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Ransomed

Play trailer 1:28 Poster for Ransomed Released Aug 4, 2023 2h 12m Drama Action Comedy Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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89% Tomatometer 9 Reviews 76% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
After a South Korean diplomat to the Middle East suddenly receives a coded message from an abducted colleague who has long been presumed dead, he volunteers to lead the dangerous rescue mission. But when the plan goes awry, he is forced to team up with a local taxi driver--the only Korean expat he can find--and go deep into the heart of Lebanon in a final desperate attempt to bring their fellow countryman home.
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Ransomed

Critics Reviews

View All (9) Critics Reviews
Cary Darling Houston Chronicle A tense nail-biter with a "Mission: Impossible" sense of suspense made all the more urgent by the fact that it's loosely based on a true story. Rated: 4/5 Aug 3, 2023 Full Review Pierce Conran ScreenAnarchy Ransomed can't avoid indulging in a smidge of melodrama and nationalism in its closing moments, but it's a small price to pay for this very worthwhile big-screen package. Jun 16, 2024 Full Review James Marsh South China Morning Post Ransomed uses the true story of a Korean diplomat kidnapped in Lebanon in the 1980s as the sobering backdrop for a well-paced buddy action comedy. It is an awkward fit at times, ... but director Kim Seong-hun lands most of his punches. Rated: 3.5/5 Sep 8, 2023 Full Review Panos Kotzathanasis HanCinema "Ransomed" is easy to watch, well shot, and well acted, and a genuine feel-good movie that is bound to satisfy anyone who wants to have a good time. Rated: 7.5 Aug 13, 2023 Full Review Carla Hay Culture Mix Ransomed uses a familiar formula of a bickering duo forced to work together in stressful situations. However, this suspenseful political thriller transcends its clichés by having great action sequences and believable performances from the principal cast. Aug 8, 2023 Full Review Ricardo Gallegos La Estatuilla Ransomed does a good job juggling action, thriller and a bit of comedy to deliver a highly entertaining product... [Full Review in Spanish] Aug 7, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (7) audience reviews
Fahad H Same old story of a diplomat getting kidnapped by terrorists in foreign country for ransom and the hero goes there to rescue him.Absolutely no newness to this film here! Rated 2 out of 5 stars 08/28/23 Full Review Public S I like the way how the movie is made. The diplomat is not trained and they act exactly someone know nothing except seeking all ways on how to survive. The storyline was amazing, and I believe there is some adding scene which is meant to make the movie more exciting. Overall I enjoy the movie, it gives U suspense, tensed and unexpected ending. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/05/24 Full Review Marc Z Ransomed is a Well balanced Thriller. This Well Go USA release is loosely based on real events that took place in the lead up the critically important 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics. When a previously kidnapped Korean Diplomat in Lebanon turns out to be alive a Korean Diplomatic office worker, played smartly by Ha Jung-woo, goes on a mission to deliver the ransom money and secure his release. When the mission gets dangerous and complicate he is forced to partner with an ex-pat, Korean taxi driver living in the area. That character is played by Ju Ji-hoon, and he is really, really great to watch. The film has elements of a spy thriller, action film, with the balance of the comedic aspects of an American "Buddy Film". There were times it reminded me of Escape to Mogadishu, which was more serious; at times of Argo; and at other times, Rush Hour. The end result of the film is one that is highly watchable and engaging. I highly recommend it. The acting, script, Direction, and cinematography are all very good. The supporting cast is very good in this, both on the Korean side, and inside of Beirut. Watch it in Korean, with English subititles. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/25/24 Full Review Kennedi L This unlikely duo (Ha Jung-wo and Ju Ji-hoon) just have so much chemistry with each other supported by a great strong script and beautiful cinematography that captures the small alleys of car chasing or urban gun fighting and beautiful countryside landscape. Director Seong Hun Kim just top-notch taking his time to build the duo characters and let them blend into each other smoothly. The story telling just smooth and by the end of the movie, you want to watch more of this likable duo's adventure. Highly entertaining and beautiful cinematography with top-notch acting by the two protagonists. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/10/23 Full Review Candice C Director Kim, Seong-Hun has done it again. Based on true event, Ransomed is full of action that kept me on edge until the moment of release through funny/heart warming moments. Just when you are about to lose hope, the most unlikely characters' good nature is provoked through a wake-up call to the heart. This movie definitely has a message to tell the world. Deep, thought provoking, full of heart and hope. My hats off to all the casts and director Kim. Definitely worthy of Academy Awards 👍 Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/08/23 Full Review Sal D Very appealing film with threads of a true story about the kidnapping of a South Korean diplomat in Lebanon. If you like ex-US, you'll likely enjoy this movie too. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/06/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Ransomed

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Movie Info

Synopsis After a South Korean diplomat to the Middle East suddenly receives a coded message from an abducted colleague who has long been presumed dead, he volunteers to lead the dangerous rescue mission. But when the plan goes awry, he is forced to team up with a local taxi driver--the only Korean expat he can find--and go deep into the heart of Lebanon in a final desperate attempt to bring their fellow countryman home.
Director
Kim Seong-hun
Screenwriter
Kim Jung-Yeon, Yeo Jung-mi
Distributor
Well Go USA Entertainment
Production Co
Windup Filmworks Inc.
Genre
Drama, Action, Comedy, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
Korean
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 4, 2023, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 30, 2024
Box Office (Gross USA)
$142.1K
Runtime
2h 12m
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