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Plot Summary

The Thieves (2012) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language
2012 · 135 min · Korean
JustWatch #30,851 1
Directed by
Dong-hun Choi

A skilled group of thieves comes together to execute a daring heist: stealing the Tear of the Sun, a priceless 318-carat diamond valued at $20 million. Their target is a heavily guarded casino, and as they infiltrate, old rivalries resurface and new alliances are forged. With a mysterious figure known as Macao Park orchestrating events from behind the scenes, the team must contend with both the police and each other to successfully claim the diamond.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens: full plot
  3. 3 Plot questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like The Thieves
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch The Thieves (2012)

Where can you watch The Thieves? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Prime Video, Hi-YAH and Kanopy: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in The Thieves: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of The Thieves (2012) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

Yenicall, a skilled cat burglar, captivates the owner of Leesung Gallery, seducing him while plotting to lift a rare artifact. She partners with three accomplices: Popie, the cunning leader, Zampano, his resourceful assistant, and Chewingum, a crafty middle-aged con artist. However, their plans quickly spiral into chaos when they encounter a detective, prompting them to flee South Korea for greater security. They decide to conjoin forces for a heist organized by the legendary master thief Macau Park, who holds a history with Popie as his former boss.

As they unite under Macau Park's guidance, they bring along Pepsee, a recently pardoned safe-cracker. In Hong Kong, Chen, Jonny, and Andrew become part of the crew, collaborating with a talented safe-cracker named Julie. The heist's target is nothing less than the coveted Tear of the Sun, a massive diamond currently in the possession of Tiffany, the mistress to the intimidating crime lord Wei Hong. The audacious scheme involves stealing the diamond while Tiffany is preoccupied at a Macau casino, only to resell it to Wei Hong for an astounding $20 million. Yet this venture carries fatal risks, especially with Wei Hong's notorious reputation for merciless reprisals against betrayers.

While planning, the backstory unravels to reveal unexpected twists. It is discovered that Julie has been masquerading as an undercover officer aiming to apprehend Wei Hong. The Chinese and Korean teams harbor distrust towards Macau Park, leading to conflicting agendas. Chen, Jonny, and Andrew plot to disregard the diamond and make off with Tiffany's cash, while Popie and Pepsee scheme to replace the genuine diamond with a counterfeit.

A pivotal plan for the heist comes together thanks to Tiffany's unsuspecting step-sister's assistance. Chen and Chewingum masquerade as a couple to engage Tiffany at the gambling tables while Yenicall and Zampano navigate through her private suite. The others—Popie, Pepsee, and Julie—are tasked with breaking into safes purportedly guarding the diamond. With a tight timeframe of just 10 minutes before police intervention, tensions rise.

As the operation unfolds, romantic sparks ignite between Chen and Chewingum, leading to an unintentional connection amid the heist chaos. Meanwhile, Zampano tries to confess his feelings for Yenicall, but she evades his questions and activates the heist's plan. Desperation mounts when the reality strikes that neither safe holds the diamond. Amid the confusion, police storm in, leading to a tragic fate for Chen, who is shot, and Chewingum, who meets a grim end in a car collision.

While Johnny manages to evade capture, Yenicall finds an escape route thanks to Zampano's sacrifice for her safety. In a surprising turn, Macau Park, disguised as a janitor, manages to swipe the diamond amidst the chaos. In the shocking aftermath, Popie, Pepsee, and Andrew are detained, leading to a hair-raising escape when their police van tumbles towards the sea. However, Pepsee remains handcuffed and nearly drowns, only to be rescued by Macau Park.

The remaining crew reunites, and a confrontation with Tiffany’s step-sister reveals details of Macau Park's diamond exchange location—the Busan Grand Hotel. After distractions in place, they infiltrate Macau Park's home, where revelations about Popie's treachery come to light, ultimately disrupting their mission. With distrust brewing, Pepsee withdraws, but Yenicall completes the task, swapping the real diamond for a forgery.

At the high-stakes exchange with Wei Hong, everything comes crashing down as the police raid interrupts the meeting, igniting a tumultuous shootout. Popie tricks Yenicall, seizing the diamond for himself but meets his doom as the escape plan collides with fate. Meanwhile, Pepsee witnesses a dramatic showdown where Macau Park narrowly evades death and Julie, another player, turns the tides by gunning down Wei Hong.

Returning to Korea, Pepsee realizes that Yenicall has gone after yet another potential buyer for the diamond. She discovers a deeply valuable gift from Macau Park—precious gold bars. The story concludes as Pepsee crosses paths with Yenicall's conquest, only to be notified that Macau Park has claimed the diamond and hints at a reunion soon, setting the stage for an unforgettable lightweight thriller spiced with deceit, love, and revenge.

