It was South Korea’s entry for best international feature at the Oscars and has that highly polished, top-quality solid-weight feel. What makes it worth the price of a download is a muscle-clenchingly thrilling third act, finishing with an action movie car chase through war-zone chaos.
It’s 1991. Diplomats from North and South Korea in Mogadishu have been competing for Somalia’s vote to decide whether South Korea joins the United Nations. Attempts by South Korean ambassador Han to woo Somali dictator Mohamed Siad Barre have been repeatedly foiled by his opposite number at the North Korean embassy, wily veteran Rim. Then Barre is overthrown, the capital descends into anarchy and the North Koreans come knocking at the South Koreans’ door for sanctuary. An incident as they walk through the capital’s streets confirms something I’ve heard war reporters say: that nothing is scarier than a small child with a loaded gun.
There’s some unexpected humour at the South Korean embassy, like the uncomfortable silence around the dinner table as the North Koreans nervously fiddle with their chopsticks. South Korean ambassador Han clicks what’s happening and swaps plates: the North Koreans are scared of being poisoned by their enemies.
This is a decent, intelligent, well-acted film if a little uninspired until that third act, which packs an almighty punch: staff from both embassies travelling in a convoy of cars through a terrifyingly believable conflict zone: guns firing, Molotov cocktails flying. It’s a shame though that there’s not more curiosity about the Somalian characters, who are to a man completely one-dimensional. Escape from Mogadishu is released on 25 March in cinemas.
Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan has opened up on the working experience with his sons…
At a press conference held at Ultra Media and Entertainment group office today, the makers…
As Salma Khan turned 83, her son and Bollywood superstar Salman Khan had a special…
Pakistani TV actor and host Javeria Saud explained why she does not give interviews or…
Famous Turkish actor Engin Altan who played the protagonist in drama serial 'Ertugal Ghazi' has…
Pakistani dramas have successfully united audiences across borders. With their gripping storylines and emotionally charged…
Leave a Comment