The South Koreans are adept at making quirky, frenetic thrillers and THE GANGSTER, THE COP, THE DEVIL is no exception to that rule. It's another winning formula in which a volatile, renegade young cop hooks up with his most feared foe, a ruthless gangster played by TRAIN TO BUSAN's Don Lee, in order to track down a sadistic serial killer. Man, Korean serial killer movies are some of the best out there (check out THE CHASER and I SAW THE DEVIL if you don't believe me) and this is no exception. It's a violent tale, funny at times, filled with exciting characters burning up the screen and a handful of electrifying set-pieces involving chases on foot and by vehicle. It's a slightly familiar story which means it lacks the edge of something truly classic like THE YELLOW SEA, but it still delivers the goods - and then some!
102 Reviews
Classic
LiteKoi23 August 2019
The film tells quite a unique story of cops joining forces with gangsters to go after a serial killer.
If you single out all these elements (cops, gangsters, a serial killer, a cop teaming up with a gangster), then I've seen and enjoyed them many times before and yet, I don't think I've ever seen them all come together like this.
So, a unique story that relies on well known archetypes. I thought it handled them well enough.
However, if you're looking for a very plausible story line and a masterful intricate plot, well that's just not what this is about. It's more of a fun, entertaining and somewhat gritty movie that mostly revolves around the dynamic between the cop and the gangster. As such, it was also my main source of enjoyment while watching it.
I also liked the cinematography, the acting (cop, gangster and serial killer), action sequences and fight choreographies. It also has a comedic aspect to it, which surprised me but was very welcome and appreciated. Ma Dong-seok's character was the one that stood out the most to me, then the cop. Like I said, the main strength of the film is the dynamic between them. At least that's how I experienced it.
One thing that frustrated me during this film is the dynamic between the cop and his superior. The dialogues were overly repetitive and I think that this is a good example of where the film is lacking. There isn't a lot of depth in this movie and it suffers from it. Especially when you start to stray away from the dynamic duo (cop and gangster).
That's about it. I had a good time watching it and I'd recommend it to those who enjoy these kinds of detective stories and want to have some fun but don't expect exceptional writting and depth.
I give it a 7.5
If you single out all these elements (cops, gangsters, a serial killer, a cop teaming up with a gangster), then I've seen and enjoyed them many times before and yet, I don't think I've ever seen them all come together like this.
So, a unique story that relies on well known archetypes. I thought it handled them well enough.
However, if you're looking for a very plausible story line and a masterful intricate plot, well that's just not what this is about. It's more of a fun, entertaining and somewhat gritty movie that mostly revolves around the dynamic between the cop and the gangster. As such, it was also my main source of enjoyment while watching it.
I also liked the cinematography, the acting (cop, gangster and serial killer), action sequences and fight choreographies. It also has a comedic aspect to it, which surprised me but was very welcome and appreciated. Ma Dong-seok's character was the one that stood out the most to me, then the cop. Like I said, the main strength of the film is the dynamic between them. At least that's how I experienced it.
One thing that frustrated me during this film is the dynamic between the cop and his superior. The dialogues were overly repetitive and I think that this is a good example of where the film is lacking. There isn't a lot of depth in this movie and it suffers from it. Especially when you start to stray away from the dynamic duo (cop and gangster).
That's about it. I had a good time watching it and I'd recommend it to those who enjoy these kinds of detective stories and want to have some fun but don't expect exceptional writting and depth.
I give it a 7.5
It is worth watching it
Guenniminator2 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
May contain light spoilers!
An over-motivated police officer wants to solve a series of murders, his boss (corrupt, smeared by a gang boss) does not believe in a serial killer. Only when the gang boss himself is accidentally attacked and survives do the police and mafia work together to catch the serial killer. Overall, solid, dark, tough action film, but with two slightly confused plot weaknesses.
An over-motivated police officer wants to solve a series of murders, his boss (corrupt, smeared by a gang boss) does not believe in a serial killer. Only when the gang boss himself is accidentally attacked and survives do the police and mafia work together to catch the serial killer. Overall, solid, dark, tough action film, but with two slightly confused plot weaknesses.
The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil
0U3 February 2020
Pretty enjoyable
simplecreature75-608-5416311 October 2020
Efficient and enthralling
FrenchEddieFelson16 August 2019
This movie is somewhat alike Nappeun Nyeoseokdeul (2014), with the surprising association of a cop (Kim Mu-yeol) and a gangster who heads a local mafia (Ma Dong-seok) in order to track down side by side a villainous serial killer (Kim Sungkyu). An extremely unorthodox attempt but, after all, the end justifies any mean, doesn't it? In spite of a few far-fetched scenes, the dynamic tandem is excellently interpreted and this efficient film is globally based on a breathtaking scenario, spectacular fights and a dark atmosphere.
