User reviews

Leavened with humor, this is an epic sized, brutal cops and robbers action movie with quality production values, a script well thought out, good actors and over the top action sequences so well choreographed that they don't defy surface logic. As far as I'm concerned, if it's 'action' of any kind, the South Koreans set the bar for everybody.

With the real-life 'Heuksapa Incident' as backdrop, writer-director Kang Yun-sung makes an impressive feature filmmaking debut in the gritty yet colourfully entertaining crime thriller 'The Outlaws'. Like the 2007 gang turf war that took place in Seoul's notorious Garibong-dong district, Kang builds his film around the entry of ruthless Chinese gangsters who are not afraid to resort to brutal methods in order to muscle into the lucrative criminal underworld of moneylending, gambling and prostitution. Here, their leader is the pony-tailed Jang Chen (former boy-band singer Yoon Kye-sang), who in one of the opening scenes is seen demanding payment of two hundred thousand dollars upon a loan of just thirty thousand and then smashing the debtor's wrist when he pleads for leniency.

Jang is pitted against the tough but kind-hearted Ma Seok-do (Don Lee, otherwise known as Ma Dong-seok) of the Geumbong Police's Serious Crimes Unit - in contrast to Jang, Ma's introduction sees him first walk right up to two men during a knife fight on a public street in broad daylight while on his mobile phone and disarming them without even breaking a sweat. Rather than weed out the various factions of Chinese-Korean gangs who have taken root in the neighbourhood, Ma's approach has been to accommodate them by preserving the balance of power among them, even if it means getting them to sit down in the same room and hug it out as an early sequence involving two rival gangs Venom and Isu demonstrate. Obviously, Jang's entry upends that fragile peace, as the vicious former Changwon gangster takes care of the competition by either stabbing them to death (and disposing them in parts all over the district) or pitting the other gangs against one another.

Though the opening titles suggest some massive clean-up operation, what ensues is really a tactical play orchestrated by Detective Ma and his superior Captain Jeon (Choi Gwl-hwa), who are forced by their bosses to make a PR demonstration that they are in control lest cede charge of the situation to the Seoul Metropolitan Police's homicide department. Ma's plan involves getting the assistance of the local shopkeepers to collect ground intel on Jang's Black Dragon gang - although it does take some persuasion before they are willing to overcome fear of possible reprisal - culminating in a well-coordinated crackdown over the course of a single night to ensnare the entire gang, especially Jang, in one fell swoop. We might add too that viewers will get the pleasure of seeing Ma and Jang go mano-a-mano at each other, and that bruising sequence is as fierce as it is gratifying.

Not surprisingly, the storytelling largely follows the template of a procedural that sees Ma investigate the brutal murder of the Venom gang boss Ahn Sung-hee, following the latter's run-in with Jang over one of his associates' debt. In between, the narrative makes good room for character beats, such as the camaraderie between Ma and his men, the coming-of-age of the team's latest addition Hong-suk (Ha Joon), and Ma's quasi father-son relationship with a teenage boy running a snack cart along one of the district's busy pedestrian street. Through these scenes, Ma's uncompromisingly bad-ass but unmistakably sweet character rises above caricature, elevated by a textured performance by Lee of unexpected emotional heft. Compared to Ma, Jang isn't all that interesting at all, not least because the broad, flowing wig he wears comes off more an unnecessary distraction than some show of true unhinged menace.

On his part, writer-director Kang is just as deserving of credit for his grasp of authenticity. From the bar rooms to the BBQ restaurants to the back alleys and right down to the makeshift container that is Ma's office, each one of the settings feel vivid and real. Kang also eschews the usual stylized fight sequences for messy real-life brawls, and the result is satisfying old-school action that is right at home in a gritty crime picture like this. In fact, there is a lot to admire about what Kang has pulled off in his debut film, which makes up for what it somewhat lacks in narrative polish with sheer visceral realism. It also helps that Kang has a wry sense of humour, knowing exactly when to play it straight and when to inject some levity into the proceedings. Of course, through it all, Lee's larger-than-life lead role shines through, and 'The Outlaws' gets a whole lot more lively, engaging and affecting thanks to him.

I am european and not familiar with asian cultures...which means i probably lost a lot of the humor and details, but i ve always been fond of these kind of movies. The actors succeed in standing out and building report with the viewer. The plotline is nothing new butt the setting and unfolding is well done and the two hours passed by as if it was a blink of the eye. I hope to see something new from this director and lead-actor soon.

The story is built around the sturdy main character accompanied by graphic violence and dry wit. Based on a true event, the film is action-packed but never over-the-top. The final showdown is one of the most enjoyable come-uppances I have seen. I don't know why, but it was very satisfying.

This is a well-made, tight Korean cop thriller that I would definitely recommend.

