January 24, 2024 (Levittown NY)– Ransomed is a Well Balanced Thriller.  Director Kim Seong-hun  has masterfully told the dramatic story of the 1986 Kidnapping  of a South Korean Diplomat in Beirut, Lebanon, and the attempts to covertly rescue him two (2) years later by a Diplomatic office worker.  This Well Go USA release is based upon a series of real events, and it is very well craft.  It balances thrills and humor.  This nominated film is a must-see for 2024.

Synopsis:

After a South Korean diplomat to the Middle East suddenly receives a coded message from an abducted colleague who has long been presumed dead, he volunteers to lead the dangerous rescue mission. But when the plan goes awry, he is forced to team up with a local taxi driver—the only Korean expat he can find—and go deep into the heart of Lebanon in a final desperate attempt to bring their fellow countryman home.

Review:

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 complicated 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.

RANSOMED is nominated for Best International Film at the 2024 Saturn Awards.  This is very understandable.  It is a great movie.

Watch it in Korean, with English subititles.

For Taekwondo enthusiasts this movie historically surrounds the roll out of the 1988 Seoul Summer Games where Taekwondo premiered as a Demonstration sport.

Ransomed, the Well Go USA Entertainment release on digital January 30, 2024. You can find out more about this film at: https://wellgousa.com/films/ransomed