The acclaimed film "The Unrestricted War" (2025), which offers a thriller perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic, has successfully concluded its nationwide preview screenings in major cities, following events in Busan Seomyeon, Changwon, Daegu, and Ulsan, and culminating with a premiere in Seoul.

"The Unrestricted War," produced in Canada by director Yan Ma, who is of Chinese descent, is a suspenseful depiction of the global catastrophe that was the COVID-19 pandemic. It delves into the hidden suspicions and silence surrounding the virus's emergence and spread, and the desperate struggle of individuals trying to uncover the truth.

The film centers on the story of a Canadian vaccine expert, who runs a biotechnology company in China, and their escape with their family.

It weaves real-life events into its narrative, including the lockdown of Wuhan, the case of Dr. Li Wenliang who issued early warnings about COVID-19, the extradition of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou to the U.S., the Hong Kong "Anti-Extradition Bill" protests, and the so-called "White Paper Protests." Through these, it provides a multifaceted look at the progression and background of the pandemic's spread.

The production team explained that the film focuses not just on being a disaster movie, but on revealing the complex interplay of information control, political power, and international conflict in reality.

The choices made by the characters, who refuse to turn a blind eye to the issues despite systemic pressure and fear, create dramatic tension and simultaneously offer a profound sense of realism to audiences who lived through the pandemic.

During the nationwide preview screenings, the film's "realism" and "immersion" received particularly enthusiastic responses. Even after the screening, a wide range of opinions continued to be shared from the audience, leaving a lasting impression. Viewers commented, "It was even more shocking because it resonated with the time we actually experienced," "While it unfolds like a thriller, it feels heavy as it overlaps with memories of reality," and "It makes us recall the scars and questions left by the pandemic."

Additionally, some viewers remarked, "The anxiety and confusion I felt during the COVID-19 period resurfaced," and "It was impressive that it aimed to show human and societal issues together, rather than taking a simplistic conspiratorial approach."

The reason "The Unrestricted War" strongly resonates with audiences is its portrayal of the pandemic not merely as an event, but as "people's stories." The characters within the film grapple with truth, responsibility, and human conscience in their own ways amidst immense crisis and informational chaos. This process maintains the suspense typical of a chase thriller while also rekindling the memories and emotions of that time for the audience.

At the preview screening venues, reactions such as, "It felt more like a warning than a movie," "The questions left by the pandemic are not yet over," and "It's a film that will evoke various emotions in anyone who lived through the COVID-19 era" were also heard.

The greatest strength of "The Unrestricted War," as confirmed through the nationwide preview screenings, is its ability to transcend mere sensationalism or fear. The film poses questions about human choices, responsibility, silence, and courage within the grand event of the pandemic, leaving the audience with a strong sense of critical awareness. The discussions and reactions from viewers following the screenings demonstrate that "The Unrestricted War" is poised to be a work that sparks social discourse, going beyond mere entertainment content.

Having completed its nationwide preview screenings in Busan Seomyeon, Changwon, Daegu, Ulsan, and Seoul, "The Unrestricted War" is now preparing for its official release to the public. With the memories of the pandemic still lingering in our society, the film once again poses a question to the audience.

"How well do we truly understand that time?"

As evidenced by the enthusiastic response confirmed during the nationwide preview screenings, this film is expected to leave audiences with more than just a cinematic experience, offering profound resonance and a topic for debate.

Following its Seoul premiere, the film "The Unrestricted War" will be simultaneously released in theaters nationwide on June 24th at CGV, Lotte Cinema, Megabox, CineQ, and other cinemas.

Reporter Lim Yo-hee