Bogotá: City of the Lost (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“Bogotá: City of the Lost” (original title: 보고타: 마지막 기회의 땅) is a gripping crime drama set against the backdrop of Bogotá, Colombia. Directed by Seong-je Kim, the film tells the story of Guk-hee, a young Korean immigrant who moves to Colombia with his family, hoping for a better life. However, fate leads him into the dark and perilous world of Bogotá’s black market, where survival requires ambition, resilience, and moral compromises.
With a strong lead performance by Song Joong-ki, Bogotá: City of the Lost blends crime, drama, and realism, showcasing the struggles of an immigrant in an unfamiliar land. The film offers a unique portrayal of crime beyond typical shootouts and high-speed chases, instead focusing on the strategic, everyday hustle of the underground market. But does it succeed in delivering a compelling narrative? Let’s dive into an in-depth review.
Plot Summary
Set in 1997, Bogotá: City of the Lost begins with Guk-hee and his family arriving in Colombia amid South Korea’s economic downturn. His father envisions Bogotá as a stepping stone to the United States, but reality presents a different challenge. Struggling to make ends meet, Guk-hee soon finds himself entangled in the city’s illicit trade networks, where trust is a luxury and betrayal is common.
Unlike typical crime dramas that thrive on nonstop action, Bogotá: City of the Lost takes a more subdued, strategic approach. The film highlights the mundane aspects of survival in the black market—sourcing goods, negotiating sales, and facing off against competitors. However, the stakes are always high, with corruption, power struggles, and law enforcement looming over Guk-hee’s every move.
Strengths: A Different Take on Crime Drama
1. Authentic Colombian Setting and Atmosphere
The film does a remarkable job capturing Bogotá’s essence, from its bustling streets to the economic disparity that fuels underground markets. The attention to detail—such as the realistic portrayal of street vendors and the presence of windshield cleaners at traffic stops—adds to the film’s authenticity. The diversity of Colombian characters also stands out, avoiding a one-dimensional depiction of the country.
2. Realistic Storytelling Over Sensationalized Action
Unlike many crime thrillers that rely on excessive violence, Bogotá: City of the Lost focuses on the slow-burn tension of illicit trade. The film explores the reality of illegal business dealings—how people struggle to stay afloat, how betrayals happen not with gunfights but with undercutting prices and lost alliances. This makes the movie feel grounded, even if it sacrifices some action-packed sequences in the process.
3. Strong Visuals and Cinematography
The cinematography effectively transports viewers to 1997 Bogotá. The color grading and visual aesthetics immerse audiences in the era’s gritty, uncertain atmosphere. Every shot contributes to the film’s tone, emphasizing the hardships of immigrant life and the unpredictability of Bogotá’s underground economy.
4. Song Joong-ki’s Understated Performance
Song Joong-ki delivers a nuanced performance as Guk-hee. He doesn’t rely on exaggerated emotions but instead conveys the quiet desperation and calculated ambition of his character. While his role isn’t particularly dynamic, his presence carries the film, making the audience invested in his journey.
Weaknesses: Where the Film Falls Short
1. Underdeveloped Characters
One of the biggest issues with Bogotá: City of the Lost is its lack of emotional depth in character development. While the story follows Guk-hee’s rise in the black market, it doesn’t explore his internal struggles as deeply as it could have. The supporting characters, too, feel like mere plot devices rather than fully fleshed-out individuals.
2. Pacing Issues
The film’s deliberate pacing, while effective in building realism, may not appeal to viewers expecting a high-stakes crime thriller. Certain sections feel drawn out, and the lack of major turning points makes the story less engaging than it could have been.
3. Predictability in the Plot
Though the premise is intriguing, Bogotá: City of the Lost doesn’t introduce many surprises. The plot unfolds in a fairly linear fashion, with betrayals and power struggles playing out as expected. While this doesn’t ruin the film, it does limit its impact.
Where to Watch Bogotá: City of the Lost Online
As of now, Bogotá: City of the Lost is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix. This means viewers in the United States and other regions with Netflix access can watch it without needing additional rental services.
For those looking to rent or purchase the film, there are currently no confirmed listings on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play. However, availability may change in the future, so checking these platforms periodically is recommended.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
If you’re looking for a crime drama that breaks away from the typical action-packed formula, Bogotá: City of the Lost is worth a watch. The film provides an immersive and realistic look into Bogotá’s underground economy, anchored by a solid performance from Song Joong-ki. However, if you prefer fast-paced narratives with intense character arcs, this movie may feel slow and underwhelming.
Ultimately, Bogotá: City of the Lost offers a fresh perspective on crime cinema, focusing more on survival and strategy than on violence and spectacle. While it has its flaws, its grounded approach and authentic atmosphere make it a unique addition to the genre.
Are you ready to dive into the gritty world of Bogotá’s underground market? Stream Bogotá: City of the Lost now on Netflix and see if Guk-hee’s journey resonates with you. If you’ve already watched it, share your thoughts in the comments! Do you agree with this review, or did you see the film differently?
