Ransomed (Korean: 비공식작전; Hanja: 非公式作戰; RR: Bigongsigjagjeon; lit. unofficial operation) is a 2023 South Korean action thriller film[1] directed by Kim Seong-hoon, starring Ha Jung-woo and Ju Ji-hoon. It was released theatrically on August 2, 2023.[4][5] It was also invited at the 28th Busan International Film Festival in 'Korean Cinema Today - Panorama' section and was screened on October 5, 2023.[6]
| Ransomed | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Hangul | 비공식작전 |
| Hanja | 非公式作戰 |
| Revised Romanization | Bigongsigjagjeon |
| McCune–Reischauer | Bigongsikjakjeon |
| Directed by | Kim Seong-hoon |
| Screenplay by | Kim Jeong-yeon Yeo Mi-jeong |
| Starring | |
Production companies | Wind Up Film Ynot Film |
| Distributed by | Showbox |
Release date |
|
Running time | 132 minutes[1] |
| Country | South Korea |
| Language | Korean |
| Box office | US$8.1 million[2][3] |
It is based on an actual event, where diplomat Do Jae-seung (도재승) was kidnapped.[7]
Premise
editSet in 1987, the buddy action film revolves around diplomat Lee Min-jun (Ha Jung-woo) and local taxi driver Kim Pan-su (Ju Ji-hoon) who went to Lebanon to rescue a missing colleague.[8] At the time, the Chun Doo-hwan government was covering it up to avoid bad press for the upcoming 1987 South Korean presidential election and the bid for 1988 Summer Olympics. The ransom asked by the terrorists was 2.5 million U.S. dollars. The public will not know the full details until declassification in 2047.
Cast
editMain
edit- Ha Jung-woo as Lee Min-jun, a diplomat who volunteers for an unofficial operation to rescue a fellow diplomat who has gone missing
- Ju Ji-hoon as Kim Pan-su, a Korean taxi driver in Lebanon who accompanies Min-jun
Supporting
edit- Kim Eung-soo as the director of KCIA
- Park Hyuk-kwon as Manager Park
- Kim Jong-soo as South Korean Foreign Affairs Minister Choi Kwang-soo
- Lim Hyung-guk as kidnapped Secretary Oh Jae-seok[9]
- Burn Gorman as Richard Carter[10]
- Marcin Dorociński as Hays Shaito, a Switzerland arbitrator[10]
- Fehd Benchemsi as Karim[10]
- Anas El Baz as Naji[10]
- Nisrine Adam as Lila, Pan-su's lover[10]
- Khalil Oubaaqa As Gangster[10]
- Nada El Belkasmi as Refugee camp volunteer
Awards and nominations
edit| Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buil Film Awards | 2023 | Best Cinematography | Kim Tae-Seong | Nominated | |
| Grand Bell Awards | 59th Grand Bell Awards | Best Editing | Kim Chang-ju | Pending | |
| Best Visual Effects | No Nam-seok | Pending | |||
| Best Cinematography | Kim Tae-seong | Pending |
References
edit- ^ a b "Ransomed". British Board of Film Classification.
- ^ "KOFIC, KOBIS (Korean Box Office Information System) The Box office: Korean films of 2023". KOFIC. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
- ^ "Ransomed (2023)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ 최지예. "하정우·주지훈 버디 액션 작전 개시, '비공식작전' 8월2일 개봉 확정 [공식]". entertain.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ Han Hyun-jung (June 19, 2023). "하정우·주지훈, 화려하지만 불편한 만남(ft.비공식작전)" [Ha Jung-woo and Ju Ji-hoon, a splendid but uncomfortable meeting (ft. Unofficial Operation)]. Maeil Economy (in Korean). Retrieved June 22, 2023.
- ^ "The 28th Busan International Film Festival: Selection List". Busan International Film Festival. September 5, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
- ^ "영화 '비공식작전'의 숨겨진 이야기... 몸값 절반 떼먹은 전두환 정권". 아이엠피터뉴스 (in Korean). 2023-08-03. Retrieved 2024-07-19.
- ^ Jin Joo-hee (June 22, 2023). "하정우X주지훈, 버디 케미...'비공식작전' 1차 예고편 공개" [Ha Jung-woo X Ju Ji-hoon, buddy chemistry...'Unofficial Operation' 1st trailer released]. MK Sports (in Korean). Retrieved June 22, 2023.
- ^ Ahn So-yoon (July 25, 2023). "임형국·김응수→박혁권…'비공식작전' 타임라인 완성한 신스틸러" (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f Yoo, Eun-bi (July 26, 2023). "비공식작전', 모로코 정우성→'미임파7' 배우…5인 5색 해외 조연" [Unofficial Operation', Moroccan Jung Woo-sung → Mimpa 7' actor... 5 people, 5 colours overseas supporting cast] (in Korean). SPOTV News. Retrieved July 26, 2023 – via Naver.
