“The ground isn’t safe. Up is the only way out.”
synopsis
Yong-nam is a directionless young man who once excelled at rock climbing in college but now lives at home, struggling to find a job. When a mysterious toxic gas suddenly engulfs Seoul during his mother’s birthday celebration, Yong-nam and his former climbing club crush, Eui-ju, must use their athletic skills to scale buildings, leap across rooftops, and guide others to safety. As the gas spreads through the city, survival becomes a high-stakes vertical escape.
pairs well with ...
mini-review
Exit is a terrific example of Korean cinema’s ability to blend genres. It’s a disaster movie, action thriller, and comedy all rolled into one fast-moving package. What makes it work is the premise: instead of soldiers or scientists saving the day, it’s a guy whose most useful life skill turns out to be rock climbing. The rooftop chases and improvised escapes are inventive and suspenseful, and the humor keeps the tension from becoming overwhelming.
Popcorn, a cold beer, and the sudden urge to believe that that random hobby you picked up years ago might someday save your life.
Absurdist's Corner
In most disaster movies, governments mobilize armies and scientists. In Exit, the heroes are basically two former college climbers doing parkour across Seoul while the authorities try to figure out what’s going on.
fun facts
Exit became one of the biggest Korean box office hits of 2019.
The film’s action scenes relied heavily on real climbing choreography rather than CGI.
Star Jo Jung-suk performed many of his own climbing stunts.