The Outlaws (The Roundup) (2017)
A hard-hitting Korean crime thriller where a fearless detective and unlikely allies take on a ruthless gang terrorizing Seoul's Chinatown — based on a true story.
The Outlaws (The Roundup) - Movie Information
- Original Title: 범죄도시
- Release Year: 2017
- Directed by: Kang Yun-sung
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller
- Runtime: 2h 1m
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 3, 2017 (South Korea - 19), October 3, 2017 (Mexico - C)
- Alternative Titles: Crime City (US), 犯罪都市 (2017) (CN), Криминален град (BG), Beomjoidos (CL), 犯罪都市 (HK), 범죄도시 (KR), The Outlaws (2017) (MY), Cidade do Crime (BR)
- Production Companies: Hong Film, BA Entertainment
- Production Countries: South Korea
The Outlaws (The Roundup) - Plot
In Chinatown, law and order is turned upside down when a trio of feral Chinese gangsters arrive, start terrorizing civilians, and usurping territory. The beleaguered local gangsters team up with the police, lead by the badass loose cannon Ma Seok-do, to bring them down. Based on a true story.
The Outlaws (The Roundup) - Trailer
See the action unfold in the official trailer for this Korean crime hit:
Kickstarting a plan to mop up the mob in one clean sweep!
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The Outlaws (The Roundup) - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kang Yun-sung
Main Cast
- Don Lee
- Yoon Kye-sang
- Jo Jae-yun
- Choi Gwi-hwa
- Lim Hyung-jun
- Jin Sun-kyu
- Hong Gi-jun
- Heo Dong-won
- Ha Jun
- Kim Sung-kyu
Writers
- Kang Yun-sung
Producers
- Yoo Young-chae
The Outlaws (The Roundup) - FAQs
Is The Outlaws based on a true story?
Yes, The Outlaws is based on real events. The film draws from an actual criminal case that took place in Seoul's Chinatown district in the early 2000s, where Korean-Chinese gang violence erupted and local police worked to restore order. The character of Ma Seok-do is inspired by a real detective.
Who plays Ma Seok-do in The Outlaws?
Don Lee (also known as Ma Dong-seok) plays Ma Seok-do, the hard-hitting, no-nonsense detective at the heart of the film. His imposing physical presence and charismatic screen energy turned Ma Seok-do into one of Korean cinema's most beloved action heroes, spawning a hugely successful franchise.
What is The Outlaws about?
The Outlaws follows detective Ma Seok-do as he tackles a wave of brutal violence unleashed by a trio of Korean-Chinese gangsters in Seoul's Chinatown. With local crime bosses also threatened, an unlikely alliance forms between police and gangsters to drive out the dangerous newcomers. It's gripping, funny, and action-packed.
Does The Outlaws have sequels?
Absolutely — The Outlaws launched a hugely popular franchise. The Roundup followed in 2022, and the series has continued with additional installments featuring Don Lee reprising his iconic role as Ma Seok-do. Each film has performed exceptionally well at the Korean box office, cementing the franchise as a national phenomenon.
Where can you stream The Outlaws?
You can watch The Outlaws on The Roku Channel and Xumo Play with ads at no cost. If you prefer to own or rent it, it's available on Amazon Video and Fandango At Home. Plenty of options to catch this fan-favorite Korean action thriller.
Who directed The Outlaws?
The Outlaws was directed by Kang Yun-sung, who also wrote the screenplay. It marked a major breakthrough for him as a filmmaker. His confident direction — blending raw, kinetic action with sharp comedic timing — gave the film its distinctive energy and helped make it a massive commercial success in South Korea.
How long is The Outlaws?
The Outlaws runs for 121 minutes, or just over two hours. The pacing is brisk throughout, balancing intense action sequences with moments of humor and character development, so the runtime flies by. It's a well-constructed thriller that never overstays its welcome.
How did The Outlaws perform at the box office?
The Outlaws was a remarkable commercial success. Made on a budget of around $5.9 million, it earned over $52 million worldwide — an extraordinary return. In South Korea, it became one of the highest-grossing domestic films of 2017, drawing massive audiences and turning Don Lee into a full-fledged action superstar.
More About The Outlaws (The Roundup)
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