Ok, from now on, I would watch every excellent-rated korean movie in theaters just like I have done for years for the hollywood ones, in fact, I found out just recently (and a little bit too late) korean movies filled the mundane western movies with excitement that comes from the details that none of the western directors has ever thought before. 'Exit' is a good example to describe for what I have mentioned. it may not be as masterful as 'Parasite', the previous korean movie I watched in the theater (the first one to be precise, and it was very, very satisfying), but, almost from the beginning to the end, you would hardy catch a breath for the action it provides as the hero and the heroine of the story, hand in hand, struggle to escape (the word that I would use had I been the director instead of 'Exit', it's more fitting to me) the clutch of a sea of lethal artificial gas using the skills the main character gain from a hobby many of his relatives find useless to support him survive living in 21st century (South) Korea. his escaping struggle is kind of like a perfect metaphor for his (and maybe many people in the world) struggle in real world: escaping the crumbling of his life by nonstoppingly seeking jobs in many companies, that they end up rejecting. One thing I like from the metaphored message conveyed in the end of the movie that can and very possible to happen anytime to us in our life: no matter how closed our path is, no matter how pessimistic we are, if we keep struggling, keep moving forward, keep fighting for ourselves (while not forgetting to provide a helping hand to those who really need it), keep opening new doors to new paths, our goals and us will one day cross path. And it's Inevitable.....
51 Reviews
Simply Amazing
prof-andy-casper27 March 2020
Only Koreans can make such movies
ahmadyhadi19 March 2020
Driven perfectly with its insane storyline , everything adds up to either develop a character or to advance in the story. As a watcher , this is what I usually expect from a movie like this.
Koreans know best how to create such good movies in a genre packed with action, psychological horror and comedy but in the same time it maintains being a family-friendly movie.
Should've said this one word , it is "balanced".
Koreans know best how to create such good movies in a genre packed with action, psychological horror and comedy but in the same time it maintains being a family-friendly movie.
Should've said this one word , it is "balanced".
A real fun movie. Loved it.
0U28 March 2020
Fun movie
mister_bateman30 March 2020
I loved it!
paulclaassen7 February 2021
What a lovely film! The character introductions are funny (pretty much a Korean trait). The family is completely dysfunctional and the 70th birthday party scenes were hilarious.
Once the action starts, it is a roller-coaster ride of fun and excitement. Despite lots of humor during serious scenes, it surprisingly was still suspenseful. Fair enough, its not always believable, but since this is a comedy I'll forgive them for that since it really was a lot of fun as compensation for the credibility issues.
The film is a perfect blend of disaster, action, suspense and humor. It features a good score, some good visuals, and a really great ending. I loved this!
Once the action starts, it is a roller-coaster ride of fun and excitement. Despite lots of humor during serious scenes, it surprisingly was still suspenseful. Fair enough, its not always believable, but since this is a comedy I'll forgive them for that since it really was a lot of fun as compensation for the credibility issues.
The film is a perfect blend of disaster, action, suspense and humor. It features a good score, some good visuals, and a really great ending. I loved this!
Completely crushed Chinese movies.
yoggwork2 October 2019
Just in front of the "Lie huo ying xiong" (tt10218674), there is no harm if you do NOT compare. The difference between the two movies like a kindergarten child facing the graduate adults. The whole film combines the easy comedy with the intense escape. The rhythm relaxation is gentle and appropriate. The plot catches people without being annoying, and does not add a lot of garbage to the fixed frame. In short, the degree of all the elements, you can feel just right.
Human-heroes, not super-heroes
mov-758-9568413 August 2019
Just bear with me for the first 15 minutes or so, then you'll find yourself immersed into the movie. This doesn't mean that you can sleep for the first 15 min, because you may miss the subtly cute story line.
This movie is highly recommended to anyone tired of those superhero Hollywood movies. In this movie there is no Silvester Stallon or Bruce Willis; there is no evil villain to kick ass. Here we have real human heroes, who may be my brothers, sisters, friends, neighbors, or even myself, struggling in a crisis and managing to find a way to survive. In fact, these main characters are not even presented nicely. That was a pretty bad or clumsy job if the directors tried to present them as "heroes." Maybe they didn't, or maybe that's how these Koreans portray heroes.
Again, this is not a Hollywood movie. Some story lines and acting will be kind of hard to follow if you are not used to non-Hollywood movies. Maybe it is cultural differences. Just accept them as "different, maybe that's how they do things" rather than "awkward, so must be bad."
The bottom line is, aside from small kinks and flaws, you won't be able to turn away from the screen for one and half hours and appreciate every movement during the rock climbing scenes.
This movie is highly recommended to anyone tired of those superhero Hollywood movies. In this movie there is no Silvester Stallon or Bruce Willis; there is no evil villain to kick ass. Here we have real human heroes, who may be my brothers, sisters, friends, neighbors, or even myself, struggling in a crisis and managing to find a way to survive. In fact, these main characters are not even presented nicely. That was a pretty bad or clumsy job if the directors tried to present them as "heroes." Maybe they didn't, or maybe that's how these Koreans portray heroes.
