Bogota: City of the Lost

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 had high hopes for this film, especially since I've been a fan of recent Korean movies and their directors. Unfortunately, Bogotá: City of the Lost tries too hard to be stylish but falls flat in execution.

The protagonist, Cookie, is simply unconvincing. His rapid rise to the top in just seven or eight years-surpassing bosses who have ruled for decades, like Uncle-feels unrealistic. He doesn't display any remarkable intelligence, bravery, or leadership skills that justify his success. In fact, he often comes across as foolish, like when he grabs two pieces of underwear to prove his loyalty-a gesture that failed to evoke any emotional impact.

His unwavering respect for his father also feels undeserved. This is a man who abandoned him in Bogotá, later became a gambler, and even stole his son's money, knowing it could cost him his life. If he was that desperate, he should have considered other options instead of putting his son in danger. Cookie's devotion to such a father is baffling and unearned.

The chase scene where Cookie pursues the woman and his father after they steal his money is particularly weak. Korean cinema has evolved significantly, but action sequences-especially car chases-still lag behind Hollywood by at least 20 years. The scene was clumsy and lacked tension, making it almost laughable.

Ultimately, the film's biggest issue may not just be the genre itself but the casting and direction. Neither the lead actor nor the director seemed capable of delivering the depth and intensity needed to make this story believable. While Korean films have made great strides in storytelling, Bogotá: City of the Lost is a step backward in action filmmaking.

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.

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.

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.