Midnight Runners (2017) User Reviews (56)

100% recommended , one of the top three K-movies this year.

[Aktham_Tashtush · 8/10 · 6 May 2018]

The movie is just one of the best Korean movies i'v ever watched, it is funny, fiiled with action and purposeful add to that it tells a story about Human trafficking which surprisingly is not just an Asia problem but A worldwide one.

The movie plot is strong and well connected,, it started with funny, silly and witty comical jokes but then things got a bit more tense after the "Kidnapping" yet still it had some moments where the guys acts in a stupid silly way where you couldn't help but giggle a little .

The casting is amazing, Seo-Joon Park "Hwang Ki-joon" and Ha-Neul Kang "Kang Hee-yeol" were perfect together considering they both had a huge experience on TV before getting into the Film business ,,, Also not forgetting to mention Dong-il Sung "Professor Yang" i think i watched once before in Chronicle of a Blood Merchant, and he was really good.

at the end, and like all Korean movies i have watched, after all of the fun and laughs things get more tense and emotional which is exactly what i love about these type of comedy/Action movies.

Final thought, 100% Recommended , watch it now, because there's a huge possibility for a sequel ;)

This year there were no other movies that made me laugh this hard

[ctowyi · 8/10 · 12 September 2017]

Entertaining buddy-cop action flicks have not been lighting up the screens for some time. In comes Midnight Runners which tweaks the well-trodden formula and the result is one crackerjack of a super-fun thriller. So far this year, no other movies have made me laugh so heartily.

Gi Jun (Park Seo Jun), aka Mr Action, and Kang Hee Yeol (Kang Ha Neul), Mr Germophobe-Bookworm, are two best friends at the Korean National Police University. They accidentally witness a young woman getting abducted and decide to work together to investigate it because they have learnt that time is of the essence in cases like this – even when they get tied up in red tape and find out they could be expelled.

Buddy-cop action thrillers tend to rely heavily on counterpoints to draw the two main characters – one fit, one fat (21 Jump Street), one full of action, one wisecracker (48 Hours), one nuts, one down-to-earth (Lethal Weapon). All three became lucrative franchises so you know the studios don't like to mess with the formula much. Midnight Runners doesn't re-invent the buddy-cop wheel, but tweaks it just a little, making the movie stand out like a bed of roses. It doesn't lean on counterpoints to build camaraderie. They may be opposites in certain ways, but it is the passion for doing what is right that unites them. The screen-time is devoted equally on both of them and no one tries to out- play the other. They are the perfect duo; they are one even though they are not the same. Their chemistry is undoubtedly inflatable and infectious, and they seem like they are having a blast.

Sometimes in my classes I get kids asking me dreaded questions like "What is the point of learning Calculus?" or "Am I going to use any of these stuff in life?". Midnight Runners addresses that in one pivotal scene that had me guffawing in laughter. I enjoyed the scenes of them using what they have learnt to crack the case. Writer-director Kim Joo Hwan even skewers the upper echelons of the police force and iterates the true purpose education itself in a noteworthy scene. How Kim deftly balances the dark crime with a light tone and ponderous moments is a magical act. It helps when you have such winsome characters. I think the best praise I can give it is that I sincerely hope there is a sequel in the works. Make it happen…. please.

Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 8/10 · 12 January 2018]

Did not except this one to be that good. The story started with a comedy, with two friends bonding over their years in police accademy and proceded with mystery solving after they bomped into a case and finally we've got some action and drama as well. So, midnight runners has everything. The story is really good itself and along with the performances, really helped it achieve the entertainment level it needed to be successful. Overall, worth trying.

Fresh And Realistic

[whotheff · 7/10 · 19 November 2017]

Script is rather standard, jokes are a bit Asian and manga like. But hey, this is a Korean movie! This is not US action flick. This is heart- warming, fun action-drama about the right choices. And doing them just because you believe. Yes, characters lack depth, yes some non-Asian viewers might not like the humour, the child-like faces. The rest will enjoy a story in which doing the right thing is the most important thing. Instead of showing young people how cool is to have money, even by making them from drugs and crime, it's better to show them that happiness can be much more meaningful when it comes from within ourselves. Decent story- check. Nice camera work - check, fun - check, high-morals - check. Enjoyable - check.

What a Fun and Refreshing Movie!

[frdgrntmt · 9/10 · 31 August 2017]

Finally a break from the relenting string of dark, gruesome, violent movies from S. Korea! Midnight Runners is a refreshing break from the genre movie of gangs and violence that we typically get from Korea. The main actors: Park Seo Joon and Kang Ha Neul have fantastic chemistry and their scenes are effortlessly outrageously hilarious. Their comic timing, delivery and the way they play off each other's lines is just amazing to watch.

