Fuerza bruta: Castigo

No pun intended - the movie takes a step into modern crime. Apparently the Round up series is going to have many more entries. And I will watch them all and I know if Don Lee is in them, I will enjoy them in different degrees .. but I will enjoy them. The second one still remains the best - I was thinking about giving this an 8 ... but decided to go with a 9 like with the rest of them.

There is less with side characters, but still more than enough! The mascot is back - well I am calling him that. A "small" time criminal, who has a love hate relationship with our main character here. And quite a few more return too. Of course Don Lee as the main character has to be back too. And we have a bit of a break(through) compared to the other 3 movies. Usually you had him entering and us seeing only his back in the very first scene. This time the very first shot is straight up his face. Though to be fair, we ... feel his presence way before that. A really good entry once again - just different than the other movies.

We also do not get the ... usual interrogation scene. We do get a mixture of things used before though (the making the criminal being afraid of his life and in another scene the .... "helmet" method - if you know, you know) ... and both things work.

The movie is quite violent, but also has quite the funny and chill moments. Don Lees character not being able to understand technical terms is just hilarious ... as are his attempts to use words of wisdom he has heard ... to pep up/talk others ... but that is why we love him.

Other good news: we get a really good bad guy. Was a bit of a problem (at least for me) in the third one. And still not as good as the one in the second movie ... but a step up as I said. If you liked Bud Spencer ... you will have fun with the antics that this movie is giving you! You can feel every punch ... you don't need 3D for this ... just a good sound system!

I was waiting for this movie since couple of months, and last night i saw this movie,, this Francaise is famous for its hand combat fight sequence, but unfortunately this is the least fighting movie of this Francaise, and story also is not that gripping, basically the movie is about online gambling gang, the antagonist is good at the start, but the last scene was not to the point, my man don lee is good but i missed his aura in this movie, i think the best movie of this Francaise is the last one, which released in 2023. After watching that one i was eagerly waiting for this one, but after watching this one i am disappointed,

One of the most gripping scenes in "The Roundup: Punishment" is the final confrontation between the protagonist, Detective Ma Seok-do (played by Ma Dong-seok), and the film's main antagonist. This climactic battle is a defining moment in the film, showcasing the intense action and emotional stakes.

Why It Stands Out:

Intense Action:

The scene is packed with high-octane action, featuring intense hand-to-hand combat and expertly choreographed fight sequences. The raw physicality and power displayed by Ma Seok-do are both thrilling and satisfying to watch. The choreography is well-executed, emphasizing the brutality and stakes of the confrontation.

Character Development:

This scene highlights the determination and resilience of Detective Ma Seok-do. Throughout the film, he is portrayed as a relentless and tough character, and the final confrontation encapsulates his unwavering dedication to justice. The antagonist's character is also fleshed out, making the battle not just a physical struggle but a clash of ideologies.

Those of you who have watched the three previous The Roundup films will surely be familiar with the formula of this film series, namely detective Ma Seok-do and his team are faced with a criminal case that they must investigate in depth. For his latest film, namely The Roundup: Punishment, Seok-do and his team now have to deal with an online gambling syndicate which also causes several horrific murder incidents.

What clearly differentiates Punishment from the previous film The Roundup is that Seok-do and his team now have to face cyber crimes that they have never investigated before. Seok-do and his team's ignorance about cybercrime is clearly an important point in the comedy elements of this film. Plus, Seok-do has to work with ridiculous thugs to carry out his mission.

As an action film starring Ma Dong-seok, you certainly don't need to doubt the action presented in Punishment. You can see Ma Dong-seok's boxing and slamming action, which without hesitation kills the criminals, so the action feels satisfying. Apart from that, the villain in this film also has a quite cruel character, where he kills his targets very cruelly. The display of blood adds to the intensity of the action in this film.

Once again we see here why Don Lee is an absolute powerhouse in action cinema. From his impeccable mannerisms to his commanding body language, he owns the screen with every step. The way he walks, talks, and delivers his trademark humor is nothing short of mesmerizing, making his character truly unforgettable. This is a prime example of how subtle yet impactful a performance can be. Don Lee's portrayal continues to be a masterclass in charisma, with his physicality and humor effortlessly blending into the narrative.

As with previous films in this franchise, the villain arc is expertly developed, adding depth to the antagonist. The build-up to the eventual face-off is expertly paced, and the tension is palpable. As the story nears the climactic showdown, you can feel the anticipation mount, knowing the inevitable confrontation between the detective and villain is coming, and it does not disappoint.

The cinematography also deserves a special mention. The fight sequences are shot with such intensity and precision that you can feel the impact of every punch, making you root for the detective with every move. The camera work keeps you immersed in the action, and there's a rawness to the fights that adds to the realism. It's this attention to detail that makes you feel like you're right there in the middle of the action.

Now, as an Indian, I have to mention the way some of these films get adapted into Hindi cinema. Don Lee's films are often reworked poorly in our industry, particularly when it comes to the action. Salman Khan and his entourage, who are known for borrowing from these films, often fail to understand the essence of the original action. In The Roundup, the action scenes are straightforward and free from the unnecessary slow-motion sequences that plague most Bollywood action films. There's no fancy acrobatics, no over-the-top stunts, just a simple detective delivering punches, and that is where the magic lies. The simplicity and rawness of the action make it feel grounded, authentic, and far more impactful than what we often see in our local adaptations.

Lastly, the humor is another highlight. It's not forced or slapstick; it's woven into the character's interactions and mannerisms, making it all the more natural and enjoyable. The comedic timing complements the darker, action-packed moments, bringing a balance to the overall tone.