Last updated: November 15, 2024 at 19:24

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Plot questions answered

The Thieves Plot Explained: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about The Thieves (2012): what happens in the confusing scenes, why the characters do what they do, the twists, hidden details and what the ending means. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Why does Julie join the heist if she's an undercover police officer?

Julie is revealed to be an undercover Chinese officer aiming to apprehend Wei Hong, the powerful crime lord. Her true identity explains why she possesses exceptional safe-cracking skills and why she initially distrusts Macau Park. She joins the crew to get close to Wei Hong, who is the target of her investigation, using the heist as an opportunity to infiltrate his operation.

Foreshadowing: Julie's exceptional safe-cracking abilities and suspicious distrust of Macau Park hint at her true identity as a law enforcement officer.

  • julie
  • undercover cop
  • wei hong
  • police
  • heist
Q2

Who ends up with the Tear of the Sun diamond at the end?

Macau Park ultimately claims the Tear of the Sun diamond. After the chaotic final exchange with Wei Hong is interrupted by police, Macau Park escapes with the real diamond. At the film's conclusion, he hints to Pepsee that he has the diamond and suggests they will meet again, leaving the diamond's fate sealed with him.

Foreshadowing: Macau Park's earlier actions as a master thief who orchestrates events from behind the scenes foreshadow his ability to outmaneuver everyone.

  • diamond
  • tear of the sun
  • macau park
  • ending
  • heist
Q3

Why does Popie betray the team and take the diamond?

Popie has always been motivated by self-preservation and personal gain. Throughout the heist, he schemes with Pepsee to replace the real diamond with a counterfeit, planning to sell the genuine stone for themselves. During the final exchange with Wei Hong, Popie tricks Yenicall, seizing the diamond for himself and attempting to escape. His betrayal stems from greed and his desire to keep the valuable diamond for his own profit rather than honoring any team agreement.

Foreshadowing: Early signs of Popie's selfish nature appear when he keeps secrets from the team and reveals his history of working with and potentially betraying Macau Park.

  • popie
  • betrayal
  • diamond
  • greedy
  • betray
Q4

How does Macau Park manage to steal the diamond during the casino chaos?

Macau Park exploits the pandemonium that erupts when police storm the casino during the heist. While everyone is focused on escaping or getting caught, he disguises himself as a janitor and slips through the confusion unnoticed. His experience as a legendary master thief allows him to seize the opportunity when all attention is on the fleeing crew and police confrontation, swapping the real diamond for a forgery during the confusion.

Foreshadowing: Macau Park's reputation as a master thief and his history with Popie establish him as someone who operates in shadows.

  • macau park
  • diamond
  • casino
  • disguise
  • steal
Q5

Why does Zampano sacrifice himself for Yenicall during the escape?

Zampano has romantic feelings for Yenicall throughout the film. When the police raid creates chaos at the casino, he helps Yenicall escape by covering her exit, ensuring she gets away safely while he remains behind. His sacrifice demonstrates his commitment to her wellbeing, putting her life above his own survival.

Foreshadowing: Zampano's attempts to confess his feelings to Yenicall earlier in the film establish his deep emotional investment in her safety.

  • zampano
  • yenicall
  • sacrifice
  • escape
  • love
Q6

What happens to Chen and Chewingum during the heist?

Both Chen and Chewingum die during the casino heist. Chen is shot by police during the chaos and does not survive. Chewingum attempts to flee in a car but is killed in a collision while escaping. Their deaths occur as the police storm the casino, marking tragic endings for two of the crew members.

Foreshadowing: The tense atmosphere and the crew's awareness of Wei Hong's deadly reputation foreshadow the fatal risks they face.

  • chen
  • chewingum
  • death
  • police
  • heist
Q7

Why does Pepsee withdraw from the crew after infiltrating Macau Park's home?

After discovering Popie's treachery and deception within the team, Pepsee loses trust in the group dynamic. The revelations about Popie's scheme to betray Macau Park and keep the diamond for himself cause Pepsee to question everyone's motives. Feeling that the team has fractured beyond repair and that survival is uncertain, he decides to leave rather than continue with unreliable partners.

Foreshadowing: Popie's secret dealings with Pepsee earlier in the film create the foundation for this betrayal revelation.

  • pepsee
  • leaves
  • team
  • popie
  • trust
Q8

What is Tiffany's step-sister's role in the heist?

