When a Korean diplomat is kidnapped in war-torn Lebanon, his government is conflicted about paying his ransom demand. It falls to "Min-joon" (Ha Jung-woo) to travel there and execute quite a complex plan to extricate their citizen and stay one step ahead of the warlords and the authorities who all want a share of his rather valuable luggage! Luckily, his airport-escaping antics find him in the back of the taxi driven by "Pan-soo" (Ju Ji-hoon). Now this fellow just happens to be a Korean ex-pat, he's also a slightly dubious character who can think on his feet, and who has had dealings with their government in the past. What now ensues is quite an engaging series of adventures as the pair face more and more perilous tasks trying to stay alive and rescue "Mr Oh"! It is too long, and at times it drags a little - but director Seong Hun Kim manages to create one of the more authentic looking desert adventures featuring loads of gunfire, some rabid dogs, a fun car chase down an alleyway and I found this to be way more watchable than some more recent, bigger budget, action films with Hollywood stars atop them. It's a fun watch this, with a good dynamic between the two men on their quest; the script is occasionally quite funny and the whole thing has a sort of light-heartedness to it that I quite enjoyed. Based on a true story, too - who'd be an emissary?
10 Reviews
Lebanese Viewer Decries Lack of Authenticity in 'Ransomed': Film's Moroccan Setting Sparks Disconnect with Historical Reality
gadaimi5 December 2023
In my review of the movie "Ransomed" from a Lebanese perspective, I found it disheartening that despite the story being set in Lebanon during the 1980s civil war, the film was shot in Morocco. The landscape, including scenes like the airplane landing, lacked authenticity, making it challenging for me, as a Lebanese viewer, to connect with the narrative. The discrepancy extended to actors, houses, and language pronunciation, diverting from the genuine Lebanese experience.
While I empathize with the historical event of the Korean diplomat's kidnapping in Lebanon, it was unfortunate to witness a portrayal that deviated from our reality. As a Lebanese, I believe it's crucial to honor history accurately, even when showcasing it through cinematic lenses.
While I empathize with the historical event of the Korean diplomat's kidnapping in Lebanon, it was unfortunate to witness a portrayal that deviated from our reality. As a Lebanese, I believe it's crucial to honor history accurately, even when showcasing it through cinematic lenses.
Ransomed is a Well Balanced Thriller
tkdlifemagazine25 January 2024
Ransomed is a Well balanced Thriller. This Well Go USA release is loosely based on real events that took place in the lead up the critically important 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics. When a previously kidnapped Korean Diplomat in Lebanon turns out to be alive a Korean Diplomatic office worker, played smartly by Ha Jung-woo, goes on a mission to deliver the ransom money and secure his release. When the mission gets dangerous and complicate he is forced to partner with an ex-pat, Korean taxi driver living in the area. That character is played by Ju Ji-hoon, and he is really, really great to watch. The film has elements of a spy thriller, action film, with the balance of the comedic aspects of an American "Buddy Film". There were times it reminded me of Escape to Mogadishu, which was more serious; at times of Argo; and at other times, Rush Hour. The end result of the film is one that is highly watchable and engaging. I highly recommend it. The acting, script, Direction, and cinematography are all very good. The supporting cast is very good in this, both on the Korean side, and inside of Beirut. Watch it in Korean, with English subititles.
A Lebanese view on this film
Mari009822 November 2023
I cringed a lot while watching this movie. As someone who has family members who lived and experienced the Civil War of Lebanon, this movie was written/depicted in a very bad way. I think they just wanted to base a story on the kidnapping case without any regard for the historical aspect of the Lebanese Civil War. I think this is really insensitive and had someone taken the Korean historical War and written an inaccurate spin on it, it would have been extremely offensive. This movie is and would be to every Lebanese.
