Killer thriller shows how simple plots needn’t be dull
A SOUTH Korean city is plagued by stabbings as a mysterious murderer stalks the streets, crashing his car into lone motorists before stabbing them to death.
Police officer Tae-Suk (Kim Moon-yul) believes it to be the work of a serial killer, but the justice system seems to have other ideas, keen to pin the murders on notorious mob boss Dong-Soo (Ma Dong-Seok), who they have been after for years.
With a spider’s web of lies, turf wars and gang rivalry, these two characters form an unlikely team – but it all boils down to who can catch the culprit first.
Written and directed by Lee Won-Tae (Man of Will), this movie is definitely one to catch. Based on a true story, its premise is undeniably enticing – if not all-too familiar. But despite its resemblance to The Other Guys (2010) and Skiptrace (2016), this well-trodden scenario in which opposite ends of the law attract still holds plenty of intrigue. Frankly, the film might as well have been called The Gangster, The Slightly Corrupt Sidekick and the Knife-Wielding Lunatic.
But its visuals, soundtrack and pace are impressive – and impossible not to get caught up in. Leaving behind the grey landscapes that dominate far too many titles in the thriller genre, it instead takes on a vibrant, neon theme, which contrasts nicely with its simple yet haunting storyline.
It is best described as an electric, music-driven action thriller, and if you’re not enticed by the brutal exploits you will be by the fascinating relationships it portrays.
With rhythmic music pulsating from the screen in every fight scene, bright lights reflecting off the puddles of rain and blood, this is a showcase that gets you amped and hyped for the entire 110 minutes.
However, unless you happen to be fluent in South Korean, the subtitles can be a little off-putting.
As with all such films, it is easy to find yourself reading more than you are watching. But the good news is that The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil has already been picked up for an English-language remake by Sylvester Stallone’s production company, with Ma Dong-Seok set to remain the infamous mobster.
This title may be very male-driven – with little to no female characters at all – but that is not to detract from the fact this a job well done, a movie that fits well with stereotypes of the gangster lifestyle and which is highly convincing while being 100 per cent entertaining.
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