Movie digest
The movie is based on a true story. During the civil war in 1991, Mogadishu was separated. The staff and the families belonging to the South Korean embassy were trapped. They had no way to reach the outside world too. The outside scenario was such that they had to encounter lots of bullets. Then, the North Korean embassy staff asked for their help. Thus, these two groups form a common goal, and how they escape forms the essence of the story.
The feel-good part
A well-filmed chase scene saves the movie from its flaws. It happens for over half an hour when the group tries to go safely across town and get into a rescue flight. Besides, the movie has gripping parts and combines action with humor in a commendable manner. The kind of detailing that went into the movie should be appreciated. Though the movie is a dramatized take on real events, it doesn’t exaggerate things greatly. Ryoo’s taut screenplay gives a good presentation of the galloping civil despair in the Somali capital. The visuals are outstanding. Both humanitarian aspects and conflicts were touched in the movie convincingly.
The disappointing factor
The female characters of the movie are not given much screen space, and their details are less explored. Though there are some dull moments in the movie, the chasing scene compensates for it. In fact, it is equivalent to Hollywood films.
In-depth analysis
The movie starts with a line of text telling the reason for sending the South Korean diplomats to Somalia in 1987. It also talks about international relations that are seldom touched in movies. The violent scenes in the movie are somewhat realistic. The movie is intense which adds to the weight of the movie. The movie is a powerful take on North Korean and South Korean identities. The good part is that the movie doesn’t unrealistically yield to a joyful ending. That said, the emotional climax gives much-needed credit to the movie.
Star power
This thrilling account of real-life Somali events, which is a South Korean production, has even North Korean characters in major roles which is something to be appreciated. Kim Yoon-Seok does an appreciable job as the imperfect but earnest ambassador and has a great self-discovery in the movie. The other characters too give an appreciable performance.
Overall opinion
The movie, which is told from the perspective of South Korea, is proof of how political biases and power games that don’t have any regard for the local citizens can make the audience search for humanitarian values. You can definitely get to know a bit of Korean history through the film. Besides, it is a great example of how great, enemies can work in harmony for a common threat.
