"The Point Men" unfolds as a riveting and expertly crafted hostage drama, casting an unflinching spotlight on the harrowing realities of a South Korean hostage crisis. In the grand tradition of South Korean cinema, renowned for its adeptness at translating real-life incidents into compelling, no-nonsense narratives, this film stands as a testament to the nation's prowess in storytelling. In a narrative parallel to its predecessor, "Escape from Mogadishu," the film seamlessly weaves urgency into its fabric, ensuring that the audience is gripped by the relentless pace of unfolding events.

A noteworthy strength of "The Point Men" lies in its screenplay, a captivating and realistic tapestry that avoids the pitfalls of forced storytelling. The film navigates the treacherous terrain of a hostage crisis with finesse, never succumbing to contrived plot devices. The infusion of humor, skillfully executed by Kang Ki-young, serves as an additional layer of authenticity, seamlessly integrating moments of levity amidst the gravity of the situation. While the absence of elaborate action set pieces may be perceived as a drawback by some, it is a conscious choice that bolsters the plausibility of the narrative. The filmmakers prioritize the integrity of the premise over gratuitous spectacle, a commendable decision that enhances the film's credibility.

In the realm of performances, "The Point Men" benefits immensely from the formidable talents of Hyun Bin and Hwang Jung-min. Although newcomers to my cinematic purview, their prowess as actors is immediately evident. Their portrayals are marked by authenticity and naturalism, adding a layer of gravitas to the unfolding drama. The chemistry between the leads enhances the film's emotional resonance, making their characters' struggles palpable to the audience. This synergy between compelling performances and a well-crafted narrative elevates the film beyond the trappings of a conventional hostage drama.

As a thrilling exploration of a genuine hostage crisis, "The Point Men" captivates audiences with its honesty and unwavering commitment to true storytelling. Those anticipating elaborate action sequences may find themselves disappointed, as the film deliberately eschews such embellishments in favor of a more grounded depiction of events. However, for aficionados of sincere and gripping narratives, this film emerges as a compelling addition to the genre. It's a testament to South Korean cinema's ability to delve into complex, real-world scenarios, presenting them with authenticity and an engrossing narrative that resonates long after the credits roll.

I'm an egyptian, don't know much about Afghanistan other than what's on the media (which is not true most of the time) but anyway i have that stereotypical image of Afghans and Taliban.

I like that the movie is based on a true story, the makers did not hide the fact that the missionaries were going "to spread Christianity" in a "strict Muslim country" and they showed both sides of Afghanistan, kind people who believe in peace and respect to all humans and extremists who use violence for their own benefits.

Not here to defend my religion or give lectures about Islam, but it breaks my heart that people might think most of us are extreme, but I wanna thank the makers for showing that being extreme has nothing to do with religions.

Also, love the locations and sets, even the editing is fabulous, i felt convinced most of the time. Huge applause for the cast, Hyun Bin sir your dedication to every character never fails to amaze me.

I have to say the cinematography and landscapes was top-notch in this action drama thriller, however, it certainly was lacking in the action department. In the 108 min runtime, it's all pretty much dramatics with a few thrills and the very little action scenes here and there. The flow of the story was great, and all casting and performances were convincing. The score and direction was also very good. My main let-down was the lack of any real action, especially comparing this to similar films like The Covenant and Kandahar, plus I found the main narrative - the negotiator and the negotiations was a little underwhelming and didn't make much sense. Nevertheless, a decent one-time watch on a historical true-events story.