First of all the movie wasn't even filmed in Lebanon. And BTW Lebanon looked much prettier during the Civil War than it does today, the country wasn't as ruined back then as it is today. Yet it shows Lebanon as a totally ruined desert. And there wasn't even any Lebanese-speaking actor besides one I think, the accent was far off from what a Lebanese accent. It's a shame really but I guess that was why the film wasn't filmed in Lebanon because it would probably have caused problems for the production team if they didn't get their facts straight about what happened during the Civil War.
But I guess I may have enjoyed the movie more had it not been for the fact that I'm Lebanese and actually know about what the Civil War was like.
First of all the movie wasn't even filmed in Lebanon. And BTW Lebanon looked much prettier during the Civil War than it does today, the country wasn't as ruined back then as it is today. Yet it shows Lebanon as a totally ruined desert. And there wasn't even any Lebanese-speaking actor besides one I think, the accent was far off from what a Lebanese accent. It's a shame really but I guess that was why the film wasn't filmed in Lebanon because it would probably have caused problems for the production team if they didn't get their facts straight about what happened during the Civil War.
But I guess I may have enjoyed the movie more had it not been for the fact that I'm Lebanese and actually know about what the Civil War was like.
Holding out for ... a hero
kosmasp30 August 2023
No pun intended - Korean movies. You have to love them. Of course not all will have the same amount of quality, but if they get a cinematic release in Europe (around the world), you can guess that they are more likely than not a winner .. a good one of sorts. And I can clearly say that the movie is well done (like the puns I use - another one in the previous sentence).
That all being said, this is based on a true story. Not sure how much of it actually happened the way it is being shown - but a little creative license goes a long way. The actors are really good - so good that you may not mind when the movie is a bit convenient and coincidences happen that seem way too far stretched (again do not know the real story, so maybe some of the stuff happened like that anyway).
Still the movie has high drama and the suspense works really good. You are on the edge of your seat - car chases, shootouts and twists and turns! Some you may be able to guess ... others not so much. I really loved it ... and I didn't mind the melodrama or clcihes it did dish out ... they make sense in the overall arc and theme of the movie.
That all being said, this is based on a true story. Not sure how much of it actually happened the way it is being shown - but a little creative license goes a long way. The actors are really good - so good that you may not mind when the movie is a bit convenient and coincidences happen that seem way too far stretched (again do not know the real story, so maybe some of the stuff happened like that anyway).
Still the movie has high drama and the suspense works really good. You are on the edge of your seat - car chases, shootouts and twists and turns! Some you may be able to guess ... others not so much. I really loved it ... and I didn't mind the melodrama or clcihes it did dish out ... they make sense in the overall arc and theme of the movie.
A masterpiece movie"Ransomed"
miyoungjangkim8 August 2023
It is masterpiece movie for my lifetime. It is full of thrilling and humorous scenes and touching message for me. It is based on a true kidnapped story of a Korean diplomat on 1987 but Director Kim who directed "Kingdom" famous series of Netflix created it as his own version. The thrill and action, specifically car chase scenes remind me "mission impossible " It made me unable to take my eyes off of it for a moment.
It is so sHighly recommend this movie to any audience specially if you need "laughter " and "freedom from stress" and "buddy to trust you and give up his/her most precious chance for you"
It is so sHighly recommend this movie to any audience specially if you need "laughter " and "freedom from stress" and "buddy to trust you and give up his/her most precious chance for you"
Fastest 2 hours ever.
emw-081928 November 2023
Indeed the action is very entertaining--oh those tight streets but it's the imaginative creative problem solving and personal interactions which put this a step ahead of other such films. The frosting on the cake though is the show of loyalty and care of the civil servants who stand in solidarity in the hallway as they offer their salaries to pay the ransom while the so called "leaders' are willing to treat every life as expendable--except their own of course. One wonders how anyone manages to live in countries destroyed by war and overrun by gangs. Have to ask where all the guns and ammo come from as there seems to be an endless supply. The answer to that are not very pleasant.
Fun action thriller
alain-kapel59 December 2023
Korean political action thriller in the same vein as Mogadishu and The Point Men.
