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Drama thriller

Default (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Default (2018) movie poster

Default is a 2018 drama thriller directed by Kook-Hee Choi, starring Hye-su Kim, Vincent Cassel and Hae-hyo Kwon. It runs 1 hour 54 minutes and earned $27.7 million worldwide. Critics gave it 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10.

IMDb rating
6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
78%
worldwide gross
$27.7M
Echo Score
74
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Default (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 54m (114 min)
Director
Kook-Hee Choi
Genres
Drama , History , Thriller
Original language
Korean
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Default About?

The premise of Default without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A monetary policy manager foresees a devastating financial collapse, but her concerns are dismissed. Simultaneously, a financial consultant recognizes the looming crisis and quietly assembles investors prepared for the fallout. Unbeknownst to a small business owner, a promising opportunity leads to disaster when he unknowingly jeopardizes his future as the nation teeters on the edge of bankruptcy.

Default Themes & Keywords

· 14 tags
  • topical
  • international monetary fund
  • suicide
  • financial ruin
  • stock market
  • loan default
  • crisis management
  • national sovereignty
  • saving face
  • austerity
  • politics
  • crisis
+2 more
  • financial drama
  • 1990s
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Cast & crew

Default Cast & Characters

Hye-su Kim leads the cast, with Vincent Cassel as Michel Camdessus and Hae-hyo Kwon as Chancellor. Directed by Kook-Hee Choi; 10 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Default Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Default 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 74/100, strongest in story & flow (85) and weakest in art & craft (55).

74 /100

Default Echo Score Breakdown

Default offers an engaging narrative that effectively combines educational content with dramatic tension. The film’s multi-strand structure presents complex socioeconomic developments in a clear and cohesive manner, while measured performances lend credibility to key moments of tension. Period-appropriate sound design and visual simplicity reinforce the historical context without distraction. Overall, Default balances informative value with dramatic engagement to leave a reasonably lasting impression.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 55

    In terms of art and craft, Default displays competent production design and visual coherence. Cinematography maintains clear framing of financial settings, though occasional anachronistic modern elements slightly disrupt period immersion. Editing choices are serviceable but avoid drawing attention away from the narrative. Overall, the technical design supports the story moderately well.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    When it comes to character and emotion, Default balances measured performances with occasional lapses in depth. Viewers noted immersive acting and effective emotional moments, while some critiques pointed to underdeveloped leads and forced motivational arcs. Chemistry among supporting roles adds credibility to key confrontations. Overall, the film achieves credible emotional resonance despite uneven character depth.

  • Story & Flow 85

    The film’s story and flow represent its greatest strength. Critics and viewers alike praised the multi-strand narrative for providing clear engagement with the crisis, offering an educational introduction that remains compelling. Some observers found the message at times forced and the multiple threads slightly jumbled. Overall, Default delivers a compelling account of historical events with minor coherence issues.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    In terms of sensory experience, Default offers a fitting sound design that complements its period setting. Viewers commended soundtrack choices and audio clarity for reinforcing the era’s tension, while visuals remain restrained without bold stylistic flourishes. Color grading and mix levels are consistent, supporting the narrative without distraction. Overall, the sensory elements effectively underpin the film’s tone.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    Regarding rewatch value, Default provides informative insights but offers limited incentive for repeated viewing. First-time audiences gain from its educational framework and measured tension, yet the restrained emotional highs and straightforward presentation may lessen appeal on subsequent watches. While informative factors encourage discussion, the film’s sober approach reduces replay interest. Overall, Default is worthwhile once but may yield diminishing returns on repeat viewings.

Plot

Default Plot Summary

What happens in Default from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Default dramatizes the behind-the-scenes story of the IMF negotiations during the 1997 financial crisis through three parallel stories, offering a layered look at how a national emergency unfolds from different angles.

Full summary

The whole story of Default, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Default Box Office

Default grossed $27.7 million worldwide. $203,775 came from the US and Canada and $27.5 million (99%) from the rest of the world.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$27.7M

US & Canada
$203.8K
International
$27.5M
US & Canada 1% Rest of the world 99%
Videos

Default Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 teaser.

[DEFAULT] Main Trailer with English Subtitles
  • Teaser
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Default?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Which actor portrays the financial analyst Jung-hak?

Details

Default Also Known As

4 alternative titles, including “纸牌人生” and “Den Blinde Tryllekunstner”.

Also known as
  • 纸牌人生
  • Den Blinde Tryllekunstner
  • 딜트
  • Kortų Magas

Seen Default?

FAQ

Default FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Default, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Default?

Default runs 1 hour 54 minutes (114 minutes).

When was Default released?

Default was released on November 30, 2018.

Who directed Default?

Default was directed by Kook-Hee Choi.

Who is in the cast of Default?

Default stars Hye-su Kim, Vincent Cassel as Michel Camdessus and Hae-hyo Kwon as Chancellor, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Default make at the box office?

Default grossed $27.7 million worldwide ($203,775 domestic, $27.5 million international).

How is Default rated?

Default has 6.7/10 on IMDb, 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69% on TMDB and 3.6/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Default have a post-credit scene?

No. Default has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Default in?

The original language of Default is Korean.

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