Again, this is not a Hollywood movie. Some story lines and acting will be kind of hard to follow if you are not used to non-Hollywood movies. Maybe it is cultural differences. Just accept them as "different, maybe that's how they do things" rather than "awkward, so must be bad."
The bottom line is, aside from small kinks and flaws, you won't be able to turn away from the screen for one and half hours and appreciate every movement during the rock climbing scenes.
EXIT, the debut feature of Lee Sang-geun makes for another persuasive entrant to uphold South Korean cinema's high standard of hammering out worthwhile genre works
lasttimeisaw28 March 2020
"EXIT germinates from a boilerplate blueprint of a disaster movie, when one district of Seoul is shrouded by pestilent gas, released by a vengeful, disaffected scientist, the family of Yong-nam (Jo) happens to celebrate his mother Hyeon-ok's (Ko) 70th birthday in a restaurant there, a former rock climber, Yong-nam has to lead everyone to the roof top of the building before the rapidly ascending gas reaches them, so that they can be medevacked by rescuing helicopters. After a strenuous shinning endeavor, this mission is almost accomplished, save that Yong-nam chooses to stay with Eui-joo (Im), the waitress of the restaurant, also a rock climber, with whom he is infatuated and who has roundly turned down his courtship, when there isn't enough room for all the evacuees."
read my full review on my blog: cinema omnivore, thanks
read my full review on my blog: cinema omnivore, thanks
I'm terrified..
vi-nino27 August 2019
I enjoyed the movie but i can't "just" watch it.
Every scene make me frightened and nervous.
Don't know what to say to review this film, because words are not enough to describe it. This is one of the best movie I've ever watched this year. Spectacular!!
Don't know what to say to review this film, because words are not enough to describe it. This is one of the best movie I've ever watched this year. Spectacular!!
well, its kind of funny and intense
ops-5253529 September 2019
In the way that i guess south korean audience would like it. i myself feel abit distressed by the multilateral mayhem that takes place in this film, where everybody just wants to flee when noone can. you will get bored of the panic after a while, and then when the nervewrecking phases of climbing comes , it feels so shallow and misplaced.
but there are some humour, that made me laugh in the start sequence.elsewhere the storyline are turned upside down and inside out in the name of timing., and why gas, why lorry, why outside that building??? and in the name of love, is it a love story....
the grumpy old man gives a 6, ive seen better south korean movies, but its not the worst.
but there are some humour, that made me laugh in the start sequence.elsewhere the storyline are turned upside down and inside out in the name of timing., and why gas, why lorry, why outside that building??? and in the name of love, is it a love story....
the grumpy old man gives a 6, ive seen better south korean movies, but its not the worst.
Down to earth Korean disaster flick....
s327616910 July 2020
South Korea has a habit of producing very watchable but also very down to earth action films.
"Exit" is no exception. This is a action flick about ordinary people with ordinary problems, faced with extraordinary circumstances. It starts off slowly building a family dynamic that's believable and relatable. It then injects a disaster premise, that adds layers of tension and excitement as it builds to its climax.
Technically this is a very polished film. The stunts, action sequences and choreography fit together neatly, as does clever use of props and tech, such as drones.
The back story which has a strong thread of committment to family, loyalty, sacrifice and love, works well too. Chemistry between the lead and supporting cast is solid.
Definitely worth a watch. 7/10 from me.
"Exit" is no exception. This is a action flick about ordinary people with ordinary problems, faced with extraordinary circumstances. It starts off slowly building a family dynamic that's believable and relatable. It then injects a disaster premise, that adds layers of tension and excitement as it builds to its climax.
Technically this is a very polished film. The stunts, action sequences and choreography fit together neatly, as does clever use of props and tech, such as drones.
The back story which has a strong thread of committment to family, loyalty, sacrifice and love, works well too. Chemistry between the lead and supporting cast is solid.
Definitely worth a watch. 7/10 from me.
Really disadpointed for unnecessary elements
Misss2512 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I don't why the people are giving 9 and 10 ratings for this. I have seen a lot of survival movies, for me it is a below average movie. Very disappointing!!
Talking about comedy, there is a bit comedy not really much.
All the time the male and female lead is trying do the super hero things. Really!! They just can break the dock lock by the fire estingusher or by something else. But, no he really have to showcase his talent. And the last scene what was that like both lead are trying to be a spiderman, jumping from one roof to another through ropes.
Talking about comedy, there is a bit comedy not really much.
All the time the male and female lead is trying do the super hero things. Really!! They just can break the dock lock by the fire estingusher or by something else. But, no he really have to showcase his talent. And the last scene what was that like both lead are trying to be a spiderman, jumping from one roof to another through ropes.
Time pass movie
bhardwaj-purnima201125 June 2020
Nothing special about the movie. Good for time pass. Most of Korean movies/dramas are ruined by bad acting of their female leads. They are usually annoying and can't act at all(Except a few). Too much crying. Overall story is okayish. I still don't get it why they didn't just break the door rather than making actor do all that crazy acting. Do they not have axe or extinguisher kind of thing in their hotels for these kind of situations? I mean its so lame...Too many unrealistic scenes and it was too obvious that all the action scenes were fake due to lack of effort put in to it.
