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Yun-Fat Chow, Mark Wahlberg, Ric Young, Paul Ben-Victor, Jon Kit Lee ... see more see more... , Andrew Pang , Brian Cox , Elizabeth Lindsey , Byron Mann , Kim Chan , Bill MacDonald , Susie Trinh , Tovah Feldshuh , Richard Young

Nick Chen (Chow Yun-Fat) was the first Chinese-born immigrant in the NYPD, and is now one of the force's most decorated officers. As such, he's been named leader of the city's Asian Gang Unit, who are... read more read more... the primary peacekeepers in Chinatown. Trouble has just arrived for the Triads, the long-entrenched Chinese gangsters who are the real power behind Chinatown. After years of posing as honest businessmen, the Triad's powers are threatened by the newly arrived Fukienese Dragons. With a gang war on the horizon, the city sends a new recruit, Danny Wallace (Mark Wahlberg), to join Chen's unit. Danny finds Chen and the AGU in a very comfortable (perhaps too comfortable) relationship with the Triads. When the mobsters attempt to corrupt Danny, Chen must reassess his relationship with the Triads, and Danny must also learn that certain concessions must be made to ensure the peace in this world set apart from the rest of New York. ~ Ron Wells, Rovi

Flixster Users

42% liked it

9,266 ratings

Critics

49% liked it

47 critics

R, 1 hr. 50 min.

Directed by: James Foley

Release Date: June 1, 1998

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DVD Release Date: September 4, 2001

Stats: 305 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (305)


  • October 10, 2011
    The Corrupter definitely sounds worse than it is but it's still not that great. Yun-Fat Chow and Mark Wahlberg are two very likable actors though, and I believe that helps a lot although both have been far better. Still, historically interesting film, it's the last of its kind po... read morest 9/11. What an odd portfolio of films James Foley has!
  • March 24, 2011
    An explosive crime thriller. A gritty, stylish, gripping, unpredictable and unforgettable movie thrill-ride. Searing suspense and non-stop action fuel this outstanding and heart-pounding adrenaline-rush. An awesome movie. It's Serpico meets Hard-Boiled. Chow Yun-fat and Mark Wahl... read moreberg give powerful, emotionally complex and sensational performances. It's shocking, riveting and exhilarating all the way to it's devastating conclusion. This is James Foley's finest film. A full-throttle action-packed flick that delivers pure explosive energy
  • September 3, 2007
    Insipid and forgettable attempt to imitate Hong Kong cime flicks.
  • May 25, 2007
    Another of Chow Yun Fat's decent but unspectacular early forays into Hollywood, it has a nice gritty feel and an interesting culture clash backdrop. Not up to the standard of his HK films, but a creditable cop thriller.
  • April 14, 2007
    Superb action-thriller about life as a cop in the violent and merciless underbelly of New York's Chinatown. Chow Yun-Fat and Mark Wahlberg are cool in the high-octane action blended with a thumping hip-hop soundtrack.
  • July 25, 2006
    Alright cop/gangster thriller with tones of loyalty and yin/yang - For Chow Yun and Marky Mark fans only.
  • June 18, 2007
    Superb action-thriller about life as a cop in the violent and merciless underbelly of New York's Chinatown. Not up to the standard of Chow Yun-Fat HK films, but a creditable cop thriller.
  • April 13, 2010
    Not a lot of martial arts but it was still a decent watch...Who would have thought, cop on the take"
  • June 2, 2009
    If you happen to like movies about dirty cops it's going to interest you, not to mention the constant action.
  • February 4, 2008
    It actually surpassed my expectations. I thought that since it came in a double pack that it would suck but it really didn't Granted I dont think that Marc Wahlberg and Chow Yun Fat are going to team up again in the future.

Critic Reviews


Janet Maslin
January 1, 2000
Janet Maslin, New York Times

Bracingly chilly! Full Review

Michael Atkinson
January 1, 2000
Michael Atkinson, Mr. Showbiz

It's rote baloney, trotting out every dead-stupid cop-movie cliche in the book and doing it colorlessly.

January 1, 2000
New York Post

An enjoyable ride!

Tom Keogh
January 1, 2000
Tom Keogh, Film.com

A half-hearted photograph of the real thing.

Tom Maurstad
January 1, 2000
Tom Maurstad, Dallas Morning News

Take away all the flash and dazzle, and what you're left with in The Corruptor is a police procedural. Full Review

Bob Fenster
January 1, 2000
Bob Fenster, Arizona Republic

You probably can't blame Chow for The Corruptor. No way he could outmaneuver the director and the writers. The only thing in The Corruptor more catastrophic than the car chases is the script.

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Hard Boiled, directed by the master of the genre, director John Woo, is a cult favorite. The Corruptor isn't in that league. Full Review

Susan Stark
January 1, 2000
Susan Stark, Detroit News

Visceral. Textural. Interesting. Full Review

Desson Thomson
January 1, 2000
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

Jarringly entertaining! Full Review

Gene Seymour
January 1, 2000
Gene Seymour, Newsday

James Foley directs with lean, mean stylishness and the charismatic Yun-Fat finally gets a Hollywood vehicle worthy of his talents.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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