Escape (2024)

that sub plot is most definitely gay

I know that there is a lot of controversy when it comes to North Korean stories being told by South Koreans, but as someone who isn't Korean at all I can't comment on it. With every twist and turn I was able to stay surprised (as long as I was able to hold up my suspension of belief). Like any movie that involves guns there are scenes where people don't shoot when they could've brought someone down, but once you get to the end you sort of understand why. I didn't look at the casting beyond the two leads so I was very surprised with how many well know actors there were. With such a great cast of course the acting was good and I have no complaints. I really enjoyed the soundtrack especially the inclusion of zionT's song. I had not heard it before watching but it was a very impactful addition. I can see myself watching this again once it goes to streaming, but I highly recommend seeing it in theaters if you have the chance. I would recommend seeing this.

When it comes to the *potentially* queer subplot, I don't care what the director says. "The Bastard I Loved" says it all. My thoughts were summed up really well by an article on the IndieWire by David Opie and I recommend giving that a read if you are interested.

Read More

"Fear a meaningless life, not death itself."

Escape was an exciting chase film running from North Korea to South Korea. Instead of denouncing Communist rhetoric as in some films, the focus was Im Gyu Nam’s overwhelming longing for autonomy and the freedom to fail as often as he desired. The man charged with hunting him down was an old childhood friend who had lost his dreams and had no hope for the freedom Im was willing to risk everything for.

Im Gyu Nam is in charge of a small squad of soldiers near the DMZ. After finishing his 10 years of military service, he will be assigned civilian duty as a farmer or miner. Every night he maps out his escape from North Korea gathering information and biding his time. His subordinate, Kim Dong Hyeok, mucks up his plans by attempting an escape using Im’s secret map. When both men are arrested and tortured, Im’s childhood friend Major Ri Hyeon Sang arrives declaring Im a hero for capturing a deserter. After reassigning Im, the desperate soldier refuses to give up on his dream.

What worked for me:
Lee Je Hoon and Koo Kyo Hwan had great chemistry as estranged friends and bitter adversaries. Their cat and mouse game became more ferocious as the minutes clicked on.

Instead of vilifying the NK propaganda, they showed the South’s sounding very similar. What Im understood was that at least in the South he could travel, explore, and find his own path, one he chose-not the government or Ri. His motivation wasn’t overtly political—he just wanted to live and die on his own terms.

Ri had his own failed dreams-as a pianist and as a man. He’d acquired too much power and status to throw it all away for a friend or freedom.

Je Hoon running! And running! And when he wasn’t running, he was rapidly recalculating as his plans were thwarted. There was no room for boredom in this film.

What didn’t work as well:

Kim Dong Hyeok felt wedged into the story for a couple of obvious plot reasons.

While I enjoyed the fast-paced storytelling, the lack of backstory and motivations was frustrating, reducing the characters to cardboard cut-outs.

After the first half of the film, the situations became more preposterous, especially the deux ex machina used when all seemed lost.

To sum up:
I enjoyed this film when I quieted my ever-questioning mind. The story and thrills raced at breakneck speed with Lee Je Hoon and Koo Kyo Hwan often able to overcome the plot holes and narrative minefields through force of will and charisma. If you are a fan of either actor or this category of film, it’s one to try.

16 September 2026

Trigger warning: Loss of a leg. Wild boars killed.

LGBTQ note: It was heavily implied that Ri was gay and that he and another character had been together when he was stationed in Russia as a competitive pianist. He also possibly cared for Im in a more than brotherly manner. Now married to the Division Commander’s daughter with a baby on the way, he was unable to lead the life he desired. I’m hoping that the writers were not implying that his bitterness was what caused his cruelty. Other movie villains don’t need a reason to torture and kill so I’m going to assume, that this film didn’t drag out that old homophobic trope.

Read More