Jul. 28, 2021|South Korea|121 Min.|TV-14
Genre: Action;Adventure;Crime;Drama;K-Drama;Thriller
Description: “Escape from Mogadishu” is a 2021 South Korean action-drama film directed by Ryoo Seung-wan, featuring an ensemble cast including Kim Yoon-seok, Jo In-sung, Heo Joon-ho, and Kim So-jin. Inspired by true events, the story unfolds during the Somali Civil War and the efforts of both North and South Korea to gain admission to the United Nations in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The film portrays the harrowing escape attempt by embassy workers from both Koreas who were stranded in Mogadishu amidst the conflict.
Originally set for release in summer 2020, the film’s launch was delayed due to the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic. It finally premiered on July 28, 2021, in IMAX format by Lotte Entertainment. With a production budget of ₩24 billion, the film garnered widespread critical acclaim for its gripping action sequences, humor, direction, and stellar performances.
In its box office run, “Escape from Mogadishu” ranked fifth worldwide during the first week of August 2021, as reported by Screen Daily. Within 56 days of its release, it surpassed 3.5 million admissions, becoming the first Korean film in 2021 to achieve this milestone. It also emerged as the highest-grossing film of 2021 in South Korea, earning $29.05 million and attracting 3.60 million viewers, according to the Korean Film Council.
The film was selected as South Korea’s entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards and won six accolades at the 30th Buil Film Awards, including the “Best Film” award.
Set in 1991, during the civil war in Mogadishu, Somalia, the film follows the South Korean embassy staff and their families trapped in the chaos, unable to communicate with the outside world. Venturing outdoors meant risking their lives under a barrage of bullets and shells. In this dire situation, North Korean embassy personnel sought their assistance. United by the shared goal of survival, both groups embarked on a daring journey to reach the airport amidst the turmoil.
Cast director: Ryoo Seung-wan
Cast actor: Kim Yoon-seok, Jo In-sung, Heo Joon-ho, Kim So-jin, Jeong Man-sik, Koo Kyo-hwan, Kim Jae-hwa, Park Kyung-hye, Park Myung-shin, Han Chul-woo
Original name: 모가디슈