Ha Jung-woo stars in the really entertaining film by up-and-coming director Kim Seong-hun (who already proved his worth with A Hard Day, and continues to do so here). Possibly a better offering than the other two films mentioned before, in a sense that it melds geopolitical concerns with plenty of action and humor without ever hitting a false note, bar an occasional scene.
I find it hard to believe there would be a genre fan out there who wouldn't at least enjoy parts of what Ransomed offers. It's so, so fun, intense, creative in its action scenes that its two-hour runtime zips by.
Very much recommended to genre fans, and/or if you simply like commercial entertainment done right.
Ha Jung-woo stars in the really entertaining film by up-and-coming director Kim Seong-hun (who already proved his worth with A Hard Day, and continues to do so here). Possibly a better offering than the other two films mentioned before, in a sense that it melds geopolitical concerns with plenty of action and humor without ever hitting a false note, bar an occasional scene.
I find it hard to believe there would be a genre fan out there who wouldn't at least enjoy parts of what Ransomed offers. It's so, so fun, intense, creative in its action scenes that its two-hour runtime zips by.
Very much recommended to genre fans, and/or if you simply like commercial entertainment done right.
Exciting and believable
phd_travel2 April 2024
What makes this thriller stand out is that it is a true story so you don't need to question the plot for being ridiculous. This story is engrossing in the way a true story is. A diplomat is kidnapped in Beirut and foreign service guy goes there to rescue him. He ha the help of a slightly shady Korean there.
It is more of a thriller than the Hyun Bin movie The Point Men about hostage negotiations. That one wasn't a thrill a minute.
The car chase is something else!
Ha Jung Woo of Narco Saints is always good in these Korean in trouble abroad movies. Ju ji Hoon is good too and who knew he could play funny. The terrible situation in Beirut during that time is vividly brought to life. Great cinematography and directing so that there is hardly a dull moment.
It is more of a thriller than the Hyun Bin movie The Point Men about hostage negotiations. That one wasn't a thrill a minute.
The car chase is something else!
Ha Jung Woo of Narco Saints is always good in these Korean in trouble abroad movies. Ju ji Hoon is good too and who knew he could play funny. The terrible situation in Beirut during that time is vividly brought to life. Great cinematography and directing so that there is hardly a dull moment.
An Intense Roller Coaster Ride through Action, Comedy, Drama and Thriller Genres
kluseba2 January 2024
Ransomed is one of the greatest movies of the past year. It could be described as an action-thriller that finds the perfect balance between uplifting humour and gruesome realism. The film manages to entertain from start to finish and deserves more international attention and acclaim.
The story is quickly told. A South Korean diplomat gets kidnapped by terrorists in war-torn Lebanon in the mid-eighties. The South Korean government doesn't want to get officially involved in order to present itself as a modern country, avoid negative press for the upcoming 1987 South Korean presidential election and make a successful bid for the 1988 Summer Olympics. Diplomat Lee Min-jun receives a mysterious call from the kidnapped colleague after months of silence and insists on a thorough investigation. He is essentially sent onto a suicide mission as he heads for a foreign country on the brink of self-destruction. The only person he has no choice but to rely on is shady civilian taxi driver Chun Doo-hwan who is only interested in financial profit. The two completely different men must make significant compromises to rescue the kidnapped diplomat and make it out alive of the terrifying country.
This movie convinces on all levels. First and foremost, the film's plot is so tense that it will keep viewers on the edges of their seats for one hundred thirty-two minutes. The movie's little twists and turns feel natural and are never blown out of proportion.
Up next, the combination of different genres is perfectly balanced. This movie has some tense kidnapping scenes. There are violent shootouts and car chases to be witnessed. The isolation of the characters leads to deseperate ethical conflicts and profound dialogues. The clash between the two divergent lead characters offers some comic relief that works splendidly in its small doses.
