coincidentally mirrored certain anxieties and experiences within South Korean society regarding large-scale accidents and crisis management.
What is Tunnel About?
The film centers on Lee Jung-soo, a car salesman, who is driving through a newly constructed tunnel when it suddenly collapses. Trapped beneath tons of concrete and rubble with only his mobile phone, two bottles of water, and a birthday cake, he must fight for survival. The story then expands to chronicle the tireless efforts of the rescue team led by Captain Kim Dae-kyung, and the intense media scrutiny and political maneuvering surrounding the highly publicized rescue operation.
