Bogota: City of the Lost

This Korean film relies heavily on familiar ideas, never truly stepping beyond what feels safe and expected. While it has its moments, much of the story unfolds in a way that lacks originality, making it feel somewhat uninspired.

The characters and situations follow well-worn paths, and the film misses the chance to bring something fresh to the table. With Colombia as its backdrop, there was great potential to create something truly captivating, but instead, the setting feels underused, leaving the impression of a story that could have been much more.

Despite its polished visuals and occasional charm, the film never fully embraces the depth or uniqueness it could have explored. It's an enjoyable watch at times, but ultimately, it feels like a missed chance to create something more memorable.

I was really excited about Bogotá: City of the Lost because the story sounded unique-Korean immigrants in Colombia and the struggles they face. But sadly, the movie very quickly failed to meet my expectations.

Instead of telling an interesting story about the connection between Korea and Colombia or developing its characters, it just focused on the usual crime and corruption themes. It felt like the filmmakers relied on clichés instead of offering something new or meaningful-the same old formula used in Hollywood movies about any country south of the U. S.

The story was predictable, and the movie didn't take any creative risks. The overall production was just okay, and at times, it felt like it was mocking Colombia rather than genuinely exploring its issues.

I wanted to like this movie, but in the end, it just didn't deliver on its promise.

Bogota: City of the Lost is a gripping crime thriller that explores the world of Korean immigrants in Colombia. The movie follows Kook-hee, played by Song Joong-ki, as he navigates the treacherous streets of Bogota and rises through the ranks of the black market.

Song Joong Ki performance as Kook-hee is one of this film's most noteworthy aspects. His ability to convey internal conflict through subtle expressions and physicality allows the character to resonate, even if the writing doesn't quite fully explore his psychological transformation.

However, the movie's pacing can be a bit slow at times.

This movie is watchable. It isn't a great movie but it is not bad either. I was interested from the start about what was happening. Song Joong Ki with his boyish looks always captures your sympathy especially in the wild dangerous country. He Is forced to do things when people go after him. Not too fantastic a plot to be fairly believable even though it isn't a true story.

Good on location filming. This isn't a drug movie it's about smuggling Korean clothes to sell in Colombia. The plight diaspora folks face is another aspect. Funny how they are robbed just leaving from the airport. Actually the crime reminds me of how tourists are preyed on in Paris or Madrid or Rome. So called first world countries are just as bad.

The flaw is maybe because it is just a movie and not a series there isn't a whole lot of emotional connection with the characters. Not time for backgrounds of the supporting characters so don't feel anything for them. Also there is no romance or much development regarding his own family. It's about battling over smuggling clothes in to sell in Colombia and not paying customs. Dealing with the bribery and corruption of the local officials is fairly scary although it is not Escobar level. Not scary means more realistic so it's a nice change from exaggerated thrillers.

I can see why this movie wasn't a big box office hit. It is not an exciting thriller. But it's okay for a Netflix watch.

Filming was completed in 2021 and released in 2025. Many things have changed, with OTT platforms ruling the current entertainment trend. Viewers are watching different movies with different subjects from different countries. One of those countries is South Korea. It is a care of the address of new contents, and the Bogota movie came from it. It's a new attempt in SK movies taking the subject of immigrants lives.

It's a story about a person establishing his legacy in a place with no guarantees for his life. The story follows how the main character is shaped into a fearless guy and what the events lead to that make him change his fate from an immigrant guy to the person who controls the smuggling business. The core story is routine: The main character starts his life from the bottom and reaches the top in illegal business by taking down one by one those who are getting in his way . But the highlights of the movie are the acting, 90's sets, and art. Coming to the acting, every actor is given their best. Song Joong-ki again delivered his best; his transformation from a 22-year-old guy to the mid-30s is a remarkable role in his filmography. Really loved his raw character and realistic acting in Guk Hee's role.

The 90's art makes a good impression on the movie, like cars and costumes of 90's Colombia. The music soundtrack is okay. Now see where the movie struggled to get into the hit mark. The story has full potential to make this movie a great movie. But it looks like the director and writer failed to utilize it for the best. Also, the story narration is great, but again, the failure part creates the depth of the characters, except for Song Joong-ki & Lee Hee Joon; other characters are far away from this. It would be the best movie if the director and writer put a little more focus on creating emotional development.

Overall a worthy movie to watch & Song Joong-ki will impress you.