When director Na Hong-jin releases a movie, the international cinematic world tends to hold its breath. Celebrated for his relentlessly tense, atmospheric thrillers like "The Chaser" and "The Wailing," the visionary filmmaker is preparing to unleash his latest cinematic spectacle, "Hope," upon global audiences this fall following a record-breaking presales run spanning more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. Distributor Plus M Entertainment said Wednesday that the film will kick off its international theatrical rollout in Taiwan on Sept. 4, followed by a wide North American debut on Sept. 9. A formidable roster of major global distributors has rallied behind the title. Indie powerhouse NEON is handling the English-speaking markets, while prestigious partners such as MUBI, Focus Features/UPI France and Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions will bring the feature to screens across Europe, Latin America, Australia and Asia. Set in a secluded port town near the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone, "Hope" follows Beom-seok, a local police outpost chief, who receives a startling rep