17/12
Rookie detective Park Sun Woo and Seo Do-Cheol, a veteran of the Violent Crimes Investigation Division team, chase a serial killer who turns their world upside down. Veterans (2015) follows. Veteran is an action comedy that pits a seasoned detective, Seo Do-cheol, against a young and arrogant chaebol heir, Jo Tae-oh, who is involved in various criminal activities. The film is full of fast-paced action scenes, but what sets it apart is its humor and the clever way it handles social commentary on the corruption of the rich. Hwang Jung-min’s performance as the relentless detective is fantastic, bringing both intensity and humor to the role. The hand-to-hand combat and chase scenes are energetic and keep the audience engaged. What makes Veteran especially enjoyable is the tension between Seo and Jo. While Seo represents justice and grit, Jo embodies the arrogant and untouchable elite who believe they can get away with anything. The film subtly criticizes the imbalance of power in society, while still being an emotional ride filled with great fight choreography. The action and moral message combine to make it one of the most important Korean action films of the decade.