The Roundup (2022) is an action crime film from South Korea, which premiered in Indonesia on June 1, 2022. The film was released on May 18, 2022, and became the number one film in Korea’s box office. Starring Ma Dong Seok, the film is the sequel to The Outlaws (2017). The Roundup takes place four years after the combing operation in Garibong-dong. In this film, Detective Ma is assigned to bring back a Korean fugitive who has fled to Vietnam. However, he soon discovers a bigger case involving a serial killer named Kang Hae Sang who has been preying on Korean tourists.
The film begins with Detective Ma becoming a hero after stopping a criminal in the middle of the city. His boss is not pleased and decides to send Ma to Vietnam to bring back a Korean fugitive. Accompanied by Captain Jeon Il Man, Ma arrives in Vietnam and is welcomed by Jang Soon Cheol, a Korean executive dealing with foreign affairs in Vietnam. Upon arriving at Jang Soon Cheol’s workplace, Ma learns that one of the fugitives has surrendered for an inexplicable reason. Ma senses that something is not right and begins to investigate.
Ma tries to gather more information from the surrendered fugitive and discovers Kang Hae Sang’s gruesome serial killer case. Kang has been extorting money from Korean tourists. Ma contacts Gasoline, a Korean in Vietnam, who provides him with information about Kang’s whereabouts. He learns that Kang is being hunted by a hitman named Choi Chun Baek, who was hired to kill him.
While in Vietnam, Ma and Captain Jeon Il Man try to capture Kang, but he manages to escape. They are then deported for their illegal actions in Vietnam. Back in Korea, Ma continues his investigation on Kang, who has kidnapped a victim’s family. Ma has limited time to capture Kang before he disappears again.
Despite being an action crime film, The Roundup has a light plot that is easy to follow. If you haven’t seen The Outlaws, don’t worry because the story is not heavily tied to the previous film. The characters are easy to remember, and the film provides a good mix of action and comedy. The visual effects are good, and the tense fight scenes are well-executed.
The film’s main conflict is a serial killer case that Ma uncovers during his assignment in Vietnam. Though Ma technically has no jurisdiction in Vietnam, his passion for justice leads him to pursue the case, even if it means putting himself in danger.
In conclusion, The Roundup is an action-packed film that showcases Ma Dong Seok’s talent as a tough detective. The film has a light plot, memorable characters, and a good mix of action and comedy that can provide entertainment for viewers looking for an exciting movie experience.