Highly engaging movie
stavrosalo11 October 2019
This movie was such a treat, it engages you from the first minute till it's last scene.
Ma Dong-Seok's performance was extraordinary and impressive.
It's not one of those dark serial killer movies that Korean cinema is known for, however it's a great movie filled with great chases, tense moments, laughs and but will surely keep you on the edge of your seat.
Furthermore what makes it more interesting is that it's based on true events.
If you are into Korean cinema, this movie is a must watch.
One of, if not THE BEST Korean film I've seen!
Top_Dawg_Critic5 October 2019
I am pleasantly shocked that newbie writer (this film his 3rd) and director (this film his 2nd) Won-Tae Lee came up with this outstanding little gem!
Apparently this film is based on true events, which that alone is enough to pique anyone's interest.
Lee's directing was in par with seasoned Hollywood directors. I'm not a fan of slow-mo shots, but his were few and well placed.
His writing was excellent, especially towards the ending, but I felt the pacing could of been a little better in the first half, and/or the 109 min. run-time edited/cut down to around 90 mins.
The cinematography was good, the score on point, and the casting great, with an exceptional and comical performance by Don Lee.
It's a well deserved 9/10 from me
Apparently this film is based on true events, which that alone is enough to pique anyone's interest.
Lee's directing was in par with seasoned Hollywood directors. I'm not a fan of slow-mo shots, but his were few and well placed.
His writing was excellent, especially towards the ending, but I felt the pacing could of been a little better in the first half, and/or the 109 min. run-time edited/cut down to around 90 mins.
The cinematography was good, the score on point, and the casting great, with an exceptional and comical performance by Don Lee.
It's a well deserved 9/10 from me
Good crime from Korean author
bloodseeker-629619 September 2022
Mafia boss Cheonan Dong-soo was subjected to a daring attack by a serial killer and miraculously survived. To restore his reputation, he teams up with a local detective and decides to take revenge on the criminal.
To find a maniac, the police have to cooperate with organized crime. Detective Jung Tae-seok, who hates the mafia, but understands that he cannot cope alone, takes up the case. Together with the bandit Cheonan Dong-soo, he will try to find the killer and take revenge. Will the heroes be able to defeat evil?
The picture of Korean director Lee Won-tae lacks stars from the sky, but at the same time it has a strong and dynamic plot, decent directing and several, albeit expected plot twists, which nevertheless make you cling to the screen, following the cooperation and rivalry of two seemingly opposing factions that are forced by circumstances to work together.
The film is based on real events. Viewers who are used to seeing classic heavy Korean thrillers may be disappointed, because there are many comedic moments in this film, the plot is very simple and straightforward, without any plot twists. But I liked the film precisely because of its focus on the mass audience, as well as the unusual plot and interesting play of the actors, who played well the spirit of excitement and rivalry in the hunt for a maniac.
The director very skillfully combines action, slasher elements and psychological tension in the frame, and adding here a skillful game with color and competently staged chase scenes (a three-car race is really good), we get an excellent police thriller with light noir elements in a Korean frame.
Let me remind fans of contests that the tape was a participant in an out-of-competition screening in Cannes last year, caused delight and critics, and comrade Sylvester Stallone bought the rights to an English-language remake in which Ma Dong-seok will star, again playing a mafia boss, this time in the made in Hollywood tape.
The idea of the authors of the film seemed insanely interesting, about erasing the line between good and evil when faced with a more terrible 'creature', which is personified by a serial killer performed by Kim Sung-gyu. But the most interesting thing that distinguishes Korean thrillers is that they contain a deep social drama when justice sleeps... Human morality becomes above the law and here we have to make a choice. But what choice the heroes will make remains a secret until the very end.
To find a maniac, the police have to cooperate with organized crime. Detective Jung Tae-seok, who hates the mafia, but understands that he cannot cope alone, takes up the case. Together with the bandit Cheonan Dong-soo, he will try to find the killer and take revenge. Will the heroes be able to defeat evil?
The picture of Korean director Lee Won-tae lacks stars from the sky, but at the same time it has a strong and dynamic plot, decent directing and several, albeit expected plot twists, which nevertheless make you cling to the screen, following the cooperation and rivalry of two seemingly opposing factions that are forced by circumstances to work together.