The ratings for this film doesn't do it any justice. The acting in this film is incredibly strong with the return of Ma Dong Seok with the lead role as a strong minded Police officer. The movie revolves around the 2004 gang conflict in Seoul, South Korea which was a conflict between a local Korean based gang and a Chinese gang known as the Heuksapa. The movie keeps you on the edge of your seat for the whole time and the atmosphere and acting really capture the mood for this movie. This is the first IMDb review I am writing as I usually don't bother but this movie made me write this. Its performance can be shown through its massive success at the Korean box office. I recommend it 100%, you will not regret it.

Solmon bhoiii pretty much Ruined this film by remaking it.

Newb Korean filmmaker Yoon-Seong Kang's writing and directing is worthy enough to embarrass some seasoned Hollywood filmmakers flops I've seen lately. Based on true events, this is the first film in the Crime City series franchise starring the amazing Don Lee. The drama, comedy and action was all top-notch. This is how a blockbuster action comedy is made. All casting and performances were outstanding. The 121 min runtime didn't feel as long with the decent pacing and excellent story-telling. It's a near perfect film. The second installment The Roundup is even better and a perfect film in every aspect. I can't wait for the third film The Roundup: No Way Out. Yoon-Seong Kang should be very proud of his first ever dabble into filmmaking. It's a well deserving 9/10 from me.

In the past when my wife and I would see it's an Asian movie we're about to watch we lowered our expectations immediately. But there is one exception on this rule and that is Korean movies. Koreans know how to make movies and they are by far the best Asian movie producers. The Outlaws (or Beomjoidosi) is again a good Korean movie. This time it's an action/crime movie based on true events. There is also some light comedy present and that's something rare in Asian movies. Dong-seok Ma is playing the main character Seok-do Ma and sometimes he reminded me as a modern Bud Spencer, smacking and slapping people around like it's his daily job. The Outlaws is well made, with good actors and with a story that is not too serious but entertaining. Another winner from South-Korea.

Yoon-sung Kang the master of tone strikes a beautifully haunting picture of paranoia and a horrifying portrait of delicate social commentary in The Outlaws. Ever so charismatic and charming with a stunning screenplay and outstanding performances from the entire cast. Yoon-sung's film is ever so relevant. It subconsciously strikes questionable fear into the void, beautifully executed with a dabble of stinging thriller.

Really it will surprise for action movie fans as well as stunt is awesome...all r acted well..i saw the movie becozz of jackie cimemas recommended this one...

Grt film,action,drama even bit of comedy-i watch 3 Korean/asia films a day-and recently been some good ones-and this is one,def for the collection tonights movie manhunt-john woo;s latest

I love every minute if this movie. Great plot. Awesome fight scene!

Why people are praising so much? I didn't get why these Chinese Gangster suddenly starting killing every gangsters of the town. Even, this movie doesn't clarify or give a clear reason for their doings. What's wrong with the police? They can't even catch three people seriously? All they need to take help from gangster:) Chinese gangster is slaughtering everyone who disobeys him, he doesn't even care about doing it publicly , funny!! One single mucho man can only handle all gangsters, Seriously, doesn't make sense.

The film "The Outlaws" strictly follows the action thriller formula, and the plot is easily predictable. What makes the film distinctive is its extremely brutal and bloody action style. Of all the R-rated movies I've ever seen, this is surely one of the most ferocious. The story is over dramatized in the screenplay. Homicide police definitely carry guns with them in reality while in the movie, police never use guns.

This movie is pretty decent and fun enough to watch, moving at a quick pace with good action scenes. The lead role is played by a rather beefy Korean detective who pretty much behaves like a meat head throughout the movie. It's unlike the Korean movie 'A Hard Day" in which the both the good guy and bad guy pit their wits and intelligence against each other. The plot pretty much relies on the beefy lead detective's strength to solve everything. His approach seems to be basically to go around beating people up. The lead bad guy and his goons, Chinese Koreans, are sinister and quite enjoyable to watch. However, you can't compare the movie, the acting or the plot to to the 'Yellow Sea', which also focused on Chinese ethnic Korean gangsters (and is a superior movie). In parts, it seems quite racist towards Chinese ethnic Koreans. Overall, it was fun. However, at times I couldn't help hoping that the sinister lead bad guy would win, despite him being so evil.

Excellent police/gangster action thriller. Dong-seok Ma, in the lead role was flawless and delivered the funny dialogues superbly. The fact that this was based on real life events, makes in more intriguing to watch in every sense. Kye-Sang Yoon on the other side of the law manages to "UP" the hate factor for the bad guy with his portrayal of the violent head of the Chinese gangster-invader. All round first class action flick!

It's a satisfying action flick with a strong male protagonist beating up villains who make themselves extra vile. It's your standard macho flick where everything revolves around the single strong man, and no one else really matters except as a means to move him closer to resolving the conflict as only he can. They do a good job of making the bad guys appear intimidating, even if logically it's not clear how they're so effective with so few resources and manpower.