Tiffany's step-sister unknowingly assists the crew by providing crucial information about Tiffany's routine and the casino layout. Her involvement allows the team to execute their plan effectively, particularly enabling Chen and Chewingum to engage Tiffany at the gambling tables while others access her private suite. She is unaware she is helping criminals, and her cooperation is essential to the heist's initial success.

Foreshadowing: The crew's careful planning suggests they have an inside source, which is later revealed through Tiffany's step-sister.

  • tiffany
  • step-sister
  • heist
  • information
  • casino
Q9

What happens between Chen and Chewingum during the heist?

Chen and Chewingum develop a romantic connection while posing as a couple to distract Tiffany at the gambling tables. Their fake relationship evolves into something genuine amid the high-stakes heist. This brief romance adds emotional weight to their tragic deaths, as their relationship ends abruptly when both are killed during the police raid.

Foreshadowing: Their assignment as a couple to distract Tiffany creates the opportunity for their relationship to develop.

  • chen
  • chewingum
  • romance
  • heist
  • relationship
Q10

Why does the police raid interrupt the final diamond exchange with Wei Hong?

Julie, the undercover officer, alerts the police to the illegal transaction. During the high-stakes exchange between the crew and Wei Hong, the police raid interrupts the meeting, triggering a chaotic shootout. Julie's true allegiance becomes clear as she aids in Wei Hong's capture or elimination, using the heist as a setup for his arrest.

Foreshadowing: Julie's identity as an undercover officer and her mission to bring down Wei Hong directly lead to this police intervention.

  • police
  • raid
  • wei hong
  • julie
  • exchange
Q11

What gift does Macau Park leave for Pepsee?

After returning to Korea, Pepsee discovers that Macau Park has left him precious gold bars as a token of appreciation or perhaps as compensation for the ordeal. This valuable gift represents a significant reward for Pepsee's involvement in the heist, regardless of the diamond's ultimate fate.

Foreshadowing: Macau Park's gesture suggests he values loyalty and may have planned this reward regardless of the heist's outcome.

  • pepsee
  • gold bars
  • gift
  • macau park
  • reward
Q12

What does Yenicall do after the heist concludes?

After the heist and its aftermath, Yenicall pursues another potential buyer for the diamond. She remains active in the criminal world, seeking new opportunities to sell valuable items. Pepsee eventually crosses paths with one of her new targets, showing that Yenicall continues her life of crime without pause.

Foreshadowing: Yenicall's established skills as a cat burglar and her independent nature suggest she would continue pursuing profitable heists.

  • yenicall
  • buyer
  • diamond
  • after
  • heist

Movie threads

More Movies Like The Thieves, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The Thieves tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Deception-Fueled Heist Thrillers like The Thieves

High-stakes heist movies where the greatest threat comes from within the crew. If you enjoyed the web of betrayal in 'The Thieves,' discover more movies like it. This collection features tense crime stories where complex heists are complicated by unreliable allies and shocking twists, perfect for fans of clever, action-packed thrillers.

  • tense
  • double-crossing
  • unpredictable
  • cunning
  • paranoid
  • action-packed
  • Tone: tense, paranoid
  • Pacing: fast, chaotic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically follow an ensemble of skilled criminals coming together for a seemingly impossible job. The plot is driven by a complex structure of layered cons, where characters' hidden motives and past rivalries surface, leading to a cascade of betrayals during or after the main event.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped by their shared focus on the psychological gameplay within a criminal team. They prioritize a tense, unpredictable atmosphere over straightforward action, creating a cohesive experience for viewers who enjoy intricate plots where no one is safe.

Movies with Bittersweet Crime Endings like The Thieves

Criminal stories where victory is hollow and comes with a heavy price. For viewers who liked the morally complex conclusion of 'The Thieves,' this list gathers similar stories. Find films where the criminal underworld offers no easy wins, blending elements of victory and tragedy for a poignant, thought-provoking finish.

  • bittersweet
  • tense
  • gritty
  • morally complex
  • action-packed
  • tragic victory
  • Tone: bittersweet, tense
  • Pacing: fast, steady
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative journey in these movies follows ambitious criminals through high-risk endeavors. While the central goal might be technically achieved, the path is littered with collateral damage—fallen allies, broken trusts, and personal sacrifices—resulting in an ending that feels more like a pyrrhic victory than a clear triumph.

Why they belong together: This thread unites films that share a specific emotional payoff: a conclusion that refuses to be purely happy or sad. They resonate with audiences seeking crime stories that reflect the messy, ambiguous consequences of a life of crime, balancing thrilling action with emotional gravity.

If you liked this

Movies Like The Thieves

Similar movies to The Thieves: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

The Thieves (2012) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about The Thieves in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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