Directed by
Dong-hun Choi
Made by
Well Go
Discover the intricate plot of The Thieves (2012). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Yenicall, a skilled cat burglar, captivates the owner of Leesung Gallery, seducing him while plotting to lift a rare artifact. She partners with three accomplices: Popie, the cunning leader, Zampano, his resourceful assistant, and Chewingum, a crafty middle-aged con artist. However, their plans quickly spiral into chaos when they encounter a detective, prompting them to flee South Korea for greater security. They decide to conjoin forces for a heist organized by the legendary master thief Macau Park, who holds a history with Popie as his former boss.
As they unite under Macau Park’s guidance, they bring along Pepsee, a recently pardoned safe-cracker. In Hong Kong, Chen, Jonny, and Andrew become part of the crew, collaborating with a talented safe-cracker named Julie. The heist’s target is nothing less than the coveted Tear of the Sun, a massive diamond currently in the possession of Tiffany, the mistress to the intimidating crime lord Wei Hong. The audacious scheme involves stealing the diamond while Tiffany is preoccupied at a Macau casino, only to resell it to Wei Hong for an astounding $20 million. Yet this venture carries fatal risks, especially with Wei Hong’s notorious reputation for merciless reprisals against betrayers.
While planning, the backstory unravels to reveal unexpected twists. It is discovered that Julie has been masquerading as an undercover officer aiming to apprehend Wei Hong. The Chinese and Korean teams harbor distrust towards Macau Park, leading to conflicting agendas. Chen, Jonny, and Andrew plot to disregard the diamond and make off with Tiffany’s cash, while Popie and Pepsee scheme to replace the genuine diamond with a counterfeit.
A pivotal plan for the heist comes together thanks to Tiffany’s unsuspecting step-sister’s assistance. Chen and Chewingum masquerade as a couple to engage Tiffany at the gambling tables while Yenicall and Zampano navigate through her private suite. The others—Popie, Pepsee, and Julie—are tasked with breaking into safes purportedly guarding the diamond. With a tight timeframe of just 10 minutes before police intervention, tensions rise.
As the operation unfolds, romantic sparks ignite between Chen and Chewingum, leading to an unintentional connection amid the heist chaos. Meanwhile, Zampano tries to confess his feelings for Yenicall, but she evades his questions and activates the heist’s plan. Desperation mounts when the reality strikes that neither safe holds the diamond. Amid the confusion, police storm in, leading to a tragic fate for Chen, who is shot, and Chewingum, who meets a grim end in a car collision.
While Johnny manages to evade capture, Yenicall finds an escape route thanks to Zampano’s sacrifice for her safety. In a surprising turn, Macau Park, disguised as a janitor, manages to swipe the diamond amidst the chaos. In the shocking aftermath, Popie, Pepsee, and Andrew are detained, leading to a hair-raising escape when their police van tumbles towards the sea. However, Pepsee remains handcuffed and nearly drowns, only to be rescued by Macau Park.
The remaining crew reunites, and a confrontation with Tiffany’s step-sister reveals details of Macau Park’s diamond exchange location—the Busan Grand Hotel. After distractions in place, they infiltrate Macau Park’s home, where revelations about Popie’s treachery come to light, ultimately disrupting their mission. With distrust brewing, Pepsee withdraws, but Yenicall completes the task, swapping the real diamond for a forgery.
At the high-stakes exchange with Wei Hong, everything comes crashing down as the police raid interrupts the meeting, igniting a tumultuous shootout. Popie tricks Yenicall, seizing the diamond for himself but meets his doom as the escape plan collides with fate. Meanwhile, Pepsee witnesses a dramatic showdown where Macau Park narrowly evades death and Julie, another player, turns the tides by gunning down Wei Hong.
Returning to Korea, Pepsee realizes that Yenicall has gone after yet another potential buyer for the diamond. She discovers a deeply valuable gift from Macau Park—precious gold bars. The story concludes as Pepsee crosses paths with Yenicall’s conquest, only to be notified that Macau Park has claimed the diamond and hints at a reunion soon, setting the stage for an unforgettable lightweight thriller spiced with deceit, love, and revenge.
Track the key events of The Thieves (2012) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Introduction of Yenicall
Yenicall, a skilled cat burglar, is introduced as the master of her craft. She captures the attention of the owner of Leesung Gallery while hatching a plan to steal a rare artifact from the gallery.
Formation of the Crew
Yenicall partners with three accomplices: Popie, the cunning leader; Zampano, his resourceful assistant; and Chewingum, a crafty middle-aged con artist. Together, they start plotting the heist of the coveted artifact.
Fleeing South Korea
After their plans are compromised by a detective, the crew decides to flee South Korea to ensure greater security. They realize they need an expert and seek out the legendary master thief Macau Park for assistance.
Macau Park's Involvement
Under the guidance of Macau Park, the crew prepares for a high-stakes heist that involves stealing the Tear of the Sun diamond. Popie reveals his history with Macau, establishing a tense dynamic as they strategize for success.
