The Roundup

The Roundup

Year: 2022

Runtime: 106 mins

Language: Korean

Director: Lee Sang-yong

Echo Score: 87

Budget: $7.6M

CrimeActionAdventureThrillerCrime

The relentless ‘Beast Cop’ Ma Seok-do is dispatched overseas to bring a suspect back for trial. Upon arrival, he finds himself embroiled in a series of unsettling murder cases, uncovering a pattern of crimes targeting tourists. A dangerous killer has been operating in the country for years, and Ma Seok-do must track them down and bring them to justice while navigating unfamiliar territory and cultural differences.

The Roundup (2022) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Roundup (2022) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, the relentless “Beast Cop” Ma Seok‑do is pulled far from his familiar precinct to a foreign land where the rules of law feel as tangled as the city’s traffic. Tasked with escorting a suspect back to South Korea, his mission quickly drifts beyond simple extradition, thrusting him into a world where language barriers, unfamiliar customs, and a restless urban pulse test every instinct he’s honed back home.

The film paints Vietnam with a gritty, kinetic palette— neon‑lit markets, humid alleyways, and the constant hum of motorbikes create a backdrop that feels both exotic and hostile. As Ma Seok‑do navigates this unfamiliar terrain, the atmosphere tightens with an undercurrent of dread: a series of unsettling murders targeting visitors hints at a predator lurking in the shadows, turning the city itself into a maze of suspicion and danger.

At his side is the steady, pragmatic Jeon Il‑man, a fellow officer whose loyalty and calm counterbalance Ma Seok‑do’s ferocious drive. Their partnership, forged in past battles, now faces the strain of cultural dissonance and the pressure of an escalating crisis that respects no borders. Together they must decipher clues that slip through the neon glare, relying on gritty street‑wise tactics while contending with local authorities whose cooperation is anything but guaranteed.

“The Roundup” blends high‑octane action with a procedural edge, delivering a tense, pulse‑pounding chase that feels as much about personal resolve as it is about justice. The film’s tone—sharp, relentless, and tinged with the heat of an unfamiliar city—keeps viewers on edge, wondering how far the Beast Cop will go when the line between hunter and hunted blurs in a land far from home.

Last Updated: November 25, 2025 at 14:43

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Relentless International Manhunts like in The Roundup

Action-packed stories where determined cops chase dangerous criminals across borders.If you enjoyed the high-stakes cross-border pursuit in The Roundup, you'll like these movies. This thread gathers fast-paced action thrillers and police procedurals where determined detectives must navigate foreign lands and cultures to bring dangerous criminals to justice.

tenseaction-packedsuspensefulrelentlessgrittymethodicalhigh-stakes

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a linear, goal-oriented path: a crime sparks an investigation that quickly escalates into an international pursuit. The protagonist, often a fish-out-of-water in a new country, uses their unique skills and relentless determination to close in on a formidable antagonist, leading to a series of confrontations.

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Movies in this thread share a core focus on the procedural challenge and explosive action of a cross-border chase. They generate tension through the protagonist's unfamiliarity with their surroundings and the high stakes of operating outside their usual jurisdiction, all while maintaining a fast, propulsive pace.

Procedural Action Thrillers with intense cop action like The Roundup

Gritty, fast-moving stories where tough cops solve cases with fists and instinct.Fans of The Roundup's blend of detective work and brutal action will enjoy these movies. This collection highlights gritty crime films where the investigation is straightforward and the resolution is achieved through satisfying, high-intensity confrontations led by a formidable protagonist.

grittytenseaction-packedrelentlesssuspensefulmethodicalviolentcathartic

Narrative Summary

The narrative is straightforward, following the beats of a police investigation that escalates into direct, physical conflict. The protagonist's character arc is often minimal, with the emphasis placed on their competence and resilience in overcoming a vicious antagonist through a series of action set-pieces.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared DNA: a focus on action-driven crime-solving, a physically capable and determined lead character, a tense and gritty mood, and a narrative that prioritizes forward momentum and visceral satisfaction over complex themes or emotional weight.

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The Roundup Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Roundup

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Roundup

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