I guess the producer's a wall climber?
ansirahka28 October 2020
Another great movie from Korea
mujtabasaif7864 January 2021
One of the best I've seen this year
miss_jb24 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
One of the Best well spent Movie I've seen in 2019. I laugh, cried, thrilled and feel for the character. The character feels alive. The idea is pretty common, but the execution is awsome, mindlowing and full of heart. Imagine if you are in heroes situation when you hardly trying hard in everything you do and you complain every single little thing. But you seems no longer care that much, until you are put in a dangerous situation when your life is on the line and you try to survive with the remaining tools and skills you have. If only you gave your effort as much as that, might be you will achieve more is the message of this movie. Off course, the execution is bit convenient at times. Nevertheless. do Well deserved admission record.
It is intense, but...
bowa-3016310 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The topic is novel but it is not the first one of its type. Some plots are embarrassed, and there are scenes that I just can't share the feelings with. The only main negative character is the owner of the restaurant. However, the movie doesn't reveal much of humanity through him. Other South Korean movies are so much better at it. The movie is humorous though.
Entertaining action seuqences with suspenseful, romantic and humorous side elements
kluseba24 December 2019
Exit is an entertaining, fast-paced and quirky South Korean action movie with suspenseful, romantic and humorous elements. It tells the story of a gifted rock climber who hasn't managed to get a permanent job or find a stable girlfriend and is seen as the family's black sheep. He wants to redeem himself by organizing his mother's seventieth birthday at a company where his former crush works as an assistant manager. On the night of festivities, a man who has recently lost his job has a metldown, unleashes a deadly gas in downtown Seoul and commits suicide. The entire sector needs to be evacuated but the gas is soon present in the streets and rising higher with every minute. The unemployed rock climber and his former crush try to evacuate the guests of the festivities and bring them to safety on the roof of a skyscraper. They manage to save their guests as a rescue helicopter arrives but they are unable to get on board themselves. They must try to find their way through the evacuated sector from roof to Roof on their own. On their dangerous journey, they save other helpless citizens, unknowingly become heroes on local media and realize that they still have feelings for each other.
This movie convinces on numerous levels. After an introduction that takes about twenty minutes, the film develops a frantic pace that keeps the audiences on its seats until the final five minutes conclude this blockbuster smoothly. The locations in downtown Seoul are quite diversified and intriguing. The stunts and special effects are done with great care and precision. The camera work is focused ans smooth. The two protagonists become more interesting with every scene as the audience ends up rooting for them until the very end. The decently employed suspenseful, romantic and humorous elements blend in very well without watering down the gripping action scenes.
Exit might not come around with a particularly surprising plot and doesn't reinvent the action movie genre. It's however executed with the highest contemporary quality, features sympathetic lead characters and convinces with entertaining action scenes that will take your breath away. Fans of action movies, disaster films or South Korean cinema in general should watch this blockbuster which received the credit it deserved in its home country but has been unfairly overlooked internationally so far. If you like what you see, recommend it to your family and friends and give them the opportunity to experience the beauty of contemporary South Korean cinema as well.
This movie convinces on numerous levels. After an introduction that takes about twenty minutes, the film develops a frantic pace that keeps the audiences on its seats until the final five minutes conclude this blockbuster smoothly. The locations in downtown Seoul are quite diversified and intriguing. The stunts and special effects are done with great care and precision. The camera work is focused ans smooth. The two protagonists become more interesting with every scene as the audience ends up rooting for them until the very end. The decently employed suspenseful, romantic and humorous elements blend in very well without watering down the gripping action scenes.
Exit might not come around with a particularly surprising plot and doesn't reinvent the action movie genre. It's however executed with the highest contemporary quality, features sympathetic lead characters and convinces with entertaining action scenes that will take your breath away. Fans of action movies, disaster films or South Korean cinema in general should watch this blockbuster which received the credit it deserved in its home country but has been unfairly overlooked internationally so far. If you like what you see, recommend it to your family and friends and give them the opportunity to experience the beauty of contemporary South Korean cinema as well.
Hillarious...
misyelhasanah-061394 October 2019
Nice story but realism is over exaggerated.
mailtaskservice14 June 2020
The male did not showed good performance at start because his muscles so fake and the whole gymnastic is showed unreal. The story is nice and a lot of desperate moments but they are too exaggerated at some scenes.
This is a past time movie and does not give any realism sensation satisfaction movie.
Hang tight!
MovieBuff_sl15 September 2019
Entertaining but quickly forgotten
dzeilstra22 July 2021
An action movie that is also classified as a comedy and that is why I will be forgiving towards all the flaws in the plot. The too excited birthday crowd is irritating but the climbing scenes are nice to watch. The romance does not come off that well....
you can see everything coming from miles away
hyunwest6 July 2021
Stereotypical characters, having absolutely no depth. Waste of time to watch, poor acting (perhaps except jo jung suk) and very bad cg/effects. But again, the thing that ruined the film was the story, all very easy to predict and characters with no depth.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
