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.
Under the vision of talented second-time director Sang-yong Lee, The Roundup, the sequel to the renowned The Outlaws was highly anticipated in what it had promised to bring to the action-thriller line of Korean films. Hoping for exhilarating thrills, an engrossing plotline, and praiseworthy performances, I found myself unraveling the saga of crime and revenge within the kinetic streets of South Korean cinema.
A Noteworthy Voyage, Despite Choppy Waters
Our journey begins four years after the events that unfolded in the predecessor movie, The Outlaws. The storyline sees Detective Ma Seok-do (Ma Dong-seok) and Captain Jeon Il-man (Choi Gwi-hwa) undertaking a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to extradite a suspect. The initial banality slips into complication when they stumble upon a series of horrifically executed murders perpetrated by the troublesome Kang Hae-sung, a role fittingly played by Son Suk-ku.
One thing this sequel perfectly managed is the smooth transition between the comfortable South Korean setting and the chaos-strewn streets of Vietnam. The storyline felt refreshing and appealing, and although the original plot's essence retains, there still lacks a force that could match Yoon Kye-sang's chilling performance in the first film. Sang-yong Lee's script, co-written with Don Lee, however, was a feast of well-integrated sequences of comedy, thrills, and suspense, proving the mastery of the movie's pacing and cadence.
A Cast That Shines, But Slightly Dulls
There is much to be said about the performances from the cast of "The Roundup". Sukku Son's portrayal of the antagonist Kang left me yearning for that elusive spark, a cold reminder that not all villains are crafted equal. While his part was well-executed, it lacked the terror-inducing aura that enveloped Yoon Kye-sang's character in The Outlaws. Nevertheless, his performance limned a sense of credibility to the movie's realistic setting.
Don Lee as Detective Ma Seok-do once again brought back the beloved familiar energy from the first film. His skilful mix of action, humor, and charisma elevated his presence in each scene, making it impossible to look away. In contrast, Choi Gwi-hwa as Captain Jeon offered consistency, forming a familiar anchor for returning fans.
Sang-yong Lee's Flourishing Directorial Surge
Despite my skepticism about Sang-yong Lee's relatively short filmography, his directorial work in The Roundup gave me a gamut of reasons to retract my doubts. The visual mastery that manifests through the action scenes reminded me of a director with years of experience, making it hard to believe it is only his second film. From the shattering blow on a windshield to the meticulously choreographed fight sequence, every shot resonated with craftsmanship. His direction impeccably blended the exotic locales and heart-stopping crime thrill, making The Roundup an edge-of-the-seat flick.
A Sequel That Matches Up... Almost
While "The Roundup" finds a commendable stance as a worthy follow-up, its comparison to The Outlaws is an inevitable inclination. This sequel pens a dramatic shift in tone and narrative, managing to maintain enough familiarity to ensure a smooth transition for its audience. It's explicit that, unlike The Outlaws that soared high on the wings of Yoon Kye-sang's captivating performance, The Roundup hinges more on its intricately constructed action sequences and the arresting charisma of Don Lee.
Yet, one cannot sideline the frames where "The Roundup" falters slightly, navigating into territories of slow pacing especially in the first half of the movie. The narrative's relocation to Vietnam seemed promising, but the lack of adequate cultural and geographical markers, except for occasional appearances from policemen in green, rendered the locale almost invisible. This certain disconnect made me question the authenticity of the setting and diluted the movie's otherwise vibrant aura. While the choice to set a significant portion of the narrative in Vietnam opened up boundless creative potential, the unfulfilled expectation of sensing the vibrancy of Vietnam's culture and its transformation into a mere backdrop was a downturn in my viewing experience. Thus, despite its strengths, The Roundup leaves a trail of misses behind, falling slightly short in its pursuit of recapturing the omnipotent charm of its predecessor.
Conclusion: A Roundup Of Highs and Lows
In the final rundown, "The Roundup" is a deftly directed sequel that trails a bit behind its more impactful predecessor. The subtle underperformance from Son Suk-ku's Kang and the missing emotional connection from the first "Outlaws" film diluted its impact. Still, the compelling performances, especially from Ma Dong-seok, and the adept handling of fight sequences by Sang-yong Lee, added a lot of weight to this sequel. With the potential for further sequels simmering near the surface, my anticipation for what's next in the pipeline remains undeterred, making The Roundup a competent sequel and a commendable addition to the corpus of Korean crime thrillers.
