11/21/19 - The Gangster, the Cop and the Devil (2019) - 7-/10

This kick-ass adventure is a police thriller, gangster adventure and creepy killer expose all rolled into one; and it works. The center is an electric duo that crackles on the screen, keeping the string taut between “cop vs. criminal “& “buddy duo on the case” flicks. It’s not remaking the wheel, but it does feel fresh and exciting. What it really is Is just f*cking cool. It provides ample action, gritty criminal/cop underworld machinations, and a devious murderer manhunt. All of that is activated with clever plotting and smartly lit/stylized shooting to energize each face and grim event. It all works.

A true play on both the ticking clock thriller, crime/cop fight and serial killer fodder ala I Saw the Devil. A strong effort from Korea, again showing the prevalence of extraordinary storytelling talent present.