Bullet Points: Escape from Mogadishu

Escape from Mogadishu is all set to be the opening film at the 2021 New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) on August 6th. I got myself a sneak peek, and I am here to let you know if you should seek it out. 

Please note that following the NYAFF premiere, Well Go USA Entertainment will release Escape from Mogadishu in select theaters also beginning on August 6th. 

• The Plot: North Korean and South Korean diplomats, along their families, must work together to get the hell out of Mogadishu when the Somalian capital is turned into a land of lawlessness. Escape from Mogadishu stars Kim Yoon-seok, Huh Joon-ho, Jo In-sung and Koo Kyo-hwan. It is directed by Ryoo Seung-wan. 
• Something Different: When I think of action films set in Somalia, I immediately think of Black Hawk Down. Escape from Mogadishu is also based on true events. Think what happens in Somalia before the USA sent the troops in. Escape from Mogadishu is a survive the night / day / streets of Somalia action flick. I knew nothing of this story. No one I know ever talks about it. This was a great learning experience.

• One Korea: To me, the theme of Escape from Mogadishu is One Korea. Both countries are taught to hate each other, but in the end, they are all Koreans. One of the highlight performances comes Kim Yoon-seok’s Ambassador Han. He is the South Korean Ambassador, and in a pivotal scene, he shouts “We are Korean.” There is no North or South at that moment, just humans trying to survive to see another day. 
• The Action: Escape from Mogadishu comes heavy with the action. The entire runtime is intense, and we have some of the best action driving scenes I have seen all year. The escape sequences will leave you short of breath. The streets of Mogadishu are as scary as can be. From the little kids going all Rambo on any and everything, to the public executions in the streets, when I say this is a lawless land, this is definitely a lawless land. 

• Final Thoughts: Escape from Mogadishu had me hooked from the beginning. The action is great and the acting is even better. Don’t sleep on Escape from Mogadishu. See it as soon as possible. 
• Grade: A