Veteran

Veteran is a 2015 South Korean action comedy film directed by Ryoo Seung-wan and starring Hwang Jung-min, Yoo Ah-in, and Yoo Hae-jin. The film is Seung-wan's courageous venture that successfully blends elements of an action-thriller with the multi-dimensions of a social drama and a dash of comedy, all the while taking us into the dark heart of corporate corruption in South Korea.

The movie follows the relentless pursuit of justice by Detective Seo Do-cheol, played by the charismatic Hwang Jung-min. He’s a seasoned detective with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's major crime unit, and he is known for using unconventional manners to solve cases. