Int’l Critics Line: Anna Smith On Gripping Korean Thriller ‘Escape From Mogadishu’

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Korean box office hit Escape From Mogadishu has arrived in U.S. cinemas, and it’s gripping stuff. Propelled by a naturally cinematic true story, the thriller blends action with humor and heart to c…

It’s set in the Somalian capital in 1991. South Korea is keen to gain Somalia’s vote for membership in the United Nations, and is competing with North Korea for the President’s attention. South Korean Ambassador Han Shin-sung is joined by Counselor Kang Dae-jin , a member of South Korea’s intelligence agency. They’re trying all the tricks in the book, but have more pressing concerns when local protests escalate into civil war.

, it uses the emotive power of the scenario without tipping over into cliché. The characters often bond or soften with a nod, or a look, rather than an emotional monologue.While a couple of Somalian characters have names and agency, their appearances are fairly brief and their characters aren’t explored, sodoesn’t offer their perspective, or shed much light on the civil war itself.

But after the laughs, come the gasps. When the action arrives, it’s shocking, scary, confusing — and detail is key. There’s a scene in which women, men and children all hunt around for books to strap to cars, in an effort to protect them from bullets. It’s the kind of detail that gives weight to a story and sets it apart from generic, fictional action thrillers.

 

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Love the Koreans. Spent 4 yrs in Seoul. The place is a blast.

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