The story is not the most ingenuous or complex, but it works. It's a simple story about two young police academy cadets who don't have a real strong reason or desire to become police officers and who unwittingly find themselves in a situation that requires them to demonstrate the moral fiber and courage of what one would hope to find in a future police officer. It's not fancy and that's the key. It's simple, relatable, and most importantly a whole lot of fun and funny. I was definitely glad to have watched it, and walked out having felt like all the stress of the day was laughed off during the movie.

A good movie

[adoma-yousef · 7/10 · 13 August 2022]

A good movie to watch with an idea that needed more attention.

They had a very good chemistry together and both were lovely and funny And you will not get board easily!

Loved it!

Really good.

[Eiriksterminator · 9/10 · 5 March 2018]

Wow. This one surprised me. I did not go into this movie expecting much, and it turned out to be a blast, and one of the better movies I've seen in a while. The movie starts out as a comedy, then becomes a mystery thriller, and then finally there is action (there is one smaller action scene during the mystery thriller bit as well). There is drama and morals as well. The movie is hilariously funny throughout though, and the chemistry between the two (student) buddy-cop main characters is perfect. It's these last two things that really make the movie stand out, I laughed out loud several times. And even better, something none of the other reviewers have commented on, and so I assume they didn't notice (they probably didn't watch until the end of the credits like I did), the end of the movie credits confirm that there will be a sequel with the words "The Midnight Runners will return" (sounds just like what they say at the end of pretty much every Marvel movie, right? ;-))! That makes me happy, and I will be sure to keep an eye out for the next movie in the series. So anyway, do yourselves a favour and watch this one!

P.S: To the one moron who talked crap about this movie and gave it 2/10 stars...People like you make me lose faith in humanity. -_- *shakes head*

It gives me "21 Jump Street vibe

[Misss25 · 7/10 · 21 May 2021]

The movie is overall okay. The comedy and action scenes are good also. But it didn't work for me, all time it feels like watching the Korean version of ''21 Jump Street'' which is more funnier than this one. But I must admit the storyline is different but the relationship between two lead actor are the same as that one. Moreover,How they prepared themselves for the duties as a police officer though they aren't not, is praiseworthy. They show what a real police officer is, how they should be in spite legal restrictions.

A perfect blend of reality and humor.

[nelldr · 9/10 · 21 January 2018]

The movie was a perfect blend of reality and humor. Most of us we can relate ourselves with the jokes of the movie because those are the simple things which we do in life among close friends, this is the point why the script feels real and lively. The enthusiasm of a young cadet, desperation to get a girl and at the end the commitment shown in the movie is very precisely depicted. Loved it to the core. At the beginning the movie was all humor and fun but amidst that scenario the later is able to draw us into a serious crime fighting zeal with the flow of strong emotions. Apart from that the reality the script is able to associate with the reluctance of bureaucratic measures are precised. Hence a perfect blend of reality and humor.

My kids enjoyed this

[sueharriz · 7/10 · 26 March 2020]

.. watched this with my kids and taught them many things about life. My girls suddenly wants to train for martial arts when Covid ends. Haha.

not a single dull second

[majgotra · 10/10 · 17 August 2018]

First of all , i'm not korean but i love korean cinema and movies like this are core reason .The story is so fresh that you will get a new kind of feeling that you can't explain. And between some serious nail biting scenes there were lol moments. Director even gave a emotional ending with few adorable and cute moments. Simply awesome.

Surprisingly Good!

[nomodusproject · 7/10 · 18 March 2020]

The chemistry between Park and Kang is what makes this movie good. And how the director took some risks in detailing for the sake of good plot, is what keeps it a good entertainment.

Funny and good Chemistry

[misyelhasanah-06139 · 17 August 2019]

For the story, its common i think, because i often watch crime korean drama, but the director success making it different for adding comedy there. I even laughed when Kang Ha Neul try to waking up Park Seo Jun, after they got arrested by the villain

One of the worst movies

[acadrianoo · 1/10 · 17 September 2022]

Seriously?? Unrealistic. Stupidity was all over the movie. How can you not call for backup right away when you've found the lair of the kidnappers with 20 victims? Do yourself a favor and watch something else. Total waste of time, for real.

Seriously?? Unrealistic. Stupidity was all over the movie. How can you not call for backup right away when you've found the lair of the kidnappers with 20 victims? Do yourself a favor and watch something else. Total waste of time, for real.

Seriously?? Unrealistic. Stupidity was all over the movie. How can you not call for backup right away when you've found the lair of the kidnappers with 20 victims? Do yourself a favor and watch something else. Total waste of time, for real.

Young police officers, be ambitious

[sudhakaranakhilan · 7/10 · 2 April 2020]

An action oriented, thrilling elevated one which makes us so interest even to blink our eyes through 1 hour and 49 minutes. Its commercial in the aspect were the engaging background score strikes through every time when the two young police students (pretend to be officers) roll up their arms against the kidnappers. Nice one to watch without any boring.

very well executed- terrifically entertaining

[aminifatimaaa · 8/10 · 4 February 2019]

A wonderful buddy comedy that boasts not just a great central duo, but also an impressive control of tone, as the chemistry between characters work well. If you are looking for good entertainment, but also crave serious stakes and thus action with real weight to it, this is the film to watch.

