Lee Kang-su (Kang Ha-Neul) is a fixer (known as a Yadang) who brokers deals between drug runners and cops, to help the druggies stay out of jail and aid the cops in catching the suppliers. Flitting between the two worlds of cop and criminal, Lee has made a name for himself and gained a flashy lifestyle. Working in partnership with an ambitious prosecutor Ku Gwan-hee (Yu Hai-Jin), the two benefit from their alliance but when moving up the ranks to reach truly elite status proves too tempting for one of them, deception and betrayal infect their once tight bond, leading to a scorched path of payback and revenge.

A slick drug-themed thriller, ‘Yadang: The Snitch’ perhaps gets a little muddled with its sometimes overly complex plot of duplicitous betrayal and stock gangster trappings but excels thanks to its energetic momentum and captivating lead performance from Kang Ha-Neul. Kang, a ‘Squid Game’ alum, infuses a not always likeable character with personality and charm that one soon can’t help but root for him when he gets a chance at redemption (and revenge) after his inevitable downfall. It’s a star-making performance, backed by a great supporting cast (particularly notable are Yu Hae-Jin and Chae Won-Bin), that carries the film through its sometimes long-winded but always exciting narrative.

Director Hwang Byeng-Gug propels the story and its multiple characters and story arcs, keeping everything just on track, thanks to never really letting off the breaks: proceedings driven by propulsive energy as the characters navigate the modern drug world. While the film is slick and stylish, the makers mercifully opt to keep action and drama as grounded as possible, no over-the-top antics here, the action often rough and ready. Also, what starts as hip-cool gangster styled action soon gives way to a much darker tone, the film pulling no punches in its depiction of drug decadence and the vicious violence dished out by the various drug cartels and dodgy government officials.

It’s an often-dark ride, despite Kang Ha-Neul’s energetic performance, the violence and drug-induced debauchery hitting hard. Coupled with a narrative that sees multiple characters and threads vying for attention and twists that may test the patience of some, means the film may not be for everyone. However, for the most part, ‘Yadang: The Snitch’ is a refreshing spin on the gangster/drug/corruption narrative that often soars thanks to its sheer force of momentum and electric lead performance.