The film is based on real events. Viewers who are used to seeing classic heavy Korean thrillers may be disappointed, because there are many comedic moments in this film, the plot is very simple and straightforward, without any plot twists. But I liked the film precisely because of its focus on the mass audience, as well as the unusual plot and interesting play of the actors, who played well the spirit of excitement and rivalry in the hunt for a maniac.
The director very skillfully combines action, slasher elements and psychological tension in the frame, and adding here a skillful game with color and competently staged chase scenes (a three-car race is really good), we get an excellent police thriller with light noir elements in a Korean frame.
Let me remind fans of contests that the tape was a participant in an out-of-competition screening in Cannes last year, caused delight and critics, and comrade Sylvester Stallone bought the rights to an English-language remake in which Ma Dong-seok will star, again playing a mafia boss, this time in the made in Hollywood tape.
The idea of the authors of the film seemed insanely interesting, about erasing the line between good and evil when faced with a more terrible 'creature', which is personified by a serial killer performed by Kim Sung-gyu. But the most interesting thing that distinguishes Korean thrillers is that they contain a deep social drama when justice sleeps... Human morality becomes above the law and here we have to make a choice. But what choice the heroes will make remains a secret until the very end.
Ma Dong-seok is a revelation in this insane thrill ride!
nidhunmoviebuff4 October 2020
#LateReview #TheGangsterTheCopTheDevil #Korean #ActionThriller
What a thrill ride! I know am a bit late to the party on this one and boy does it live up to the online hype!
As the name suggests, this nail-biting thriller narrates an ingenious 3-way slug fest amongst a tough-as-nails gangster, a righteous cop and a devilish serial killer.
With the right mix of stylish sequences, unexpected twists and well-choreographed stunt sequences, Korea continues to set the standards for ingenuity in thrillers.
Ma Dong-seok is a revelation as the brutal don Jang and I cannot wait for him to reprise his role on the upcoming Hollywood remake of the movie, bankrolled by the legend Sly Stallone himself
A must watch. Highly recommended.
Good fun
nevermind_8720 September 2019
Great thriller with some really awesome background score. Don Lee really steals the scene. I would have given it a 9 if they had laid out the motive to the mode of the serial killings. Without that, it was slightly unfulfilling. But everything else was great fun.
Decent enough 6.5
drpainters3 April 2020
Contrived and improbable
phd_travel21 May 2020
Ambiguous, Atmospheric and Relief.
Shift_AC_Was_Here9 October 2019
09/10/2019 (3) The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil (2019) 7.3/10
Non-spoiler-ish review :)
A serial killer with a heartless soul roaming around towns. A cop that is dedicated to catching him at all costs. And a gangster leader with a special mission to annihilate this serial killer.
This piece of work has more goods than bads. I would start off by stating the fact that the idea of the movie is fairly original or at least, well-executed.
There was a mutual relationship that gives viewers comedic relieves every now and then. This light up the mood of the movie in lots of times.
There are some acts of the movie that felt rushed. Some Infos seem to be setting up plot lines and major future reveals but they weren't. There were characters that seem to be important but then forgotten.
The director and the writers have good directions in the dialogues and setting up motives for characters. However, some of the scenes were strolled by too quickly for me to feel the burden or the punishment level of certain actions.
Nevertheless, the movie is pretty alright alright. Some flaws every now and then but overall, quite entertaining and satisfying. A good thriller/action flick.
For this year, I was pretty impressed with suspenseful/ action-comedy Korean movies like Parasite and the Hit-and-Run squad. They were both pretty good and worth mentioning really.
Non-spoiler-ish review :)
A serial killer with a heartless soul roaming around towns. A cop that is dedicated to catching him at all costs. And a gangster leader with a special mission to annihilate this serial killer.
This piece of work has more goods than bads. I would start off by stating the fact that the idea of the movie is fairly original or at least, well-executed.
There was a mutual relationship that gives viewers comedic relieves every now and then. This light up the mood of the movie in lots of times.
There are some acts of the movie that felt rushed. Some Infos seem to be setting up plot lines and major future reveals but they weren't. There were characters that seem to be important but then forgotten.
The director and the writers have good directions in the dialogues and setting up motives for characters. However, some of the scenes were strolled by too quickly for me to feel the burden or the punishment level of certain actions.
Nevertheless, the movie is pretty alright alright. Some flaws every now and then but overall, quite entertaining and satisfying. A good thriller/action flick.
For this year, I was pretty impressed with suspenseful/ action-comedy Korean movies like Parasite and the Hit-and-Run squad. They were both pretty good and worth mentioning really.
