With the promise of Ma Dong-seok reprising his role as Detective Ma Seok-do, an element of familiarity added to my excitement for this film, despite my apprehension about the grist for the sequel mill.
As the first installment of the acclaimed "The Roundup" series, the film boasts its grounding in reality, centered on the infamous incidents that occurred in the Chinatown of Garibong-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul in 2004 and 2007. Released in 2017, this South Korean crime-action film was then, a newcomer director Kang Yoon-sung's debut, featuring prominent actors Ma Dong-seok, known to many as Don Lee, and Yoon Kye-sang.
To be honest, my expectations for "Rogue City", helmed by French filmmaker Olivier Marchal and released on Netflix in 2020 were perhaps unremarkable - a typical police drama, heavy on grit but light on depth, was what I foresaw. But within the film’s intricate maze of tragedy, violence, and corruption, I found a stunningly complex narrative and compelling performances from the likes of French cinema veterans Jean Reno and Lannick Gautry.
"Black Mass," the 2015 cinematic exploration of infamous mobster James "Whitey" Bulger, is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling, character depth, and crime drama aesthetics.
If the 90s were a neon-lit cyberpunk dream, then Hackers is its anthem—a glossy, high-energy ode to the digital revolution that captured the imagination of a generation. Released in 1995, this cult classic, directed by Iain Softley, is a time capsule of dial-up modems, rollerblading hackers, and a world where the internet felt like an uncharted frontier.
The film, written by Zach Baylin and adapted from the non-fiction book The Silent Brotherhood, tackles topics of morality, faith, and societal strife amid a gripping narrative backdrop. Spoilers are avoided but be prepared for a visceral emotional journey—this film doesn't shy away from disturbing truths.
"Absolution," directed by a vision that eludes me, features the formidable Liam Neeson alongside a cast that includes Frankie Shaw, Ron Perlman, and Daniel Diemer. It attempts to take us on an emotional journey of an aging gangster trying to reconnect with his children while the criminal underworld supposedly seeks to thwart his efforts.