THE ROUNDUP (2022)

 

Directed By: Lee Sang-Yong

Written By: Min-Seong Kim

Adapted Screenplay By: Lee Sang-Yong, Young-Jong Lee and Ma Dong-Seok

Cinematography: Sung-Lim Ju

Editor: Sun-Min Kim

Cast: Ma Don-Seok, Son Suk-Ku, Choi Gwi-Hwa, Park Ti-Hwan, Heo-Dong-Won, Ha Jun, Park Ti-Young, Yoon Byung-Hee 

Followed by Ma Seok-do, who heads to a foreign country to extradite a suspect. However, he discovers additional murder cases and learns about a killer who had committed crimes against tourists for many years.

At first, I didn’t know what to make of this film as I didn’t know it was a sequel, but figured it out as soon as the main character played by Ma Don-Seok shows up on the screen, he is presented like the audience should already know his backstory and what he’s capable of..I thought it was just the film, making fun or poking fun at the genre of action films. 

Let’s say a star like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stars in the film. You don’t necessarily need that much of a backstory because we feel like we already know the character’s personality based on the star's personae and the roles he usually plays. 

Though as usual, the main character here is the all-knowing tough-as-nails cop who seems to win every fight and has a killer right hand when it comes to punches.

The film is tricky as at times it plays like a deadly serious thriller and action film but then at other times, it has silly comedic scenes that make a strange mixture that leaves you questioning the tone sometimes. However, that also sets it apart and makes it worth watching. 

What separates this film from becoming just another average action movie is not only the fun hero but also the truly dangerous psychopathic villain. Who Is also strangely Charismatic? Played by Son Sum-Ku, As you love to hate him. Who seems like he is virtually unstoppable.

The film truly shows that there is no honor amongst thieves as their continuous double crosses and triple crosses, though it seems like the only people who tend to be all-knowing are the hero and the villain. 

this film is cutthroat as it seems all the villains use axis, hatchet, machetes, and knives, and the cops barely use guns. It’s more either hand hand, combat or batons, though there is plenty of action. It’s not as much as you think as this is more of a thriller with action elements.

The film is actually a fun ride. As it keeps itself lively. it keeps you on your toes throughout even though you know eventually what must happen you still can’t predict how it’s going to end.

The film feels full as it gives you anything you could ask for while sticking with its main points and characters.

Grade: B-