Bogota: City of the Lost

Saw some stupid reviews spreading negativity on Song Joongki and the film so I had to write a review to discredit the other shortsighted haters writing shallow reviews. First of all, this movie was good. It wasn't great, but it was good, realistic enough, and entertaining. Song Joongki is a great actor and will always be one of the best South Korean actors. Any negative critic about this movie just goes to show lack of understanding of the plot and lack of respect for actors and moviegoers. Not every movie has to be over the top and grandiose. This movie was satisfactory and worth my time and I am glad it's topping the Netflix charts right now.

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.

I like Song Joong-Ki - he is a good actor in the right vehicle - he can do romance and comedy and drama.

He was alright in this - it just didn't call on his acting skills. He was simply called upon to play it tough and intelligent - which he did. What amused me was the fact that he seemed to look younger the older he got.

He arrives with his family in Bogota because his father is useless and has landed them in unpayable debt. Asian parents seem to have no conscience about living off their children.

Guk-Hui soon finds favour with Captain Park who is a Korean immigrant who has risen in the local criminal fraternity. There is a lot of dialogue about trust - nobody trusts each other. Their business is smuggling fake goods to sell in local markets - it seems all Korean immigrants sell fake goods and all Colombian officials and military can be bribed - until they can't.

The story continues with various criminal rivalries which culminate in an assassination attempt on our hero which has a surprising result. Of course the villain is pretty obvious to fans of this genre.

I quite enjoyed it - but it does not sit well with South Korean actors - it's just too familiar fare from Hollywood I suppose.

The ending was as expected. We have seen similar many time before.

The stars are for Song Joong-Ki.

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.

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.