The Outlaws, also known in some parts of the world as “Crime City,” is a 2017 crime action thriller from South Korea directed by Kang Yoon Sung and starring Yoon Kye-Sang and Ma Dong Seok that tells the stories between two rival gangs starting a big turf war in the Guro District of Seoul.
The movie became an instant hit and spawned two sequels titled: The Roundup in 2022 and The Roundup: No Way Out in 2023. Today, we’re going to focus on the details concerning the filming locations for the first movie.
The Outlaws Filming Locations
The cast and crew shot this movie in Seoul, South Korea, between 27 February and 19 July 2017, in different parts of that bustling city. With a six million dollar budget, the movie became a local box office hit, raking in 56.9 million dollars, and later became a cultural icon that spawned two sequels of crime thrillers.
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Guro District, Seoul
The Guro District of Seoul served as the primary filming location for the action-packed movie, Crime City. Situated in this district is a vibrant nightlife scene, where neon lights illuminate the bustling markets, offering an array of vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas.
Notably, the Guro District has lent its distinctive atmosphere to other renowned films such as Oldboy (2003) and Return (2018), further cementing its status as an iconic backdrop for cinematic creations.
Throughout Crime City, the movie’s exhilarating action scenes were crafted across various locations within the Guro District. One memorable sequence involved the gang’s daring escape from the clutches of the police as they fearlessly plunged into the depths of the Yeouido Han River after leaping from a nearby bridge. This gripping moment was captured on film, showcasing the district’s unique blend of urbanity and natural beauty.
With its rich tapestry of sights and sounds, the Guro District of Seoul immerses viewers in a captivating world of crime and intrigue, leaving an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.
Gangnam District, Seoul
The Gangnam District of Seoul, a vibrant and bustling neighborhood, played a significant role as a filming location for this captivating movie. The talented crew meticulously captured numerous scenes amidst the futuristic backdrop of the Seocho District, showcasing its sleek architecture and modern charm. Additionally, the film featured captivating shots in various apartment buildings, immersing viewers in the everyday lives of the characters.
Apgujeong
Furthermore, the movie portrayed vivid scenes in the lively Apgujeong area, renowned for its luxurious shopping opportunities and vibrant nightlife. This dynamic district offered a perfect setting for the unfolding of gripping plot twists and character interactions, adding depth and authenticity to the storytelling.
The movie’s climactic moment takes place atop a building adjacent to the Gangnam Express Bus Terminal, captivating audiences with a heart-pounding car chase sequence filled with explosive action and intense gunfire. This thrilling scene quickly became one of the film’s most talked-about highlights, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.
By exploring various districts of Seoul, this remarkable film beautifully captured the dichotomy of the city’s energy and serenity. From the bustling streets and fast pace of Seoul to the quieter corners of this vast metropolis, the movie offered a captivating visual journey through the diverse faces of the city, leaving viewers enthralled and yearning for more.
And it did indeed because, in the following years, two more sequel movies took place that was also shot in Seoul as the plot expanded and the gang wars portrayed in the film expanded.
All in all, if you’re a big fan of Korean action movies, then 2017’s “The Outlaws” is the kind of movie you don’t want to miss because it tells you a lot about the city, about its people, the slang and the incredible detail, editing and cinematography behind it that makes for a great movie.
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