The Roundup (2022): “A Good Sequel to The Outlaws”

Director: Lee Sang-yong
Starring: Ma Dong-seok, Son Suk-ku, Choi Gwi-hwa, Park Ji-hwan
Producers: Kim Yong-hwa, Jang Kyung-ik, Ahn Sang-wook
Production House: ABO Entertainment
Music Director: Hwang Sang-jun
Cinematography: Ju Sung-lim
Editor: Kim Sun-min
Language: Korean
Genre: Action, Crime
Runtime: 106 minutes
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime

Plot:

The story picks up four years after the events of The Outlaws. Detective Ma Seok-do (Ma Dong-seok) and his team are sent to Vietnam to extradite a suspect. However, they soon find themselves entangled in a brutal crime wave led by a ruthless killer, Kang Hae-sang (Son Suk-ku), who has been kidnapping and murdering tourists for ransom. As the body count rises, Ma Seok-do must stop Kang before more lives are lost, leading to a thrilling showdown between law and chaos.

Performances:

Ma Dong-seok:
The main man of this movie, Ma Dong-seok, delivers an unmatched aura. His action sequences are impressive, and his comic timing adds a great touch. A true show-stealer.

Son Suk-ku:
As the villain, Son Suk-ku perfectly embodies the brutal and money-driven character. His performance is truly amazing, making him a convincing and terrifying antagonist.

Park Ji-hwan:
His comedic scenes have increased in this movie compared to the previous one, providing plenty of laughs with a well-utilized screen time.

Other Supporting Cast:
The supporting cast shines, especially the woman who plays the wife of a businessman—she's terrific. The two goons stand out as well, and the police gang delivers their roles with natural ease.

Technical Aspects:

Director:
The director has crafted a well-paced film with an engaging beginning. The fight sequences are particularly gripping, keeping you glued to the screen. The story, while simple, is elevated by the film's overall execution.

Cinematography:
The cinematography is excellent, maintaining the mood of the film throughout. Some camera angles are particularly noteworthy.

Editor:
The editor has done a great job, ensuring that the pacing aligns with the film's tone, keeping the audience engaged.

Music Director:
The music complements the action sequences perfectly, especially during Ma Dong-seok's scenes. The background score is a standout.

Strengths:

• Performances
• Action sequences
• Music

Weakness:

• Dragged in the middle

My Personal Take on Cinema:

The Roundup is a solid sequel to The Outlaws, offering fast pacing and thrilling action sequences. The director has done a commendable job, despite the straightforward storyline. The performances, cinematography, and music work harmoniously, with Ma Dong-seok's unmatched aura and comic timing being particularly enjoyable. Overall, The Roundup is a treat for action lovers and a watchable movie for others.

Rating:

3/5