The film 'Bogotá: City of the Lost' (hereinafter 'Bogotá') is set to hit theaters on December 31, and production stills were unveiled on December 10. 'Bogotá' is a crime drama set against the backdrop of the lives of Korean immigrants who moved to Colombia in search of new hope after the IMF crisis.
In the film, Song Joong-ki stars as Guk-hee, a man struggling to survive in a foreign land. His character becomes entangled with Soo-young (played by Lee Hee-jun), the key figure in Bogotá’s Korean community, leading to a series of unpredictable events. Kwon Hae-hyo portrays Sergeant Park, adding tension to the plot, while supporting actors Jo Hyun-chul and Kim Jong-soo deepen the story.
The movie primarily takes place in Bogotá and Cartagena, Colombia. The production features extensive on-location shooting, showcasing exotic landscapes and realistic scenes. Director Kim Seong-je minimized set usage, instead capturing the authentic lifestyle of Colombia with the support of Proimágenes Colombia.
The production also utilized the CINA incentive, which offers a 35% tax rebate on expenditures within Colombia, enhancing the film’s quality. As a result, the portrayal of Bogotá and Cartagena immerses viewers in a vivid and lifelike depiction of these locales.
The released stills highlight various Colombian landscapes. A panoramic view of Bogotá from a hillside reflects Guk-hee’s mixed emotions of excitement and fear upon arriving in a foreign land, while colorful trucks on bustling roads and soldier-guarded pathways hint at the film’s unpredictable twists. Additionally, the vibrant scenes from the Caribbean resort city of Cartagena bring a unique charm to the story.
Director Kim Seong-je, previously acclaimed for his meticulous and thoughtful direction in 'Minority Opinion,' visited Colombia multiple times, conducting interviews with Korean immigrants to authentically portray their lives. “Many people live far from their homeland. I wanted to capture their lives with simplicity and honesty,” Kim shared, explaining his vision for the film. The narrative delves deeply into the evolving relationships and emotions of characters striving to survive in a foreign environment, maintaining a gripping tension throughout.
Song Joong-ki remarked, “I felt the director was incredibly detailed and thorough in his preparations.” Lee Hee-jun added, “I worked hard to naturally integrate into the director’s meticulous approach.”
As a crime drama, 'Bogotá' explores fundamental human conflicts and choices. It presents a serious look at the dualities of survival and success through the lens of Korean immigrants' lives, capturing the raw emotions born from their fierce struggles. This depth and nuance are expected to resonate strongly with audiences during the year-end cinema season.
Blending exotic visuals with a poignant drama, 'Bogotá' premieres in theaters on December 31(KST).