This movie is not for the faint-hearted. But you probably already knew that if you’ve watched the trailer or read the synopsis.
Escape is the story of Kyu-nam (played by Lee Je Hoon), a North Korean soldier trying to escape to the South for a better future, while being chased by a state security officer Hyun-sang (played by Koo Kyo Hwan). The story sounds simple enough and almost predictable but Korea does this genre really well because I still ended up fully immersed in the story despite the predictable storyline.
In order to write this review, I have to unfortunately write about some spoilers so here’s your warning that there are spoilers ahead!
[WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD.]
Firstly, the cinematography was so visually striking that you can’t help but be pulled into the story from the get-go. The pacing was done well so there was never a dull moment throughout the movie, and actually your heart never really gets a chance to rest from all the stress and excitement. I was also so wowed by the way they used neat lines and repetition which was such a strong imagery to show the rigidity and order in the regime.
The choice of Zion. T’s song Yanghwa BRDG as the main soundtrack was perfect because it encapsulates the essence of the story so well, especially the chorus which goes:
Let’s be happy / Don’t be sick /
These lines sound so simple but for some people, happiness seems like such a distant dream that they just can’t achieve. Especially when you’re living in a regime where you don’t even have freedom of movement or where food like meat is a luxury. Happiness is in the small things after all.
While watching Hyun-sang chase Kyu-nam, part of me wondered how it must feel to be living in a regime where you are forced to hurt people you know in order to survive. It’s not like he wanted to be a state officer but due to his family background, it was his fate that he accepted.
In a different world, Hyun-sang would have been a pianist, as we see glimpses of his past in Russia where he performed as a pianist while his friend (played by Song Kang) watches on. We see that in the present, Hyun-sang pretends to no longer be able to play the piano but when egged on by other people at a party, he caves in and performs a beautiful piece, showing where his true happiness lies.
Side note: I thought there were hints of a romantic relationship between the two but they just left that tension up in the air so we will never know.
But I digress.
To see someone be so determined to escape and find his own happiness was truly inspirational (no matter how many times I watch similar stories, watching such characters still gives me the same feelings of awe and motivation to live well). It doesn’t hurt that Lee Je Hoon looks super cool too, delivering quote-worthy lines like “I will die and live on my own terms,” and “I’ll decide my own future.”
So does Kyu-nam successfully make it to the South? You’ll need to watch to find out! There were quite a few unanswered questions in the end but I personally felt like it was a good ending which wraps up the main story nicely.
Watch Escape when it’s out in theatres on 11th July!
Image credits to Purple Plan.
A special thanks to Purple Plan for the media invite! Watch Escape when it’s out in theatres on 11th July.
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