I know that not all our readers have attended Fantastic Fest here in Austin, but if you have, you will know what I mean, this should not be missed. There are plenty of action films here in the USA, but over the last couple of decades of attending Fantastic Fest, I have viewed so many Asian films that have great stories/scripts. When there is action, it moves immediately and does not stop and if it does, it only gives you moments to catch your breath. This Korean crime thriller excels in the storytelling, as well as action scenes that should satisfy any action movie fan.
Directed by Hwang Byeong-gug, this gripping thriller is the first Korean film to explore “yadang”—informants working between law enforcement and the criminal underworld. Set amid Korea’s shifting justice system, it offers a timely look at power, survival, and legal gray zones. He takes the helm of this exciting and exhilarating crime action film, pushes it from zero to 60 in seconds and doesn’t stop pushing. It left me feeling so satisfied to have witnessed a great story, performances as well as action and fight scenes that I had not seen in a while. Are some of the scenes hard to watch? Yes, absolutely, but anyone who reads that a film is a crime thriller is bound to know there is violence, especially when drugs and drug lords are a huge part of the story.
SYNOPSIS – YADANG: THE SNITCH follows Kang-suoo (KANG), a street-savvy survivor caught between the law and the criminal underworld. Falsely accused and sent to prison, he strikes a risky deal with an ambitious prosecutor, Kuoo GKwan-hee (YOO): become an informant and earn his freedom. But as he dives deeper into the dangerous world of drug lords, corrupt officials, and deadly conspiracies, Kang-suoo realizes he’s just a pawn in a much bigger game—where trust is a luxury and betrayal comes at a price.
Kang Ha-neul (Squid Game 2), Yoo Hai-jin (Exhuma), and Park Hae-joon (“When Life Gives You Tangerines” TV series, 12.12: The Day) deliver standout performances for their respective characters. They each have a hand in what is going on, so they bring their characters to life with great authenticity. There are no lame performances in this film.
The film features the work of cinematographer Lee Mo-gae (Exhuma), production designer Lee Mok-won (Train to Busan), costume designer Kwak Jung-ae (Decision to Leave), and stunt coordinator Heo Myeong-haeng (The Roundup franchise).
The film is opening in theaters in the United States and Canada on April 25, 2025.
As this is the first release in the US, here are the theatres in TX where the film is available:
Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex: AMC Grapevine Mills 24 – Grapevine, TX; Cinemark Legacy – Plano, TX; Cinemark Lewisville – Lewisville, TX
Houston Metro: AMC Fountains 18 – Stafford, TX and Star Cinema Grill CITYCENTRE – Houston, TX
Check your local listings soon for showtimes if there are additional cities added.
2025 | 122 minutes | South Korea | Korean w/ English Subtitles | Color | Not Yet Rated
Source: Well Go USA
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