South Korea · Film · 2012
The Thieves
Synopsis
The Thieves brings together a Korean crew led by veteran thief Macau Park and a Chinese crew to pull off a single job in Macau: stealing a legendary diamond called the Tear of the Sun from the safe of a crime lord's mistress. The team includes safecracker Pepsee, con man Popie, cat burglar Yenicall, and rookie climber Zampano, each with a reason to want a cut of the payout and none of them fully trusting the others.
The heist itself is only the first complication. Old grudges resurface between crew members with a shared history, a rival plot to steal the diamond out from under the team takes shape, and an undercover police operation runs in parallel to the theft, none of which anyone involved fully understands until it is already in motion. As the job unravels, loyalties inside both crews shift, and the diamond changes hands more than once before anyone can be sure who actually has it.
Director Choi Dong-hoon builds the film around that string of betrayals and countermoves, using an ensemble cast including Kim Hye-soo, Lee Jung-jae, Jun Ji-hyun, Kim Soo-hyun, Simon Yam, Kim Hae-sook, Oh Dal-su, and Derek Tsang alongside Kim Yoon-seok. The Thieves opened in South Korea on July 25, 2012, and went on to earn roughly $86.7 million worldwide, selling more than 12.9 million tickets domestically and ranking among the highest-grossing films in Korean box office history.
The Thieves cast
Billing not confirmed for these names.
Best scenes
- The intense rooftop chase featuring Yenicall (Jun Ji Hyun) showcasing her agility and wit.
- The heart-stopping moment when Macao Park (Kim Yoon Seok) faces Wei Hong in a dangerous standoff.
- The heist at the casino where Pepsee (Kim Hye Soo) expertly cracks the safe under extreme pressure.
- The comedic and chaotic fight scene between the thieves during their getaway.
- Zampano's (Kim Soo Hyun) daring escape from security, highlighting his athletic prowess.
Filming locations
- The luxurious casinos and vibrant streets of Macau, capturing the glamour and danger of the heist.
- Stunning rooftop shots in Hong Kong, creating thrilling action sequences.
- Interior scenes filmed in meticulously designed sets replicating high-security vaults.
- Korean locations, including urban streets and hideouts, adding a gritty realism.
- Exotic aerial shots showcasing the blend of urban and coastal landscapes in Asia.
Visual design and costumes
- Sleek and stylish costumes for Yenicall and Pepsee, emphasizing their cunning and elegance.
- Bold, vibrant color palettes in casino scenes, reflecting the film's high-stakes atmosphere.
- Intricately designed props, including the "Tear of the Sun" diamond, central to the heist.
- Realistic disguises used by the thieves to blend into their surroundings.
- High-quality cinematography with dynamic angles during action sequences.
Themes and messages
- Loyalty vs. Betrayal: Explores shifting alliances within the team.
- Greed and Consequences: Examines how ambition can lead to danger.
- Teamwork and Individual Skill: Highlights the strengths of a diverse group working together.
- Romantic Tensions: Adds depth to relationships between characters like Pepsee and Macao Park.
- Risk and Reward: Portrays the thrill and peril of living on the edge.
Interesting facts
- The Thieves became one of the highest-grossing films in South Korean history.
- The cast includes a blend of Korean and international stars, such as Simon Yam and Angelica Lee.
- Many action scenes, including rooftop stunts, were performed without CGI, adding authenticity.
- Directed by Choi Dong Hoon, known for his expertise in ensemble films.
- The film won multiple awards for its performances, including a Best Actress nod for Jun Ji Hyun.
Real-life loves on set
There is no verified information or credible reports suggesting that any real-life romantic relationships developed among the cast members of The Thieves during or after its production. The actors, including Kim Soo Hyun, Jun Ji Hyun, Lee Jung Jae, and Kim Hye Soo, are known for their professionalism and strong on-screen chemistry, but no off-screen romances have been publicly confirmed.