By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
I'm not sure how the movie
"Ransomed" slipped by me, but this Korean action thriller from director
Kim Seong-hun ("Tunnel") is must-see.
"Ransomed" is currently available on Digital. It's an incredible drama that is loosely based on the true story about Do Chae-sung, a South Korean Embassy leader in Lebanon who was kidnapped on January 31, 1986.
"Ransomed" gives a fictionalized version of Do and his rescue attempt which is orchestrated by a politically driven South Korean diplomat to the Middle East played by (Ha Jung-woo from TV's "The Accidental Narco"). He’s eager to make a name for himself. When he gets a call with a secret code he assumes it’s from his captured colleague.
Min-Joon Lee is eager to share the potential good news with a U.S.CIA intermediary (Burn Gorman, ("Lift") and other higher ups who believe they can negotiate with the hostages to get Oh released.
Min-Joon Lee wants to be front and center on this because he believes it will go a long way to perhaps land him a powerful position in the United States. So, he offers his services to help with the negotiations.
If only it were that simple.
Of course, he has no clue of what he's actually stepping into. Min-Joon Lee lucks out when he meets Kim Pan-su (Ju Ji-hoon, "Project Silence"), a local taxi driver. The two form an unlikely bond and are suddenly thrust into several perilous situations, but they also get a huge assist from a local gang leader named Karim (Morocco's star Fehd Benchemsi, "Deserts").
"Ransomed" has some thrilling action sequences with car chases, shoot outs, leaps from tall buildings, and daring escapes that would make James Bond, Matt Damon and Tom Cruise proud.
However, "Ransomed" isn't just all bang-up action. Even its quieter moments that involve some political machinations are riveting and keep you fully engaged. "Ransomed" is an impressive showing all around.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For
"RANSOMED"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
