The Roundup: A New Beginning opens in Vietnam on April 24. This is the fourth installment in the action-comedy film series Roundup , starring the renowned actor Ma Dong Seok in the lead role.
An External Appearance That Resonates with Audiences
I arrived at the cinema to see how the “giant” was portrayed as “the king of the action genre.” This title is particularly relevant in Asian markets, where figures like Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan come to mind, or even further back with the likes of Jet Li. Who wouldn’t appreciate a muscular physique and a charismatic demeanor like theirs? Therefore, when Ma Dong Seok made the list, many considered him a unique standout.
In addition to Ma Dong Seok’s impressive reputation, The Roundup: A New Beginning has garnered widespread attention from Western media following its premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival 2024. According to Variety , “ The Roundup: A New Beginning is a perfectly crafted film with a sharp focus on visual and sound design, interspersed with humorous scenes and thrilling action sequences, all contributing to a captivating entertainment experience.”
The film’s plot is quite familiar, revolving around the high-tech crime investigations led by Inspector Ma Seok Do (played by Ma Dong Seok). The narrative begins with the relentless inspector Baek Chang Gi (Kim Moo Yul), an elite officer controlling a criminal organization involved in illegal activities. However, the film’s premise takes a twist, as the police are now in pursuit of the inspector himself. It is also worth noting that in the Korean film industry, Ma Dong Seok and Kim Moo Yul are known as a “murderous duo,” having previously collaborated in the 2019 film The Outlaws .
Despite the film’s conventional formula, the visually striking elements of The Roundup: A New Beginning create an impressive spectacle. Other films have successfully executed this style, whether from Asia, Europe, or the Americas. However, the greatest appeal of The Roundup: A New Beginning lies in its cleverly woven comedic moments interspersed with thrilling action sequences.
Let’s not forget the excellence demonstrated by the South Korean film industry in recent years, which has been hard to overlook. Police University is similar, Detective Chinatown is comparable, and even blockbuster hits from last year, The Drug King , follow this trend. Moreover, a significant similarity to The Drug King is that both films tackle the issue of police corruption.
“It was immensely satisfying to watch this film,” “The funniest film in the series,” “The humorous situations presented throughout the film,” “The action scenes were incredibly intense,” “Character Jang Yi Soo made the audience laugh every time he appeared, while the role of Baek Chang Gi made the film even more entertaining with his captivating presence”… are among the various reviews from audiences about The Roundup: A New Beginning .
There’s an interesting aspect about the film that highlights the impressive visuals of The Roundup: A New Beginning , which can create a strong impact. Those who came before it have often accomplished this, be it films from Asia, Europe, or America. However, the most significant attraction of The Roundup: A New Beginning comes from the comically infused elements seamlessly integrated with thrilling action sequences.
Emotional Depth
Of course, the actors’ performances, combined with a solid script, captivating visuals, and meticulous cinematography, are essential for a film to quickly win over audiences.
Regarding this aspect, director Heo Myung Haeng undoubtedly deserves praise. Not only does he focus on the two main leads, but Heo Myung Haeng also dedicates significant attention to the supporting cast of the film.
Lee Dong Hwi’s character Chang Dong Cheol evokes connections to a notorious criminal known as “the god of thugs,” while Park Ji Hwan’s role as the bumbling gang member, Jang Yi Soo, keeps the audience engaged throughout his appearances.
One notable risk taken by the director was giving Jang Yi Soo a significant role in a narrative that could easily have leaned into a more comedic portrayal, but instead, it added depth to the character.
In South Korea, the film has swept the box office with over 830,000 tickets sold, officially surpassing The Drug King and becoming the highest-grossing film of 2024 in the country.
Another reason many Vietnamese audiences share their enthusiasm for the film is its underlying messages about personal sacrifice and faith in the law. “While justice may ultimately prevail, the movie emphasizes the importance of entertainment value. It also explores the darker corners of modern society, such as corruption, which makes it very relatable,” shared director Ha Le after the film’s screening.
The Roundup: A New Beginning resembles other films that dominate the entertainment landscape; if you were to ask viewers what they think of this film, they would likely say: it’s thrilling, entertaining, and even if there’s a sequel, it could still be enjoyable!
