★★★★½ (4.5/5) Final Word: A vicious, stylish, and unexpectedly funny thriller where handshake deals are sealed in blood, and the devil always gets his due.
The story kicks off when Kang Kyung-ho targets Jang Dong-soo in a botched assassination attempt. Jang is the first person to ever survive an encounter with "The Devil." Realizing they are hunting the same man, Detective Jung and Boss Jang strike a desperate deal.
In a city plagued by a series of gruesome murders, an unlikely alliance is formed between (played by Ma Dong-seok), a ruthless and cunning gangster, and Kim Kwang-ho (the cop) (played by Kim Jae-wook), a determined and hot-headed detective. the gangster the cop the devil film
Throughout the film, the complex characters and their intricate relationships are expertly woven together, creating a thrilling narrative that explores the blurred lines between good and evil.
Ma Dong-seok brings his signature blend of physical intimidation and dry humor. His performance turns a standard "tough guy" role into something deeply watchable, grounding the film’s more explosive moments. 2. High-Stakes Choreography ★★★★½ (4
The film's success was so significant that a Hollywood remake was announced shortly after, with Sylvester Stallone’s production company attached and Ma Dong-seok set to reprise his role.
Ma Dong-seok (also known as Don Lee) delivers a standout performance, blending menacing physicality with dry humor. Critics have noted that while the "odd couple" dynamic is a familiar trope, the sheer intensity and "bone-crunching" precision of the hand-to-hand combat scenes make it feel fresh. Real Story Connection The film is marketed as being based on a true tale, specifically drawing inspiration from the serial killer cases in South Korea during the mid-2000s. Some viewers have noted parallels to real-life figures like the "Raincoat Killer" Yoo Young-chul, though the specific partnership between a mob boss and a cop is a more theatrical addition for the screen. 10 sites The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil - Wikipedia The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil. ... The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil (Korean: 악인전; lit. 'The story of evil people') is a 2019 So... Wikipedia image for The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil What to Know. ... An odd couple cop thriller with a twist, The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil tells its entertaining story with a bl... Rotten Tomatoes In a city plagued by a series of
They strike a deal: The gangster will use his underworld network to track the killer, while the cop provides forensic evidence and legal cover. The first one to catch "the devil" gets to decide his fate—either a prison cell or a pine box.
Played by the charismatic Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee), Jang is a feared crime lord who values power and respect above all else. After barely surviving a random attack by a serial killer, his reputation is tarnished, driving him to seek bloody retribution.
Upon its release, the film was a massive domestic hit in South Korea and gained significant international attention, even screening at the Cannes Film Festival. Critics praised the film for its tight editing and the chemistry between the leads.
The film's strength lies in its three lead characters, each representing a different corner of the moral triangle.