Ransomed

A fun and suspenseful Korean thriller set in the Middle East from the director of Kingdom, A Hard Day and Tunnel. A Korean diplomat is kidnapped somewhere in Lebanon and another diplomat is tasked to go there and deliver a package of money for ransom, but the problem is that other people, from the police to local rebels, are after the suitcase of money and the journey is definitely not going to be easy. The craftsmanship very good – the Koreans simply don't make cheap B-movies – technically and in terms of acting everything is fine, plus the director already has experience and mostly with thrillers, so he manages to create tension here as well. Surprisingly, the film moves forward very quickly, there is always something going on and the main character is constantly on his toes as someone is always on his tail. It's not outright action, but rather suspenseful and entertaining, there are shootouts too, but rather one-sided. There are a few twists and turns, and those who like the Muslim-terrorist setting will enjoy the atmosphere of a hostile Lebanon, decimated by war and dominated by local gangs. Speaking for myself, I have to say I enjoyed it. A little different than what we're used to from South Korea. 7/10. (12/25/2023)