The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil

"The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil" is a South Korean action film released in 2019, directed by Lee Won-tae and presented by CJ Entertainment. This crime thriller stars Ma Dong-seok, known as Don Lee in the Western world, Mu-Yeol Kim and Jeon Bae-soo. The script develops around a unique and compelling plot, taking the audience through a rollercoaster of twists and turns, sprinkled generously with suspense, action, and dark humor.

Set in the backdrop of the gritty underworld of a Korean city in 2005, the story follows a gangster boss, a diligent detective, and an elusive serial killer, showcasing how their worlds inevitably collide. Taking center stage is Jang Dong-soo, played by Ma Dong-seok, a fierce and feared criminal boss known for his brutal strength and short-temper. Yet despite his malevolent reputation, Dong-soo has an unusual code of honor, facilitating the unfolding events.

Riding parallel to the dark and dangerous mob life is detective Jung Tae-seok, portrayed by Mu-Yeol Kim. The character is a focused, no-nonsense cop maintaining an intense disdain for thugs and relentlessly chasing crime, often drawing the ire of his superiors for his aggressive tactics and contempt for authority. Tae-seok represents the justice system, struggling against the tide to enforce the law where it seems nearly impossible.

The eponymous Devil is the enigmatic serial killer that plagues the city, veiled behind the shadows and shielded by anonymity. This cunning killer indiscriminately preys on his victims, with no identifiable pattern or motive, making him elusively dangerous.

The story takes a twist when Dong-soo survives an attack that of the mysterious serial killer. Burning with an intense thirst for revenge, he makes the unlikely decision to team up with the equally motivated Tae-seok. Thus, the narrative takes on the gripping journey of the unlikely duo of cop-gangster as they race against time, and their nature, to hunt down the Devil before he strikes again.

"The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil" takes the 'buddy cop' genre to an unexpected level, blending within it elements of crime, revenge, and a macabre investigative drama. The cinematic ambiance is sewn in the raw alleys of the Korean cityscape, drenching viewers in the underworld's grime and the harsh realities of cop life.

Ma Dong-seok's performance as Dong-soo is arresting. He brings out effectively the character's scary yet surprisingly principled nature, exhibiting a strange amalgamation of cruelty and honor. Simultaneously, Mu-Yeol Kim embodies the character of Tae-seok, skillfully displaying his moralistic fervor, sharp intellect, and indomitable spirit, while Jeon Bae-soo, though his role is not prominently explored, plays it with convincing evil and menacing darkness.

Credit must also be given to director Lee Won-tae who has cleverly woven punctuations of dry humor throughout the fabric of the otherwise dark narrative, offering comic relief to break the intensity building in the film. In doing so, he manages to maintain a delicate balance, ensuring the movie never slips into the realm of pure darkness or despair. The action sequences are well-choreographed, adding a robust sense of realism to the narrative.

Besides the brilliantly developed characters and an engaging storyline, the film’s cinematography also captivates the audience. It beautifully captures the grim and gritty atmosphere of the city and the dark underworld, intensifying the overall mood of the film.

"The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil" is a nail-biting tale that blends multiple genres into a dense cinematic experience. It goes beyond a typical crime thriller, delving into the dark motivation of its characters, reflecting societal reality, and offering viewers a suspenseful and edge-of-your-seat ride. With its high-octane action sequences, engaging storyline, and noteworthy performances, the movie uniquely stands its own in the genre of South Korean crime dramas. Whether you are a fan of Korean cinema or somebody who appreciates a good action-packed crime drama, this movie is sure to leave a lasting impression.