The Hong Kong Team Rallies
In Hong Kong, they integrate new team members: Chen, Jonny, and Andrew, along with a talented safe-cracker named Julie. The diverse crew prepares to tackle the complex heist while tensions are brewing amongst them.
The Heist Plan Unfolds
The crew designs a bold plan to steal the diamond while Tiffany, Wei Hong's mistress, is at a casino. The risky endeavor involves reselling the diamond back to Wei Hong for an astounding $20 million, with the crew fully aware of Wei's ruthless reputation.
Conflict Amongst the Crew
As the heist planning continues, secrets surface including Julie's true identity as an undercover officer. This revelation causes distrust within the group, complicating their heist and individual motives against one another.
Executing the Plan
The heist plan takes shape with Chewingum and Chen posing as a couple to distract Tiffany at the gambling tables. Meanwhile, Zampano and Yenicall stealthily navigate through Tiffany’s private suite towards the diamond's secured location.
Tension Peaks
As the crew attempts to break into the safes where the diamond is hidden, desperation mounts as time runs short. They have a narrow window of just ten minutes as they realize the stakes have never been higher.
Tragic Outcomes
The chaos culminates when police storm in during the heist. Tragically, Chen is shot, and Chewingum meets a grim fate in a car collision while fleeing from the scene, leaving the crew devastated.
The Escape
Yenicall narrowly escapes thanks to Zampano's sacrifice. Meanwhile, as pandemonium ensues, Macau Park disguises as a janitor and manages to snatch the diamond unnoticed in the chaos.
A Showdown with the Police
As Popie, Pepsee, and Andrew are detained and transported, a dramatic escape occurs when their police van tumbles towards the sea. In a heroic twist, Pepsee is rescued by Macau Park, who defies the odds.
Infiltration of Macau Park's Home
The remaining crew reunites and goes to Macau Park's home, facing revelation and betrayal. They soon discover Popie's treachery, complicating their mission and leading some to withdraw from the team.
Final Confrontation
During the high-stakes exchange with Wei Hong, things go awry as the police raid interrupts their plans. A shootout ensues, resulting in Popie’s trickery and demise as chaos engulfs the escape route.
Resolution and Consequences
After returning to Korea, Pepsee discovers Yenicall chasing after another buyer for the diamond. The story concludes with the revelation of Macau Park's involvement and a hint at potential future reunions.
Meet the characters that bring The Thieves (2012) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Yenicall
Yenicall is a skilled and seductive cat burglar who uses her charm to manipulate those around her for the heist. Her intelligence and resourcefulness shine through as she navigates the treacherous waters of deception and danger, evading capture while leading the charge.
Popie
Popie serves as the cunning leader of the group, strategizing the heist while grappling with personal histories and loyalties. His decisions ultimately impact the lives of all involved, making him a pivotal yet flawed character within the treacherous scheme.
Zampano
Zampano is the resourceful assistant to Popie, displaying a mix of loyalty and romantic feelings towards Yenicall. His blend of technical skills and emotional depth adds layers to his character, showcasing the complications that arise in high-pressure situations.
Chewingum
Chewingum is a crafty middle-aged con artist, using his life experience to navigate the complexities of the heist. His character brings humor and wit, but also a sense of tragedy as personal stakes become perilously intertwined with his criminal activities.
Chen
Chen is a newer member of the crew who brings fresh energy to the team. His unexpected romantic connection with Chewingum adds emotional stakes to the narrative, illustrating how unexpected bonds can form even in the midst of chaos.
Wei Hong
Wei Hong is the intimidating crime lord who poses a significant threat to the heist team. His merciless reputation creates a palpable tension, making him a formidable antagonist in their quest for the diamond.
Uncover the settings of The Thieves (2012), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The events of the movie occur in contemporary times, highlighting modern crime and heist culture. This era is marked by advanced security systems and the prevalence of criminal organizations, which pose significant challenges for the characters involved in the elaborate scheme.
Location
Leesung Gallery, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Busan Grand Hotel
Leesung Gallery is a renowned art gallery in South Korea, known for its exquisite pieces and high-profile clientele. The heist unfolds across various locations, including the bustling streets of Hong Kong and the high-stakes environment of Macau casinos. The Busan Grand Hotel serves as a luxurious backdrop for confrontations and exchanges during the thrilling climax.
Explore the core themes of The Thieves (2012). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a central theme as characters navigate treacherous alliances in the high-stakes world of crime. Trust issues arise, particularly with Macau Park's past affecting current dynamics. Each character grapples with their loyalties, leading to tragic consequences and unexpected double-crosses.
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Greed
The lust for wealth drives the characters’ motivations, creating a relentless pursuit for the priceless 'Tear of the Sun' diamond. As plans unfold, the desire for money sparks conflict, revealing how greed can corrupt relationships and lead to devastating outcomes.
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Romance
Amid the chaos of the heist, unexpected romantic connections emerge, adding depth to the characters’ interactions. The relationship between Chen and Chewingum highlights how love can blossom in extreme circumstances, offering a poignant contrast to the surrounding tension.
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