The Outlaws (2017 Film)
The Outlaws (Korean: 범죄도시; RR: BumJoedoshi) is a 2017 South Korean action crime film directed by Kang Yoon-Sung. The film depicts the efforts of police detectives to maintain order in the Chinatown district of Seoul amidst a violent turf war between local criminal gangs and a brutal newcomer from China.
Plot
The narrative centers on Ma Suk-Do, a detective working in Seoul's Chinatown, who attempts to mediate peace between competing local gangs. The situation escalates when Jang Chen, a ruthless loan shark who recently arrived from China, begins using extreme violence to seize control of the territory. Jang Chen is supported by his henchmen, Wei Sung-Rak and Yang-Tae.
Production
The film was directed by Kang Yoon-Sung, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Lee Seok-Geun. Principal photography for the production commenced on February 27, 2017. The story is inspired by the 2007 "Heuksapa Incident," a real-life criminal case in which South Korean authorities arrested 32 members of a criminal organization composed of ethnic Koreans from Yanbian, China.
Cast
The film features an ensemble cast, including:
- Ma Dong-Seok as Ma Suk-Do
- Yoon Kye-Sang as Jang Chen
- Jo Jae-Yun as Boss Hwang Choon-Sik
- Choi Gwi-Hwa as Captain Jeon
- Park Ji-Hwan as Chang Yi-Soo
- Jin Sun-Kyu as Wei Sung-Rak
- Kim Sung-Kyu as Yang-Tae
Reception and Awards
The Outlaws received recognition for its performances and direction. At the 54th Baeksang Arts Awards in 2018, Kang Yoon-Sung was awarded Best New Director. Additionally, at the 38th Blue Dragon Film Awards in 2017, Jin Sun-Kyu received the award for Best Supporting Actor.
Film Series
The Outlaws serves as the inaugural entry in a successful action film franchise. Subsequent installments include The Roundup (2022), The Roundup: No Way Out (2023), and The Roundup: Punishment (2024).