130. Escape From Mogadishu (Mogadisyu); movie review

 

ESCAPE FROM MOGADISHU (MOGADISYU)

Cert 15

121 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong threat, violence, bloody images

The only stand-out movies (ones which I can recall) about the horrors of Somalia have been Black Hawk Down and Captain Phillips.

Thus, it has been rather refreshing to see a different angle.

Escape From Mogadishu is focused on the 1990 rebellion against the dictatorship of Mohamed Siad Barré and the capital's descent into a lawless hell.

Literally caught in the crossfire are South Korean diplomats who had been in the country to try to broker backing for their application to join the United Nations.

Curiously, Ryoo Seung-wan's film initially appears to be a comedy with the bungling diplomats feverishly attempting to nail down a meeting with the Somalian president only to be constantly gazumped by their North Korean rivals.

However, there are portents of dark days ahead when two of them are violently robbed on the way to the presidential palace.

The movie really takes hold when the first gunshots are heard amid street demonstrations demanding the removal of Barré from power.

It takes a while for the penny to tumble that the usual protections afforded to diplomats hold no sway with the rabid mobs who take control.

Thereafter, lives are on the line as they try to find a way to leave the country as hundreds are trying to do the same.

Kim Yoon-seok leads the way as the South Korean ambassador who needs to maintain his cool as everyone else is losing theirs while Jo In-sung is rather more fiery as his intelligence officer.

Meanwhile, Heo Joon-ho plays a great straight bat as the North Korean ambassador who, in conventional times, is their mortal enemy but, when push comes to shove, could be a surprising ally.

Escape From Mogadishu starts slowly, even a bit clumsily but once the revolution begins, its grip becomes tighter and tighter.

Its final chase scene is particularly memorable.

Reasons to watch: Edge-of-seat thriller

Reasons to avoid: Its languid, comedy start

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 7.5/10

Did you know? British gold medal Olympic hero, Sir Mo Farah was born in Mogadishu on March 23, 1983.

The final word. Ryoo Seung-wan: "Interestingly, a couple years before I got offered this project, I heard about the story, and I thought it would make an incredible film. But at the time, I never thought that it would be me at the helm of this project. I just hoped that the film would turn out great. Some time passed, and like magic, the project just fell on my lap." Jump Cut

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