The kind of cop film we are screaming and begging for here in the states. It’s maybe a bit of a throwback to supercops of the past, but it doesn’t feel anachronistic or tired. If anything, it felt rejuvenating. It’s not to say that there aren’t similar police/military/etc. figures out there, but none are as fun as Ma Seok-do.
I, sadly, had not seen the predecessor (which I now really would like to check out). I wonder how much better the further context would make this bad boy.
Ma Dong-seok is a dominating force, both with his physical stature and his charisma. As the put upon, no nonsense, hulking cop pushing to do his job while trying not to take the crap being thrown his way. He is not eager to break the rules, but does so with aplomb if necessary, though in a seemingly kindly manner. He is not trying to flaunt his rule breaking or power position, he is just slipping by those barriers to get the job done.
Other than his knockout brawn and likable persona, what makes this film churn at an exhilarating clip is the intensity of the violence. Sukku Son’s Kang is a malevolent force of nature as the antagonist, with his disturbing plots and his blood hungry machete. He is extremely compelling and plays well with the smorgasbord of well-done side characters.
This is a very cool and energizing cop/crime drama that brings both brutality and buoyancy. Ma is a star and the Roundup rounds out quite nicely.