I’m probably one of the few people not really interested in history. Over the years I’ve taken steps to force myself to look into history more out of necessity than interest. If we don’t understand the past, we are doomed to repeat it. We want to avoid making history nothing more than what Doctor Manhattan says of what he has witnessed as he confronts Ozymandias, calling them “events so tiny that they could have said to never have taken place at all”. If we do look at history we have a habit of only looking at our own backyard - or at least I do. There are so many events we miss.
History is overflowing with events that we may know little to nothing about. There are a number of factors that play into this. Escape from Mogadishu focuses on North and South Korea’s attempts to join the United Nations during the outbreak of the Somali Civil War. From someone that grew up in the 90s, I didn’t remember any of this at all. That’s just one example of many events that history gave us that may have faded into the distant memories of our cultural consciousness. Perhaps, on the flip side, we don’t like to embrace the emotional aspect that can come with these heartbreaking stories. The cinematic tale of Escape from Mogadishu is incredibly devastating.
Escape from Mogadishu tells the story of people within the North and South Korean embassies in Mogadishu, Somalia as they attempt to return home because of the civil unrest in Somalia. To place this film into more familiar territory, Escape feels almost identical to 2012’s Argo. Escape is such an interesting film to look at. It packs the emotional urgency and power of Argo while retaining a blockbuster quality similar in scope to that of the MCU. The latter comes courtesy of the film’s director, Ryoo Seung-wan. Ryoo crafts a story that visually demonstrates the scope of tragedy that the story needs, reflecting its real life catastrophic counterpart that took place in the early 90s.
Ryoo is able to reflect the high intensity stakes of the narrative while allowing the film to breathe during quieter moments as well. This movie not only pursues the impending unrest that the country of Somalia was enduring at this time, but also equips itself with a subplot exploring the unrest between both North and South Korea. When this unrest is broken within the film there are some truly dynamic character moments. The performances by Kim Yoon-seok, Jo In-sung, Heo Joon-ho, and Koo Kyo-hwan elevate this film’s ability to get under the skin and directly to the heart.
No performance is wasted in these two hours. They are emotional, impactful, and honestly both brutally honest and beautiful. So much of what makes this movie impactful comes down to the film’s pacing. The first act of this film has a more lighthearted tone than the rest of the film. Viewers need this tone to make the other two acts hit the emotional beats and blockbuster scope in order to make Escape as effective as it is. The film is rich in character moments, not to mention how heartbreaking the back half of the film truly is. There are scenes within this film that will draw you close to tears.
Overall, Escape from Mogadishu is an impactful film because of its emotional capability to reach its audience while also dazzling them through its explosive blockbuster narrative. The performances are gripping and moving. The pacing is impeccable. Without a doubt, Escape locks its audience in for an emotional roller coaster and doesn’t stop until the film’s final credits. Be prepared for an incredible film. You can see for yourself when Escape from Mogadishu finds its way onto Blu-Ray, DVD, and digital, beginning January 18th, 2022.
Rorschach Rating:
Mental Health Moment: As I addressed within my review, there is so much emotional weight this film carries. Not really knowing the full extent of the history of North Korea, South Korea, or Somalia, I’m not going to even attempt to address those there. Rather, a minor spoiler warning for the film: there is a point within the movie that North and South Korea have to set their differences aside to work together. Sometimes hope comes from places we don’t think it can ever come from. Sometimes the key to our own survival, of making it to tomorrow, or, heck, even through the next hour, can come from unexpected places sometimes. Sometimes it is worth putting our pride on hold for healthier mental health and hope. Never discount a source of hope.
BLU-RAY REVIEW: Much like I will write about in my review for The Dry, the Blu-Ray special features are lacking here. The features explore the heartbreaking true story which inspired the film and the troubling aspects of bringing this story to life, but my biggest problem with the features on this Blu-Ray is how timid it feels about actually diving into the history of the events. The very fact that it’s lacking this makes me a little bit sad. Either way, there isn’t a whole lot of extra stuff to make you buy this, though the fact that this is an international movie will give it a little edge. Rorshach Rating: 3/5
If you or someone you know is reading this right now and struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message, or tweet at us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!
Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. Escape from Mogadishu is property of Well Go USA. We do not own nor claim any rights.
You can now support us on Patreon. Help us get mental health resources into schools and get exclusive content at the same time. Click here to join today!