This film checks every possible requirement you could have of a film about a police surveillance team following a gang of thieves, but stops short of exceeding those requirements. At the core is a great new-rookie-on-the-team story and each main character is explored in just enough depth, but it doesn't take any risks with the overarching plot.
Something western films like this do is put a lot of effort into "humanising" the baddie character(s) so the audience can relate to their motivations to a certain extent - that doesn't happen here, there's no mistake our antagonist is violent, dangerous, and only looking out for himself (Jung Woo-sung is well cast in this role).
There are many better Korean crime thrillers, but this is still a good one, and somewhat unique amongst the sea of decent Korean crime-gang films. Some great performances and continual tense moments, well-paced throughout.
Something western films like this do is put a lot of effort into "humanising" the baddie character(s) so the audience can relate to their motivations to a certain extent - that doesn't happen here, there's no mistake our antagonist is violent, dangerous, and only looking out for himself (Jung Woo-sung is well cast in this role).
There are many better Korean crime thrillers, but this is still a good one, and somewhat unique amongst the sea of decent Korean crime-gang films. Some great performances and continual tense moments, well-paced throughout.