The Swindlers (2017)

Synopsis

A neighborhood is in turmoil when what’s called the world’s largest Ponzi scheme collapses. Victims are outraged and near riot. Lives are ruined. Some commit suicide. Mastermind Jang Du-chil (Heo Sung-tae) escapes to China, but not before covering his tracks by having one of his own associates knocked off.

On the TV news, prosecutor Park Hui-su (Yoo Ji-tae) says they’ve confirmed Jang’s death in China. But that associate’s son, Hwang Ji-sung (Hyun Bin), isn’t buying it. He sets sail for China, out for revenge.

Fast-forward eight years. Rumors percolate that Jang actually survived and is back in Korea. Prosecutor Park, it turns out, has an interest in locating and eliminating Jang in order to cover up for his political patrons, who were the actual big guns behind the monumental scam.

Also back in Korea: Hwang, who is now running his own team, who specialize in scamming scammers. Until they have a calamitous run-in with Prosecutor Park. But then Park and Hwang realize they have a common enemy, and so they somewhat reluctantly team up to find and put an end to Jang.

See It

What makes these flicks tick? You’re always wondering … who’s scamming whom? You know it won’t end as the initial plot wants you to believe. So you’re always alert for clues. That’s what makes it absorbing to watch.

Along the way, as expected, there are unexpected revelations. Hwang has unexpected motives. Park has unexpected secrets. There will be double crosses and double double crosses. Allegiances will change.

But hang in there. It won’t be too hard to follow. There’s a satisfying finish, and you can award yourself bonus points if somehow you saw it all ahead of time.