Action packed, suspenseful, violent crime flick.
imseeg18 May 2023
Ticks off all the right boxes:
Lots of cool, vicious bad guys with one of them being really creepy and sick. On the other hand there are lots of dumb, ambitious cops, which are a laughing stock.
Lots of chases, that are quite riveting to watch. Lots of fist and knife fights, that are beautifully choreaographed and thrilling.
And to top it all off there is this contineous drive and suspense that keeps this story propelling forward.
THE cliffhanger: will they get the serial killer?
This story seems to be based on an actual true story, which is out of this world, because the police and the mob were actually really working together to catch a vicious serial killer.
Any bad? The cops are way too dumb to be real. And the gangsters are often way too cool, to be real as well. They used too many exagerated crime movie stereotypes, but then again, they didnt go too much overboard with these exagerations, therefore it still is an exciting and enjoyable crime flick!
Lots of cool, vicious bad guys with one of them being really creepy and sick. On the other hand there are lots of dumb, ambitious cops, which are a laughing stock.
Lots of chases, that are quite riveting to watch. Lots of fist and knife fights, that are beautifully choreaographed and thrilling.
And to top it all off there is this contineous drive and suspense that keeps this story propelling forward.
THE cliffhanger: will they get the serial killer?
This story seems to be based on an actual true story, which is out of this world, because the police and the mob were actually really working together to catch a vicious serial killer.
Any bad? The cops are way too dumb to be real. And the gangsters are often way too cool, to be real as well. They used too many exagerated crime movie stereotypes, but then again, they didnt go too much overboard with these exagerations, therefore it still is an exciting and enjoyable crime flick!
Solid Entertainer!
SoumikBanerjee19965 April 2020
As an entertaining movie this film stood out pretty well and with some added bonus of captivating performances it has surely caught my attention! The technical sides were well executed too. Especially the cinematography and the overall tonality helped to set the mood. Background score was fitting with the vibe. The action scenes aren't much but They have been presented and choreographed by expert hands. Really liked the leads here the cop and the gangster guy. As a foreign audience I don't know much about them but they must be Pro in their fields; judging by the sheer intensity they represent on screen. Although I must say as much as I adored the performances but didn't really like chemistry build up thing. Their chemistry in-between didn't feel authentic and seemed too uncanny in certain situations. Their friendly gestures towards each other; I still don't get why and how? I mean the gangster guy was ruthless, feared among his men and doesn't like someone who crosses his line but still he was absolutely fine with the cop guy's constant banters and interruptions. That's something I couldn't really relate. Special mention goes to the serial killer guy; he gave a sensational performance. I wished the film have focused more on his backstory or explored in depth with the character rather than giving all attention towards the gang rivalry. A wasted opportunity I reckon. The emotional side was never there, it could have been, if the makers hadn't ignore the antagonist and his nurture as a character.
Good SK Thriller
Pairic11 March 2021
The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil: A South Korean thriller based on a true story. We've had tales of cops linking up with crooks before to pursue a joint interest, but this is a far darker tale where the quarry is a serial killer. He has tried to kill a gang boss, leaving him seriously injured, now the mobster joins up with his old cop enemy to catch the killer. They both know that they will try and cheat the other in the final toss of the dice, the detective want's the murderer brought to justice, the crook wants to kill him. Quite violent, not just the savage crimes committed by the "Devil" but also fights between rival gangsters. There is something eerily dark about watching the killer on the prowl, seeking out his victims, his mthod if stopping them, how he strikes. Maintains the tension throughout, a worthy addition to the South Korean Serial Killer Canon. Written and Directed by Lee Won-tae. On BBC4. 8/10.
Awesome movie!!!
syamsuljohary-5459914 September 2019
It was absolutely great movie for gangster film type. With fighting action, twist plot & nice ending surprisingly me. It was similar to The Outlaws movie that offer more thriller, action & crime scenes. Very good job!!
Another good Korean crime drama
valleyjohn10 April 2021
S I have said before , I don't think I've seen a bad film come of of South Korea.
I especially love their cop films which have an over exaggerated energy that is quite unique and The Gangster, The Cop , The Devil is no different .
After barely surviving a violent attack by an elusive serial killer, crime boss Jang Dong-su finds himself forming an unlikely partnership with local detective Jung Tae-seok to catch the sadistic killer simply known as "K".
This is a blood thirsty serial killer movie that gets straight to the point .
Everyone seems to be on edge as nobody trusts anyone .
It's full of casual violence as well as full on violence, a little bit like a cartoon in some ways.
The story is simple to follow , if not a bit over the top but you don't get to know the serial killer's motives which is a shame .
