The Corruptor
Directed by James FoleyWith the aid from a New York City policeman, a top immigrant cop tries to stop drug-trafficking and corruption by immigrant Chinese Triads, but things get complicated when the Triads try to bribe the policeman.
The Corruptor Ratings & Reviews
- pipanniJuly 21, 2025Nice action movie. It's good to see Chow Yun-fat at his peak. Not a memorable movie but not bad either.
- jackmeatFebruary 12, 2025My quick rating - 5.9/10. I seem to pop this one on once a decade, but for some reason, I’ve never actually reviewed it—so what better time than now while I’m updating my website? Directed by James Foley, this flick brings a stylish crime-thriller approach to the well-worn “veteran cop and rookie partner” dynamic, with Chow Yun-Fat carrying the movie—as expected. Mark Wahlberg plays the fresh-faced recruit, while Chow Yun-Fat’s seasoned officer navigates the murky waters of corruption within New York’s Chinatown. The story follows the duo as they attempt to take down the Chinese Triads, but moral lines blur when the criminals attempt to bribe Wahlberg’s character, leading to complications in trust and loyalty. The film takes clear inspiration from John Woo, showcasing stylish action sequences and well-choreographed gunfights. While nothing here is groundbreaking, the shootouts are well executed, and the tension in certain moments keeps the film engaging. Some of the dialogue can feel a bit jumbled, especially when dealing with non-English-speaking actors, but the overall narrative holds up well. The double-cross and resulting plot points all get wrapped up in a very dramatic and convenient way. Many considered The Corruptor to be Chow Yun-Fat’s first strong Hollywood outing, though I’d argue The Replacement Killers did a better job the year before highlighting his talents. That said, this is still a solid action flick that has aged decently, even if my younger self might have rated it higher back in the day. The chemistry between the two leads is believable, and the film effectively balances action with character drama, even if it doesn’t quite hit classic status. It's a stylish, well-acted crime thriller with some great action set pieces, even if it doesn’t break new ground. Still worth a revisit every now and then.
