The Outlaws

The Outlaws is a 2017 Korean action film about a group of gangsters who are causing chaos in the neighborhood of Cheonan. The film stars Ma Dong-seok as Ma Seok-do, a detective who gets assigned to the case, and Yoon Kyesang as Jang Chen, the leader of the Chinese gang. Jo Jae-yoon also stars as the ruthless gangster, Boss Bae.

The story begins with a shot of a street in Cheonan, showing how the city is divided into different territories by various gangs. The opening scene immediately sets up the tense and gritty tone of the film. Soon, we witness a group of Chinese gangsters led by Jang Chen, causing mayhem at a local restaurant - this scene lets the audience know that Jang Chen is not to be trifled with. It's here that we also meet Ma Seok-do, a cop who arrives on the scene to take control of the situation.

Ma Seok-do is introduced as a tough and seasoned detective who won't back down even in the face of great danger. He quickly recognizes the severity of the situation and decides to take down Jang Chen's gang by any means necessary. His plan calls for him to track down the members of the Chinese gang and gather as much information on them as he can.

As the investigation continues, the audience is introduced to Jang Chen's crew and the hierarchy of the Chinese gang. It becomes clear that Jang Chen is not just any ordinary gangster; he's well-organized and ruthless, and he has the power to control the illegal operations in Cheonan. In contrast, Boss Bae is another formidable villain who operates in the area - a Korean gangster who controls the the area's security and runs multiple businesses. He is also one of the targets in Ma Seok-do's plot to take down the Chinese gang.

The tension ramps up as Ma Seok-do and his team close in on the gangsters' operations. The scenes of violence and bloodshed are expertly choreographed, making it easy to stay engaged in the story. The film effectively conveys the brutality of the criminal underworld, showing how the people who live there must live in constant fear. It's also worth mentioning that the film is not afraid to tackle racial tensions head-on, especially considering the Chinese and Korean cultures depicted in it.

Throughout the story, Ma Seok-do proves himself to be a formidable opponent for Jang Chen and his associates. His no-nonsense attitude adds to the film's immersive action scenes. However, the film also explores Ma Seok-do's personal life and the sacrifices that he has made to keep his job. The audience sees different sides of his character and, as a result, empathizes with him even more.

The visual effects are also noteworthy, especially how they capture the look and feel of the city. The Outlaws places emphasis on the city's seedy underbelly, where the darker parts of humanity reside. Even the setting of the film seems to reflect this aspect. It doesn't shy away from establishing the rough world, where violence can break out anywhere and at any time, and where evil characters can thrive.

Aside from the excellent performances, another aspect of the film that stands out is its soundtrack. It's composed of memorable tunes that are both energetic and haunting, adding to the overall feel of the movie.

In summary, The Outlaws is a gripping action-thriller that explores the gritty sides of the Korean criminal underworld. With outstanding performances, a strong storyline, and cinematic scenes, it's easy to see why it has become a fan-favorite. If you're looking for a movie that's thrilling from start to finish, The Outlaws is a perfect pick.