Ma Dong-Seok is the star of the show . Previously seen in Train To Busan , here he is perfect as the head of the crime organisation and provides a bit of calmness when around the cop who acts like he's drunk fifty cans of Red Bull.
I wouldn't be surprised if this is remade for the American market because the idea of a Gangster teaming up with a cop to catch a killer is a really good one .
I especially love their cop films which have an over exaggerated energy that is quite unique and The Gangster, The Cop , The Devil is no different .
After barely surviving a violent attack by an elusive serial killer, crime boss Jang Dong-su finds himself forming an unlikely partnership with local detective Jung Tae-seok to catch the sadistic killer simply known as "K".
This is a blood thirsty serial killer movie that gets straight to the point .
Everyone seems to be on edge as nobody trusts anyone .
It's full of casual violence as well as full on violence, a little bit like a cartoon in some ways.
The story is simple to follow , if not a bit over the top but you don't get to know the serial killer's motives which is a shame .
Ma Dong-Seok is the star of the show . Previously seen in Train To Busan , here he is perfect as the head of the crime organisation and provides a bit of calmness when around the cop who acts like he's drunk fifty cans of Red Bull.
I wouldn't be surprised if this is remade for the American market because the idea of a Gangster teaming up with a cop to catch a killer is a really good one .
Simple Story line but nice
arbinsubba5 September 2019
Just falls short of its promising premise.
Pjtaylor-96-13804429 March 2021
'The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil (2019)' tells the apparently true story of a maverick cop who teams up with a brutal gang leader to track down an indiscriminate, psychopathic serial killer. The premise is pretty strong, but the execution leaves something to be desired. That's not because the piece is bad, which it isn't, but because it simply doesn't live up to its potential. Put plainly, it's good but not great. Although it has some strong violence and features a few stand-out moments of brutality, it generally feels too glossy for its own good. There just isn't all that much grit here, an issue which is exemplified by an uneven tone and some really out-of-touch music choices. The movie also sails past its logical end-point and ends on an awkwardly elongated denouement, a segment which ought to have either been trimmed or given the time it needed to have a proper impact. Of course, its issues don't stop it from being a generally entertaining experience. It's engaging throughout and it features a few good action sequences. Ma Dong-Seok is also a strong screen presence who outshines pretty much all his co-stars. Overall, it's a solid crime-thriller that just falls short of the promise of its premise. 6/10.
Waste of time. Plainly stupid. And I mean STUPID.
micz8117 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
If you want good action movie - this one is not good. It's mediocre at best.
If you want crime drama, or thriller - this one is none of those. It's just too stupid. The "inrigue" is grotesque, non logical, based on nothing in terms of psychological truth. It's just a bad action movie. Don't be misled.
If you want real chills promissed in the word "Devil" in title - you will be dissapointed. The Devil is just a guy you have seen a looooot in the movies. It's even comical how creators ot this flick try hard to make this persona diabolical. They fail. Large.
If you want something original - forget about it. Everything here is a rip off. Mailny from Se7en and all of the dumb action "cinema pearls" like the Fast and Furious frenchise, and other stuff made with comperable attention to logic, and psychology ;)
If you are a grown up - watch your ceiling instead. It's cheaper, and you will get the same or even better amount of entertainment.
If you want crime drama, or thriller - this one is none of those. It's just too stupid. The "inrigue" is grotesque, non logical, based on nothing in terms of psychological truth. It's just a bad action movie. Don't be misled.
If you want real chills promissed in the word "Devil" in title - you will be dissapointed. The Devil is just a guy you have seen a looooot in the movies. It's even comical how creators ot this flick try hard to make this persona diabolical. They fail. Large.
If you want something original - forget about it. Everything here is a rip off. Mailny from Se7en and all of the dumb action "cinema pearls" like the Fast and Furious frenchise, and other stuff made with comperable attention to logic, and psychology ;)
If you are a grown up - watch your ceiling instead. It's cheaper, and you will get the same or even better amount of entertainment.
Entertaining crime investigation drama...
m-ramanan24 August 2021
RATED 7/10
Language: Korean
Nice crime investigative thriller with good action entertainment. The fun factor and thrills are mixed well. After some point movie become repetitive and got bored bit.
If they maintained the thrill factor bit more, movie would be the perfect entertainer... Worth the watch...
Nice crime investigative thriller with good action entertainment. The fun factor and thrills are mixed well. After some point movie become repetitive and got bored bit.
If they maintained the thrill factor bit more, movie would be the perfect entertainer... Worth the watch...
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