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"The Roundup" is a South Korean action-crime film that takes audiences on a whirlwind of adrenaline and gritty crime-fighting. This 2022 release is a sequel to the widely acclaimed movie "The Outlaws," which came out in 2017. Directed by Lee Sang-yong, this film once again features the indomitable Ma Dong-seok, also known as Don Lee, reprising his iconic role as Detective Ma Seok-do.

The movie picks up the narrative three years after the events of "The Outlaws," with Ma Dong-seok's character, the tough yet endearing Detective Ma, continuing his relentless pursuit of criminal elements that lurk within the streets of Seoul. Ma is an old-school law enforcer with a no-nonsense approach to justice. His methods are straightforward and often physical, embodying the persona of a detective who believes in the power of fists to uphold peace and order. His reputation as an effective crime-buster is well-established, putting fear into the hearts of underworld figures who have had the misfortune of crossing his path.

Joining Ma Dong-seok is Sukku Son, playing Kang Hae-sang, a skilled and determined detective. Alongside, Gwi-hwa Choi returns as Captain Jeon Il-man, who leads the team with a combination of experience, shrewdness, and a touch of bureaucracy. These characters add layers of depth to the film, each with their distinctive approach to law enforcement, which when combined with Ma's hard-hitting style, creates a dynamic and engaging crime-fighting ensemble.

Set in the sprawling urban landscape of Seoul, "The Roundup" transports its audience to a world where crime and vice run rampant, and the stakes are life and death. The film opens with Detective Ma and his team in the midst of a routine crackdown on street-level thugs. However, their seemingly regular duties take a sharp turn when they are called upon to tackle a case that's spreading horror across the nation. Unraveling the threads of this new case, Ma and his team find themselves plunged into a web of brutality and cruelty that demands their utmost courage and resilience.

The narrative unfolds swiftly as the detectives follow the trail of a fearsome new villain, striking a chord of raw intensity and menace that resonates throughout the Seoul underworld. This antagonist proves to be a formidable match for Detective Ma's strength and conviction, leading to cat-and-mouse games marked by furious action set pieces and explosive confrontations. As the quest for justice continues, the detectives are pushed to their limits, both physically and morally, shaking the very foundations of their belief in the law and its role in society.

"The Roundup" is masterful in its portrayal of visceral fight scenes and tightly choreographed action—a testament to Ma Dong-seok's on-screen presence and physical prowess. The film doesn't shy away from graphic violence, often necessary for the plot’s progression and the depiction of the stark realities of fighting crime. It is not just the action that captivates but also the strategic mind games and psychological battles that unfold as the detectives inch closer to their quarry.

Amidst the film's intense focus on crime and punishment, what stands out is the touch of humanity it retains. The characters are not just archetypes; they are complex individuals with their own personal struggles, triumphs, and tragedies that intersect with their professional lives. It's the balance between the relentless pursuit of justice and the underlying human emotion that gives "The Roundup" a depth that resonates with the audience long after the credits roll.

Away from the fast-paced city bustle, the film also ventures into more rural areas, expanding its canvas to encompass the variety of landscapes and communities present in South Korea. This allows for a rich backdrop against which the high-octane narrative unfolds and provides a stark contrast to the brutal nature of the crimes being investigated.

"The Roundup" is a must-watch for those who enjoyed "The Outlaws" or any audience member with a taste for gritty, intense action movies. It's a riveting experience that combines hard-hitting action, multi-dimensional characters, and a layered storyline to deliver a cinematic journey that's both thrilling and thought-provoking. With Ma Dong-seok leading the charge, it’s a movie that confirms his status as one of South Korea's most formidable action stars, and solidifies "The Roundup" as a standout entry in the crime-action genre.

The Roundup is a 2022 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.