The Roundup: reviews

What the critics say average 7.3 from 10 outlets

• 9.0 VarietyDennis Harvey It arguably kicks them up a notch further, making for a slam-dunk entertainment that’s already proved a sensation at the home box office. Read
• 8.0 La EstatuillaRicardo Gallegos Whether or not you're a fan of the action genre, you will probably quickly succumb to the charms of “The Roundup”. The fights are fierce and highly satisfying, the choreography puts most Hollywood productions to shame, the comedy is perfectly balanced, the story is absorbing, the storytelling is effective and there are plenty of unexpected twists to hold your attention. Read
• 8.0 MoviementariosFuranu That is what Dong-seok's brusque, charismatic and likeable cop takes on in this sequel, which is even more thrilling and effective than its predecessor. Read
• 8.0 Revista NoticiasLeonardo D'Espósito But what's interesting isn't so much the plot (though it is, mind you) as the balance between action, a complex and intriguing police case and a humour that at times recalls the best of Terence Hill and Bud Spencer. Read
• 8.0 Leer CineSantiago Garcia Fuerza bruta may not be a classic of the genre, but there isn't a single fan of this kind of film who could feel let down. The combination of action, violence and humour is perfect. Read
• 7.0 Otros CinesDiego Batlle The film's mechanism is flawless (clockwork, an old chronicler would say) and one can't help admiring the mastery the Korean artists display in every department (car chases included). But, as we warned at the start, there is also something formulaic about Fuerza bruta, a playing it safe, and in that sense cinema from that country currently offers productions with more risk and capacity to surprise. Read
• 7.0 Página/12Horacio Bernades While it is very well acted (with that naturalness of Korean actors, who never seem to be acting) and directed with gritted teeth, the standout scenes are obviously the action ones, which are very long and take up half or more of Fuerza Bruta. Read
• 6.0 Decine21Pablo de Santiago Shot at a magnificent pace that takes us through the streets of Vietnam and Seoul, the simple plot of Fuerza bruta (there are no euphemisms of any kind in this Spanish title) is gripping and has the virtue of drawing both sides clearly; there are no twists, tricks or script surprises of any kind here. Read
• 6.0 La NaciónGuillermo Courau Although its approach adds nothing innovative beyond the curiosity of where it comes from, what the film offers is very well made, not only on a par with its predecessor but also with the titles that have kept the genre alive over the years (there's more than one reference floating around). Read
• 6.0 La Voz del InteriorRoger Koza Humour takes precedence over tragedy, just as the characters' integrity takes precedence over the use of violence, never restrained, ridiculously excessive and for that very reason harmless. Read