The Swindlers

In The Swindlers (2017), Hyun Bin stars as Hwang Ji Sung, a master con artist who only deceives other criminals. When a notorious fraudster presumed dead resurfaces, Ji Sung forms an uneasy alliance with a relentless prosecutor, Park Hee Soo (played by Yoo Ji Tae). With both men chasing the same target for different reasons, a dangerous game of deception, betrayal, and high-stakes strategy unfolds. As Ji Sung and Hee Soo dive deeper into the criminal underworld, they recruit an elite team of swindlers, including Nana as Chun Ja, a skilled hacker, and Ahn Se Ha as Section Chief Kim, a crucial insider. Meanwhile, Park Sung Woong as Kwak Seung Gun and Heo Sung Tae as Jang Doo Chil add layers of mystery and conflict to an already intricate scheme. With double-crosses at every turn, no one can be trusted in this thrilling game of cat and mouse. Director Jang Chang Won masterfully blends action, suspense, and humor, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Stylish cinematography, fast-paced storytelling, and intricate heist sequences elevate The Swindlers into one of Korea’s most gripping crime films. Each twist leaves viewers questioning who is really in control. With a stellar cast and a razor-sharp plot, The Swindlers delivers adrenaline-pumping action and clever mind games. Can Ji Sung outsmart everyone and settle old scores, or will he become the ultimate mark? Find out in this exhilarating con-artist thriller!

Details

🙂 Native Title: 꾼 (Kkun)
🌎 Also Known As: The Swindlers
🎭 Genres: Crime, Action, Thriller
🏷 Tags: Con Artists, Heist, Revenge, Corruption, Deception
✍ Screenwriter: Jang Chang-won
🎬 Director: Jang Chang-won
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: November 22, 2017
📺 Original Network: N/A (Theatrical Release)
⏰ Duration: 117 minutes
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ (violence and language)

Best Scenes

Opening Sequence: The film begins with a high-stakes con where Hwang Ji-sung (Hyun Bin) deceives a corrupt businessman, showcasing his cunning and setting the tone for the movie.
Team Assembly: Prosecutor Park Hee-soo (Yoo Ji-tae) brings together a diverse group of swindlers, each with unique skills, highlighting the classic heist trope of assembling the perfect team.
Double-Cross Revelation: A pivotal moment occurs when hidden agendas within the team are unveiled, adding layers of suspense and complexity to the narrative.
Casino Heist: The crew executes an elaborate scam in a luxurious casino, blending tension and style, reminiscent of classic heist films.
Final Showdown: The climactic confrontation between Ji-sung and the antagonist offers unexpected twists, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Filming Locations

Seoul, South Korea: The bustling cityscape serves as the primary backdrop, capturing the essence of urban life and the underworld of con artists.
Incheon Port: Key scenes were filmed at this port, adding authenticity to the smuggling and escape sequences.
Gangnam District: The upscale area showcases high-rise buildings and affluent settings, aligning with the film’s themes of wealth and deception.
Bukchon Hanok Village: Traditional Korean houses in this village provide a contrasting backdrop, highlighting cultural elements amidst the modern con storyline.
Thailand: Some sequences were shot in Thailand, adding an international dimension to the plot and emphasizing the global reach of the con artists.

Visual Design and Costumes

Sleek Wardrobe: Characters are dressed in sharp, tailored suits, reflecting their sophisticated and deceptive personas.
Modern Aesthetics: The film employs a polished visual style with high-contrast lighting, enhancing the suspenseful atmosphere.
Symbolic Color Palette: Use of blues and grays dominates the color scheme, symbolizing the cold and calculated world of swindlers.
High-Tech Gadgets: Incorporation of advanced technology in the con operations adds a contemporary flair to the visual narrative.
Dynamic Cinematography: Fluid camera movements and strategic framing intensify action sequences and heighten tension.

Themes and Messages

Deception and Trust: The film explores the fragile nature of trust among criminals, where betrayal is a constant threat.
Revenge: Personal vendettas drive the plot, highlighting how past grievances influence present actions.
Morality: The ambiguous moral compass of characters questions the fine line between right and wrong in the pursuit of justice.
Corruption: The narrative delves into systemic corruption, illustrating how power can be manipulated for personal gain.
Identity: Characters often assume false identities, prompting reflections on authenticity and self-perception.

Interesting Facts

Directorial Debut: The Swindlers marks the directorial debut of Jang Chang-won, who also penned the screenplay.
Box Office Success: The film attracted over 4 million viewers in South Korea, showcasing its commercial appeal.
Star-Studded Cast: Features prominent actors like Hyun Bin and Yoo Ji-tae, enhancing its popularity.
Genre Fusion: Combines elements of crime, action, and comedy, offering a multifaceted cinematic experience.
Critical Acclaim: Praised for its intricate plot and stylish execution, contributing to its positive reception.

Awards

Here are the awards and nominations received by the Korean film The Swindlers (2017):

6th Korea Film Actors Association Awards (2017):
- Popular Star Award: Im Jin-ah (Nana) – Won
54th Baeksang Arts Awards (2018):
- Best New Actress: Im Jin-ah (Nana) – Nominated
2nd The Seoul Awards (2018):
- Best Supporting Actor: Bae Seong-woo – Nominated
- Best New Actress: Im Jin-ah (Nana) – Nominated

Note: The film did not secure wins in the Baeksang Arts Awards and The Seoul Awards but received notable nominations.

Real-Life Loves on Set

There are no public records or reports indicating that any romantic relationships developed between the cast members of the Korean film The Swindlers (2017) during or after its production. The film’s focus remained on its crime-comedy narrative, and no off-screen romances among the actors have been documented.