The Corruptor (1999)

49% of critics liked it
(47 reviews)
42% of users liked it
(9,268 ratings)

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 the primary peacekeepers in Chinatown. Trouble has just arrived for the Triads, the long-entrenched… More 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 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

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 50 min.
Directed By: James Foley
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Action & Adventure

In Theaters: Jun 1, 1998 Wide
On DVD: Sep 4, 2001
Studio: New Line Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

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.
Susan Stark, Detroit News
Visceral. Textural. Interesting.
, Chicago Tribune
It surprises by taking us inside Chinatown, where we discover just how sinister and elaborate the relationships between the police and the businessmen can be.
Chuck Rudolph, Matinee Magazine
A memo to Chow Yun-Fat: Get back to Hong Kong on the double!
Jim Chastain, Norman Transcript
The bad messages this film sends out clearly outweigh the positive ones.
Ross Anthony, Hollywood Report Card
Despite a few unlikely plot developments, "The Corruptor" is compelling from start to finish
Christopher Brandon, TNT's Rough Cut
The Corruptor is as close as Hollywood's going to get to copying Hong Kong action style!

Read all 7 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony L

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… More
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 post 9/11. What an odd portfolio of films James Foley has!
Al S

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… More
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 Wahlberg 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
Tsubaki S

Insipid and forgettable attempt to imitate Hong Kong cime flicks.
xGary X

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.
Dean M

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.
Khris N

Alright cop/gangster thriller with tones of loyalty and yin/yang - For Chow Yun and Marky Mark fans only.
Steven V

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.