The Roundup: No Way Out - Don Lee Shines in Korea's Action-Packed Crime Thriller
"The Roundup: No Way Out," the latest installment in the popular Crime City series, brings back the beloved character Ma Seok-do, portrayed by Don Lee (Ma Dong-seok), as he tackles crime in South Korea. Directed by Lee Sang-yong, who helmed the previous film in the franchise, this action-packed thriller features Lee Joon-hyuk as the antagonist, supported by a talented ensemble cast.
Set years after the events of the previous movies, "The Roundup: No Way Out" introduces a new wave of crime gripping South Korea. Ma Seok-do must unravel the mystery before innocent lives are further affected, but not without facing a unique set of challenges along the way.
The film delves into the investigation of a multi-country drug ring. While prior knowledge of the series is not necessary, viewers are quickly acquainted with Ma Seok-do, a detective willing to go to any lengths to get the job done. In this installment, the corrupt activities of a police officer involve drug trafficking abroad, attracting the attention of Japanese gangsters. Ma Seok-do joins the Metropolitan Investigation Team to uncover the truth behind the drug trade, leading to a captivating game of cat and mouse.
True to the series, the film showcases Don Lee's signature action scenes, where his character fearlessly confronts criminals against all odds. However, compared to its predecessors, "The Roundup: No Way Out" opts for a slightly more restrained approach to violence, focusing on the thriller and crime elements. This allows the audience to immerse themselves in the unfolding criminal world, despite the absence of a significant emotional arc.
The movie builds tension as a slow burn, but it eventually suffers from pacing issues that become repetitive towards the end. The predictable nature of the plot lessens the impact of the final confrontation between Ma Seok-do and the antagonist, Joo Seung-cheol. Their showdown feels anticlimactic, lacking the necessary intensity seen in earlier entries. While Ma Seok-do's ability to effortlessly take down groups of adversaries remains impressive, the film fails to raise the stakes effectively. The potential consequences of failing to apprehend those behind the drug distribution are overshadowed, diminishing the overall impact.
One notable aspect is the focus on Ma Seok-do as the central character, with the supporting cast receiving limited development. This lack of continuity among characters, combined with time jumps in each new installment, hinders their memorability. Nevertheless, Don Lee delivers a strong performance, fully embodying the role of Ma Seok-do. His portrayal, supported by the comedic elements, elevates the movie despite the shortcomings in character depth.
"The Roundup: No Way Out" represents a missed opportunity to push the boundaries of the series. As plans for future installments and spin-offs are underway, it becomes essential to venture beyond the comfort zone established by previous films. While dedicated fans of the series may enjoy the familiar formula of Ma Seok-do taking on criminals, there is a risk of it becoming repetitive and losing its core audience.
Overall, "The Roundup: No Way Out" is an entertaining film that highlights Don Lee's prowess and offers the expected action-packed experience. However, it falls short in delivering emotional satisfaction and fails to offer a fresh take on the genre. Whether it resonates with viewers ultimately depends on personal taste and expectations.
The Roundup: No Way Out (2023) - info
- Release date: May 31, 2023
- Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
- Director: Sang-yong Lee
- Writer: Kim Min-sung
- Stars: Lee Jun-hyuk, Munetaka Aoki, Ma Dong-seok