The movie is partially based upon true events and its sincere realism deserves significant praise. This movie portrays South Korean politics and politicians as dishonest, manipulative and unfaithful, criticizing its own country rather than praising it. War-torn Lebanon looks like the most terrifying place you could possibly imagine as the movie doesn't try to be dishonestly diplomatic by giving the country a beautiful exotic touch.
What also needs to be mentioned is that good and evil characters are shown in both South Korea and Lebanon while most characters are actually situated somewhere in between those extremes. This movie is filled with authentic humanism portrayed by diversified characters viewers will end up caring about.
The acting performances go hand in hand with the profound characters. The two lead actors deserve special praise. Ha Jung-woo excels in his role as a courageous diplomat who severely underestimates the life-threatening dangers of his mission and needs to overcome the most incredible challenges to save his colleague and survive. Ju Ji-hoon delivers the goods as quirky cab driver who doesn't exactly have a place to call home and who is constantly stealing, lying and betraying in order to survive another day as he must learn to develop a moral compass to help new friends, old friends and ultimately himself survive.
To keep it short, Ransomed is a wonderful movie that takes viewers on an intense roller coaster ride through action, comedy, drama and thriller genres with profound characters played by ecellent actresses and actors. Do yourself a favour and watch this criminally underrated masterpiece if you haven't done so already. In case you are already familiar with this cinematic delight, don't hesitate to promote it by writing a review and recommending it to others.
The story is quickly told. A South Korean diplomat gets kidnapped by terrorists in war-torn Lebanon in the mid-eighties. The South Korean government doesn't want to get officially involved in order to present itself as a modern country, avoid negative press for the upcoming 1987 South Korean presidential election and make a successful bid for the 1988 Summer Olympics. Diplomat Lee Min-jun receives a mysterious call from the kidnapped colleague after months of silence and insists on a thorough investigation. He is essentially sent onto a suicide mission as he heads for a foreign country on the brink of self-destruction. The only person he has no choice but to rely on is shady civilian taxi driver Chun Doo-hwan who is only interested in financial profit. The two completely different men must make significant compromises to rescue the kidnapped diplomat and make it out alive of the terrifying country.
This movie convinces on all levels. First and foremost, the film's plot is so tense that it will keep viewers on the edges of their seats for one hundred thirty-two minutes. The movie's little twists and turns feel natural and are never blown out of proportion.
Up next, the combination of different genres is perfectly balanced. This movie has some tense kidnapping scenes. There are violent shootouts and car chases to be witnessed. The isolation of the characters leads to deseperate ethical conflicts and profound dialogues. The clash between the two divergent lead characters offers some comic relief that works splendidly in its small doses.
The movie is partially based upon true events and its sincere realism deserves significant praise. This movie portrays South Korean politics and politicians as dishonest, manipulative and unfaithful, criticizing its own country rather than praising it. War-torn Lebanon looks like the most terrifying place you could possibly imagine as the movie doesn't try to be dishonestly diplomatic by giving the country a beautiful exotic touch.
What also needs to be mentioned is that good and evil characters are shown in both South Korea and Lebanon while most characters are actually situated somewhere in between those extremes. This movie is filled with authentic humanism portrayed by diversified characters viewers will end up caring about.
The acting performances go hand in hand with the profound characters. The two lead actors deserve special praise. Ha Jung-woo excels in his role as a courageous diplomat who severely underestimates the life-threatening dangers of his mission and needs to overcome the most incredible challenges to save his colleague and survive. Ju Ji-hoon delivers the goods as quirky cab driver who doesn't exactly have a place to call home and who is constantly stealing, lying and betraying in order to survive another day as he must learn to develop a moral compass to help new friends, old friends and ultimately himself survive.
To keep it short, Ransomed is a wonderful movie that takes viewers on an intense roller coaster ride through action, comedy, drama and thriller genres with profound characters played by ecellent actresses and actors. Do yourself a favour and watch this criminally underrated masterpiece if you haven't done so already. In case you are already familiar with this cinematic delight, don't hesitate to promote it by writing a review and recommending it to others.
See also
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