The Roundup: Punishment

No pun intended - the movie takes a step into modern crime. Apparently the Round up series is going to have many more entries. And I will watch them all and I know if Don Lee is in them, I will enjoy them in different degrees .. but I will enjoy them. The second one still remains the best - I was thinking about giving this an 8 ... but decided to go with a 9 like with the rest of them.

There is less with side characters, but still more than enough! The mascot is back - well I am calling him that. A "small" time criminal, who has a love hate relationship with our main character here. And quite a few more return too. Of course Don Lee as the main character has to be back too. And we have a bit of a break(through) compared to the other 3 movies. Usually you had him entering and us seeing only his back in the very first scene. This time the very first shot is straight up his face. Though to be fair, we ... feel his presence way before that. A really good entry once again - just different than the other movies.

We also do not get the ... usual interrogation scene. We do get a mixture of things used before though (the making the criminal being afraid of his life and in another scene the .... "helmet" method - if you know, you know) ... and both things work.

The movie is quite violent, but also has quite the funny and chill moments. Don Lees character not being able to understand technical terms is just hilarious ... as are his attempts to use words of wisdom he has heard ... to pep up/talk others ... but that is why we love him.

Other good news: we get a really good bad guy. Was a bit of a problem (at least for me) in the third one. And still not as good as the one in the second movie ... but a step up as I said. If you liked Bud Spencer ... you will have fun with the antics that this movie is giving you! You can feel every punch ... you don't need 3D for this ... just a good sound system!

The baddie resorts to murder a boy in Phillipines. He is running an online casino and further joins hands with another casino owner to target the rivals and create a monopoly of sorts. When the baddie is not given what he is owed, he decides to travel all the way to Seoul to make a brutal point. To his bad luck, Detective Ma Seok-do is teaming with the cyber crime team to take on the online gambling ring. How does the detective punches his way to the villain and get justice to the murdered boy, forms rest of the story.

The Roundup franchise by now has nothing new in terms of the story or even the action scenes. It relies heavily on it's main star and his punches followed up by a couple of comic moments. The fourth installment gets in the older films references and tries to introduce a brute villain but he is still no match to our hero. It is not surprising that the non-action scenes soon get tiring and honestly, I kept waiting for Don Lee to punch as many guys he can until the face off the villain - both the times. I am still going with a lenient rating because Don Lee's punches are still that good. If only, they truly value it enough to lend a good script to back the lead hero. If there is a fifth film, I just hope they work on the antagonist more and not just make him stylishly violent.

We saw this movie on its premiere at Berlinale. Whats so nice at festivals, that you walk into the theater mostly without knowing what is about to come. Eventhough you tend to identify the movie as pure action genre first, it took a bit longer to get to the korean perspective which is different from ours, but oh my good.... that was so refreshing! I enjoyed watching this so much, the story doesnt take itself too seriously, it brought not only drive and action, but smile and laugh in a very special way it touched your heart. Only two words in my mind to describe this movie: warm and kindhearted.

One of the most gripping scenes in "The Roundup: Punishment" is the final confrontation between the protagonist, Detective Ma Seok-do (played by Ma Dong-seok), and the film's main antagonist. This climactic battle is a defining moment in the film, showcasing the intense action and emotional stakes.

Why It Stands Out:

Intense Action:

The scene is packed with high-octane action, featuring intense hand-to-hand combat and expertly choreographed fight sequences. The raw physicality and power displayed by Ma Seok-do are both thrilling and satisfying to watch. The choreography is well-executed, emphasizing the brutality and stakes of the confrontation.

Character Development:

This scene highlights the determination and resilience of Detective Ma Seok-do. Throughout the film, he is portrayed as a relentless and tough character, and the final confrontation encapsulates his unwavering dedication to justice. The antagonist's character is also fleshed out, making the battle not just a physical struggle but a clash of ideologies.

Once again we see here why Don Lee is an absolute powerhouse in action cinema. From his impeccable mannerisms to his commanding body language, he owns the screen with every step. The way he walks, talks, and delivers his trademark humor is nothing short of mesmerizing, making his character truly unforgettable. This is a prime example of how subtle yet impactful a performance can be. Don Lee's portrayal continues to be a masterclass in charisma, with his physicality and humor effortlessly blending into the narrative.

As with previous films in this franchise, the villain arc is expertly developed, adding depth to the antagonist. The build-up to the eventual face-off is expertly paced, and the tension is palpable. As the story nears the climactic showdown, you can feel the anticipation mount, knowing the inevitable confrontation between the detective and villain is coming, and it does not disappoint.

The cinematography also deserves a special mention. The fight sequences are shot with such intensity and precision that you can feel the impact of every punch, making you root for the detective with every move. The camera work keeps you immersed in the action, and there's a rawness to the fights that adds to the realism. It's this attention to detail that makes you feel like you're right there in the middle of the action.

Now, as an Indian, I have to mention the way some of these films get adapted into Hindi cinema. Don Lee's films are often reworked poorly in our industry, particularly when it comes to the action. Salman Khan and his entourage, who are known for borrowing from these films, often fail to understand the essence of the original action. In The Roundup, the action scenes are straightforward and free from the unnecessary slow-motion sequences that plague most Bollywood action films. There's no fancy acrobatics, no over-the-top stunts, just a simple detective delivering punches, and that is where the magic lies. The simplicity and rawness of the action make it feel grounded, authentic, and far more impactful than what we often see in our local adaptations.

Lastly, the humor is another highlight. It's not forced or slapstick; it's woven into the character's interactions and mannerisms, making it all the more natural and enjoyable. The comedic timing complements the darker, action-packed moments, bringing a balance to the overall tone.