Asurado is a 2021 crime and action film directed by Yoon Yeo Chang. The movie revolves around two rival gangs in a prison who stir up trouble until a legendary figure, Lee Tae Sik (played by Lee Seol Gu), is transferred to their facility. Upon his arrival, the prison becomes more peaceful, and Tae Sik manages to control the gangs’ members. Things take a dramatic turn when a new head guard arrives at the prison, harboring a grudge against Tae Sik.
The story follows the rivalry between two groups of prisoners led by Kim Dae Ho (Jung Mi Nam) and Lee Jeong Hoon (Hwang In Mu). Both groups are always causing trouble within the prison’s walls until Tae Sik’s arrival. His reputation as a formidable opponent puts a stop to their fighting and restores some harmony. Unfortunately, this newfound serenity is short-lived when a new head guard arrives with a personal vendetta against Tae Sik.
The film’s plot exposes the struggles faced by the head guard, Park Moo Yeong (Lee Dal Hyung), as he tries to manage the prison’s internal affairs. His job gets tougher when he is targeted by Dae Ho, who seeks to eliminate all opposition in the prison. During a confrontation, Dae Ho intimidates Hye Myeong into finding a painter who is incarcerated there.
In the midst of all these challenges, Moo Yeong informs Hye Myeong that the prison will soon receive a heavy-duty mafia member from the national area. Despite Yeong’s fears of an impending disaster, Hye Myeong remains optimistic. The viewers are kept on edge as the story progresses, with the tension rising with each passing moment.
As the plot thickens, Dae Ho learns that Tae Sik is incarcerated alongside them. Ten years before, they were both in the same prison, and Dae Ho is keenly aware of Tae Sik’s legendry reputation. He recounts how Tae Sik easily defeated 100 men in a brawl, further adding to the film’s action-packed scenes. Tae Sik’s arrival marks a turning point in the plot, as he restores peace in the prison with his commanding presence.
Overall, Asurado is a fascinating tale of revenge, highlighting the complexities of managing a prison’s internal affairs. The film balances action and suspense effectively, and the plot twists keep viewers engaged throughout. Jang Gwang, Lee Won Jong, Lee Sol Gu, and Lee Dal Hyung lead the cast with convincing performances. Their on-screen chemistry, combined with the film’s cleverly crafted plot, make Asurado a must-watch for fans of the action and crime genres.
