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Home Other News Entertainment

Round Four of ‘The Roundup: Punishment’ Brings Big Fun and Even Bigger Hits

Rob Hunter by Rob Hunter
July 28, 2024
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Round Four of ‘The Roundup: Punishment’ Brings Big Fun and Even Bigger Hits
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Please let this franchise keep delivering one new film per year for the rest of my life. Please.


By Rob Hunter · Published on July 28th, 2024

The 2024 edition of the New York Asian Festival runs July 12th to July 28th. Follow along with our coverage here. And the 28th edition of the Fantasia International Film Festival runs July 18th to August 4th in beautiful Montreal, Quebec. Follow along with our coverage here.

At the risk of repeating myself, the past few years have been very, very good for fans of international action movies. From Hong Kong/China to Norway, from Australia to Japan, we’re getting a strong and steady supply of kick-ass, cathartic brilliance in the form of action cinema. South Korea has long been riding that wave, and their particular prowess has resulted in one of the most purely entertaining action franchises in years. The Roundup: Punishment is the latest in the series delivering big fun and even bigger hits.

A young Korean man is murdered overseas, and Det. Ma Seok-do (Ma Dong-seok aka Don Lee for clarity sake) makes the possible mistake of telling the man’s mother that he’ll make those responsible pay. When the investigation leads to the high-tech world of online gambling and a thug named Baek (Kim Mu-yeol), he’s told the case doesn’t belong with his homicide team. When the evidence points to a high-profile member of the city’s business world named Chang (Lee Dong-hwi), he’s told to tread lightly. He’s told a lot of things, but his fists ain’t listening.

While 2017’s The Outlaws is an unassuming actioner most people dismissed as one and done, it actually laid the groundwork for the sequels to come starting five years later. Films “loosely” inspired by squad of cops in South Korea, headed up by Ma’s even looser cannon with meaty fists and no time for assholes, and a tone blending mild comedy with face-slapping, bone-crunching, knife-slashing action — these are the hallmarks fine-honed by the sequels The Roundup (2022), The Roundup: No Way Out (2023), and now, The Roundup: Punishment. It’s as perfect a formula as you could hope for as Don Lee’s oversized charms enliven both the warm laughs and the bloody beatdowns.

While No Way Out pits Ma against a somewhat lighter villain than two films prior, Punishment sees a return to form on that front with Baek. He’s as brutal a killer as you could hope for, knowing full well that Ma is going to make him pay by the end, and Kim does great work making him both a wickedly efficient fighter (especially when he’s wielding a knife) and a coolly sadistic prick. His fights against Ma thrill as speed and metal meet size and determination, and both performers take great advantage of the space around them resulting in lots of broken walls, furniture, and more.

Those title fights are weightier given the opponent, but Ma’s physical encounters with other bad guys are always and undeniably pure bliss for viewers. He’s big but has speed of his own, and from one-hit knockouts to face slaps that send guys flying, it’s just immensely enjoyable to watch these thug-bugs keep getting in his face. As is the case with the previous films, The Roundup: Punishment keeps its action focused on more grounded encounters as opposed to big stunts or methodically choreographed fights, but it’s no less effective or thrilling in its relative simplicity.

Don Lee sits atop the pyramid describing this film’s (and this franchise’s) enjoyment, as he’s a genuine and charismatic delight. A gentle giant, until his characters are forced to act otherwise, his occasional smile and comedic delivery make for a personality who beefs up any role. As Ma, he gets to unleash “the beast cop” beating down baddies, cracking wise, and letting himself be the butt of the jokes at times. Those are the two pillars beneath him here, the action and the humor, and both continue to be served extremely well. The laughs are aided equally by the script and the supporting cast, most of whom are returning players as part of Ma’s cop squad. One standout, though, is a low-level crook named Jang (Lee Beom-soo) who’s gone straight, still has terrible taste in fashion, and is an easy mark for Ma’s playful manipulation.

This is director Heo Myeong-haeng‘s first go at the franchise, and only his second feature after this year’s Badland Hunters which also stars Don Lee, and The Roundup: Punishment is an absolute knockout. A switch-up at the top can sometimes cause disruption with a sequel, but he picks up where Lee Sang-yong left things to deliver another stellar entry in a franchise that I hope continues gifting us with more pugilistic fun each and every year until I die.

The 2024 edition of the New York Asian Festival runs July 12th to July 28th. Follow along with our coverage here. And the 28th edition of the Fantasia International Film Festival runs July 18th to August 4th in beautiful Montreal, Quebec. Follow along with our coverage here.

Related Topics: Action, Fantasia Film Festival, Ma Dong-seok, NYAFF

Rob Hunter has been writing for Film School Rejects since before you were born, which is weird seeing as he’s so damn young. He’s our Chief Film Critic and Associate Editor and lists ‘Broadcast News’ as his favorite film of all time. Feel free to say hi if you see him on Twitter @FakeRobHunter.

Recommended Reading

With the rise of international action movies from various countries like South Korea, fans have been treated to a plethora of thrilling films in recent years. The Korean action franchise, The Roundup, stands out as a shining example of high-octane entertainment, with its latest installment, The Roundup: Punishment, delivering on all fronts.

The story revolves around Detective Ma Seok-do, portrayed by the charismatic Ma Dong-seok. When a young Korean man is murdered overseas, Ma vows to seek justice against those responsible, leading him into the dangerous world of online gambling and confronting a ruthless thug named Baek. As Ma delves deeper into the case, he uncovers secrets that reach high into the echelons of the city’s elite, including powerful businessman Chang.

Building on the success of its predecessor films, The Roundup: Punishment continues the franchise’s winning formula of blending action with humor. Ma’s larger-than-life presence, coupled with his no-nonsense approach to crime-fighting, makes for a compelling hero who dishes out justice with his fists and wit. The film’s action sequences, choreographed to perfection, showcase Ma’s physical prowess and determination in facing off against formidable foes.

The return to form with the character of Baek adds a menacing presence to the film, as his ruthless nature and deadly skills pose a significant challenge to Ma. The intense fight scenes between the two characters are a highlight, filled with adrenaline-pumping combat and stunning choreography. Additionally, Ma’s interactions with a colorful cast of supporting characters, including his quirky cop squad and reformed criminal Jang, provide moments of levity amidst the action-packed narrative.

Director Heo Myeong-haeng’s masterful direction elevates The Roundup: Punishment to new heights, seamlessly blending humor, action, and drama into a cohesive and thrilling experience. With each sequel building upon the success of its predecessor, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down, thanks in no small part to the magnetic performance of Ma Dong-seok.

In conclusion, The Roundup: Punishment is a must-watch for fans of action cinema, offering a perfect blend of humor, heart-pounding action, and charismatic performances. As the franchise continues to evolve and captivate audiences, it promises to deliver more exhilarating adventures in the years to come. So here’s to hoping that The Roundup franchise keeps churning out films annually, providing endless entertainment for fans worldwide.

For more trending news articles like this, visit DeFi Daily News and stay updated on the latest in entertainment and beyond.



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