Great acting and a great fianl action set piece.

[Tenjiku · 7/10 · 4 February 2021]

The main actors PSJ and KHN have real good chemistry in this buddy cop action camper. the movie moves along at good enough pace. secondary characters could have been developed better. the female superior officer, didn't really have much to do. seems to be a shoehorned character. should have been developed better or should have had more screen time.

The plot of the movie as usual of most Korean movie borders at cheesy and atrociously cringe. but actors have to work with what they are given.

but considering the action movie genre has developed so much in the past decade. the action sequence at the climax leaves a lot of room for improvement.

Dear god, i laughed so hard

[heutinckrick · 8/10 · 12 January 2018]

I'll keep it short with my review. This movie made me laugh so hard i had tears in my eyes. The chemistry between the two lead actors is amazing, just spot on. The story is very simple and easy to follow. The pace and lenght of the movie is solid. It has action and a bit of drama but the comedy/humour people.. so much fun, and therefore really enjoyable to watch. Just sit down, relax and 'laugh'. What more do you need.

Character comedy in a raw setting

[somniferum · 7/10 · 6 April 2021]

Cheong-nyeon-gyeong-chal beautifully blends the main characters' personalities into their quest for justice in the dark nights of Seoul. It is joyfully goofy at times, but not prolonged as to make moments overly gleeful as the story takes darker turns into topics such as human trafficking. The focus comes to the strict "chain of command" dillemma, where there is a long queue to get priority for a new police case, and the two characters decide to take vigilance upon their own chests, going after the criminals themselves. The fighting scenes and realism are top notch, and I kept paying attention the whole movie.

Unexpected. Remarkable.

[kayabelieve · 9/10 · 23 May 2019]

I randomly came across this movie. Had no prior idea of what to expect or what is it about. The summary was interesting though (Two police University students involved in kidnapping: Good enough when you're having a boring afternoon). Enough said, now onto the review. There is a point in this movie where had it stopped it would have been one of those we-stick-to-reality movies but I am glad they didn't lose their potential till the end. Was enjoyable as well as thrilling to see two young kids fighting their best to achieve in what they believe. P.S.: DON'T MISS THE FINAL SCENE AFTER THE CREDITS

Midnight runners vs midnight police

[heartmak · 6/10 · 3 December 2017]

Two students from Police university go on a night out to find love. During their adventure they witness a kidnapping, on realizing investigation delay from police they decide to find the kidnappers by themselves. During the investigation they discover lot of facts about kidnappers. As well, they realize the training they receive in the university is more of a crap. After being forbidden by their superior with a consequence of getting expelled; They decide to prepare themselves, find the kidnappers themselves whatever may be the consequence. The movie is entertaining, definitely worth one time watch. There are few moments which are hilarious.

What a pleasant surprise

[sashababy-28916 · 9/10 · 25 June 2018]

I only watched this move because I wanted to see more of Park Seo Joon (having recently seen his hilarious performance in "What Wrong with Secretary Kim?") and was very pleasantly surprised by his stellar acting skills and great athleticism. The plot was simple but almost believable, and I loved the positivity and naivete that Park and Kang so vividly portrayed--they genuinely seemed to be two friends urging each other on to do right at all the perfect moments! A great and timely variation from all the darker toned movies I've been seeing from S. Korea for the last couple of years. Yes some of this fight scenes verged on silly, and yes the only hole in the plot (for me at least) where Medusa gave them info on the stolen plates and prompted them to hunt down the perpetrators was a bit of a stretch (who would ask cadets to actually track down criminals?), but even that didn't mar the flow of the movie. Soundtrack accompanying the closing credits was also the perfect choice. All in all of a much higher caliber than expected!

A rather disappointing flick

[TheBigSick · 17 September 2017]

In fact, the first hour of the movie is pretty decent, and reminds me some of the buddy cop actioners in the American cinema, like "Lethal Weapon" starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, and Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker's "Rush Hour".

Nevertheless, after the one hour mark, the film becomes total junk, with clichés after clichés. The story is just predictable and the plot simply lacks any sense of credibility. The antagonist characters are flat and one-dimensional. A supposedly interesting detection turns out to be mindless action, and the action sequences are nothing but shitty.

All in all, the film fails in almost every technical and dramatic aspect, and the rating for this movie is 2/10.

Good korean comedy...!!!

[kamalbeeee · 7/10 · 3 August 2020]

Two guys went to army training but they went to save a girl from gangsters...

Nice comedy action til the second half

[cg94010 · 4/10 · 20 January 2022]

I enjoyed the film for what it was at the beginning. I didn't expect a stellar plot, but the story really deteriorated fast mid-way. The actions of the heroes were unpausible and the acting marginal at best.