There's no cheesy love interest forced in, but in its place are subtle seemingly nationalist vibes that seem to throw shade on immigration from China and Chinese-Koreans (e.g. Snide one-liners at villains that they don't pay taxes or cries from exasperated side-characters that even if they stand up for themselves to repel the immigrant thugs the criminals will just get new IDs and be let back into the country to terrorize them). To this Western viewer these subtle elements caught my attention, but I have no idea the local context in which they'd be received within Korea.

Ultimately, it's all immaterial to the plot, which is fairly straightforward. Bad guys are bad, good guy is tough, tough guy takes out bad guys.

No pun intended - the international title for the sequel to this (see my summary line) really does not give anyone a clue what is happening. I am about to watch that sequel - and luckily enough I did buy this one as a blu ray not so long ago. So of course I had to watch it, to be prepared. Even if there is not much of a connection in the end.

I assume that Ma Dong-seok (also known as Don Lee, which is easier for me to remember - hopefully) will be in it. The sequel that is - and his presence here is being made felt. The introduction itself is ... awesome. Beginning with only seeing the back of his head (a method we have seen for many other cool and strong characters in many other movies), he comes onto the scene ... bored and annoyed with two people about to fight or rather stab each other. As a viewer you may be dissapointed that you are about to miss an action scene ... but fret not! There is a lot of action coming later on - this is just the beginning (no pun intended).

So with the charismatic lead - who reminds me a bit of Bud Spencer ... not a copy of him - but the stoic manner, the strong build and the humor do go into that direction. Again, that is me saying that, you may feel I am way off. Again not claiming he is a copy or anything like that.

He is charismatic and the bad guy in this is too. There is a fine line between all the action and all the humor though. You may feel the movie does not walk that line the way it should. It is really about suspending the disbelief you may feel and have. It is possible to do so - especially because the movie is really well made. Also you can not under any circumstance have problems with violence. While not everything is being graphically depicted - there is a lot of blood on your screen ... there is a lot of mayhem going on too.

Can't wait to watch the sequel - even if the ending did not really hint at it. On the other hand, that was not really necessary and the main character is interesting enough to make a series of these ... I wouldn't mind.

This is probably the best Korean movie of that year. And No Guns. Woahh.

After a long time saw this type of movie..just feel wow

Cops without gunslol. action so so. story so so. main actor ok. not the best Korean movie of 2017.

I usually don't like crime-action movies especially related to gangs or police coz normally it's quite cliche and predictable. BUT OMG this movie is so well plotted, bloody intense and caught my attention every second from the beginning to the end( I am an A.D.D person who usually pause movie at least 5 times during play). The main character is so good at playing this role! This is definitely one of the best films I watched in 2018! If you want something intense, drama ( GOOD DRAMA) with hilarious humor, THIS IS IT!

It's not immediately obvious why «The Outlaws» was such a hit. Korea makes a lot of great films - great action films. And this one, I'll tell you, is a pretty average representative of the genre. What is it that makes it such a hit with people not only in Korea but also abroad?

The answer is simple. The main message of the film is an anti-immigration one. The whole film is permeated with this idea. After all, even Korean bandits, although stupid and law-breaking, are "ours" and can be reasoned with. If you look at the Chinese, they are brutal killers who know neither honour nor mercy. In general, the film appeals to right-wing values: it is not against vigilantism, presents the police in a rather positive way, and points to the importance of community and small business.

There are many phrases in the film that are straight out of the mouths of ordinary people, both from Korea and around the world. Anyone can relate to this film because the themes it raises are universal in their appeal. So, I would like to sum it up in the words of one of the film's characters: «Speak Korean!»

As promised the first installment of the Don Lee 'Crime City' series from 2017. Lee & his squad of wise cracking, forever hungry team of cops are on the case when a trio of new toughs spark a gang war. Disobeying his superiors, Lee does what he does best, swing his all mighty fist until the last bad guy hits the ground. The villain & his minions are the typically vicious sort you come to expect in this urban thriller but after a while their shenanigans soon wears the viewer out. Not much to recommend this one except Lee's implacable attitude in the face of seemingly dire odds w/only his fisticuffs to get him through to the end.

The movie is set in certain parts and time of S. Korea. As this is based on real incidents, there is not a single complaint from me. Yet, the film does start with a worrying depiction of certain segments of the population. As the movie proceeds, you realize that this is not depicting harmful stereotypes, so fair enough

The direction and editing add to the overall appeal of this police procedural. The movie runs at a decent speed and makes you appreciate the hard work the main characters put in as if they were your own teammates.

The villains are believable and the 'dog eat dog' world never ceases to offer up intriguing plot twists. As most characters are flawed, you end up supporting the hero if you are okay with some of his indecencies. Else, your conservative sensibilities could make you hate him too

The twists and turns are innumerable, with a wide array of supporting actors always offering their support this amazing film. There is no end to the good parts of this film, especially the well made hero introduction scene. However, some parts of this film do bore you and wonder if there is anything more to life other than crime or violence for these people. Take a guess, no is the word.