THE GANGSTER, THE COP, THE DEVIL – A Review by John Strange
When you take the elements of a crime thriller and give the audience cops on the take, gangsters, and serial killers you can get a wild ride (if the screenwriters and the director know their craft). Director Won-Tae Lee’s sophomore film mixes good versus bad and throws in yet another bad man, both of whom are pursued by a good cop.
Gang boss Jang Dong-su (Don Lee, the gangster) is placed in the role of victim when the devil (Kim Sung Kyu), a serial killer tries to add him to his list of kills. Tracking the killer is local detective Jung Tae-Seok (Kim Moo Yul) who is hampered in this pursuit by his boss (who just happens to be on the take to the gangs).
The director guides the story of the three sides of this triangle as gangster and cop realize that they have to put aside their animosity and work together to nail this killer.
On the police side the detective is told to stop working on the case because the “Major Crimes” team is now on it. On the gang side, Jang is dealing with elements of the organization that are trying to gain an advantage over him and his endeavors. Unfortunately for the various gang members, disputes tend to be settled with knives and bats (but mostly knives).
With a title like The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil I was expecting a wild ride. I got one. The action is intense and well-orchestrated. The actors are perfect for their roles. You certainly feel that they are who they say they are. I don’t think I want to meet Kim Sung Kyu as I will see his character being beat and laughing at his tormenter all the while he is doing his best enrage him with verbal jabs one after another.
This is an excellent film for lovers of TV shows like “Criminal Minds.” And perhaps a little bit of the blood found on “Dexter” (but this WAY bloodier, remember the knives?). It is topped off with a really interesting car chase and as satisfying an ending as I have seen in a while. Kudos to the director for his creation.
Directed by: Won-Tae Lee
Cast: Don Lee, Kim Moo Yul, Kim Sung Kyu
MPAA Rating: NR
Language: Korean w/ English Subtitles
Selig Rating: A-
Runtime: 110 Min.
Theaters: AMC Grapevine Mills 30
Movie Site: www.wellgousa.com/films/the-gangster-the-cop-the-devil
The Selig Rating Scale:
A – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
B – Good movie
C – OK movie
D – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
F – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
