Crime films always bring excitement, suspense, and intense action to the screen. These movies come in different styles, from slow-building detective stories to high-energy action-packed thrillers.
Studios keep making these films because audiences love them, and with streaming services making movies more accessible, crime films are more popular than ever.
During the 2010s, crime films in Western media covered a wide range of styles. Movies like The Town gave audiences a realistic look at a life of crime, while Hell or High Water brought a fresh take on the Western crime thriller.
These films showed different aspects of the crime genre, keeping viewers entertained. However, while Hollywood continued producing great crime films, another country started making a strong impact on the genre.
Korea has always been known for making excellent films, but when Parasite won the Oscar for Best Picture in 2020, it brought even more attention to Korean cinema. More people around the world started noticing how incredible Korean films are.
Many crime films from Korea stand out, but The Outlaws (2017) deserves special recognition. Despite Korea’s recent success in entertainment, this film did not get the attention it truly deserves.
“The Outlaws” Delivers Everything You Expect from a Crime Thriller
Like many crime films, The Outlaws is based on real events. The story comes from the Heuksapa incident in 2007, when a gang from China, known as the Heuksapa gang, fought for control against a local Korean gang in Geumcheon, Seoul. The film brings this true story to life, showing the intense battle for power between these groups.
Director Kang Yoon-Sung uses the setting of Geumcheon to add to the film’s dark and intense atmosphere. The way the city is shown makes it feel like a character in the story, reflecting the growing danger and violence. The streets, buildings, and full setting make the film feel real and immersive.
Ma Dong-Seok, also known as Don Lee, plays the lead role of Detective Ma Seok-Do. His job is to keep the peace between these rival gangs, even if it means using extreme violence when necessary. Ma Seok-Do is a powerful and fearless detective who is not afraid to take matters into his own hands.
Dong-Seok became well-known for his role in Train to Busan the year before The Outlaws was released. Since then, he has gained even more popularity and starred in Hollywood films, including Marvel’s Eternals. His performance in The Outlaws proves that he can lead a film with confidence and power.
Kang Yoon-Sung made his directorial debut with this film, and even though it does not introduce anything completely new to the crime thriller genre, it does everything right. The Outlaws follows familiar crime film elements, but the way it presents them makes it exciting and engaging.
The story may feel predictable at times, following well-known crime film patterns, but that does not make it any less thrilling.
The movie keeps audiences engaged with its fast-paced storytelling and intense action sequences. The balance between action and drama is well-executed, making each moment feel important. The pacing builds tension naturally, ensuring that viewers remain interested from beginning to end.
Yoon Kye-Sang plays the role of Jang Chen, the leader of the Black Dragon gang. His performance brings a sense of fear and unpredictability to the character, making him a great antagonist.
The cast as a whole delivers excellent performances, making every character feel real and engaging. Even though they follow familiar crime film roles, they perform them in a way that keeps the audience invested.
Humor Brings a Unique Touch to the Film
Most crime action thrillers focus purely on tension, violence, and serious storytelling. However, The Outlaws does something different by adding humor in a way that feels natural. Unlike some films that force jokes into the script, the humor in The Outlaws feels organic and enhances the story.
Most of the comedy comes from Ma Dong-Seok’s character. His tough, no-nonsense personality is balanced with moments of humor that make him feel more relatable. These comedic moments do not take away from the seriousness of the story. Instead, they add depth to the relationships between the characters and make the film even more enjoyable.
The humor helps make the intense action scenes stand out even more. When a film only focuses on action and tension, it can sometimes become overwhelming. The well-placed comedy in The Outlaws makes the serious moments hit even harder, creating a more well-rounded experience for the audience.
“The Outlaws” Deserved More Attention
Despite its success in Korea, The Outlaws did not receive as much international attention as it should have. The film earned over $52 million worldwide, which is a strong box office performance. However, compared to Parasite, which made $262 million two years later, it remained under the radar for many international viewers.
This does not mean that The Outlaws is any less worthy of being watched. It may not have won an Oscar like Parasite, but it delivers a thrilling and entertaining experience. The film’s ability to mix humor, intense crime storytelling, and high-energy action makes it a standout in Korean cinema.
If you enjoy crime thrillers, The Outlaws is a must-watch. It offers everything that makes the genre exciting while adding a unique touch with its humor and strong character performances. The film keeps you on the edge of your seat and delivers an unforgettable experience.
For those who want to see a well-crafted crime film with a strong lead performance, The Outlaws is worth checking out. It is available for rent on Prime Video in the U.S., making it easily accessible for those looking for a thrilling movie night.
Final Thoughts
Korean cinema continues to impress audiences worldwide, and The Outlaws is a perfect example of why. This crime thriller brings intense action, a gripping story, and well-placed humor to create an unforgettable film.
Ma Dong-Seok shines in the lead role, delivering both power and charisma to his character. The supporting cast also does an excellent job, making every scene feel alive with tension and excitement.
The Outlaws may not have received as much international attention as some other Korean films, but it remains a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers.
With its mix of action, drama, and humor, this film proves that Korean cinema knows how to keep audiences entertained. Whether you are a longtime fan of crime films or just looking for something exciting to watch, The Outlaws is a film that should not be missed.
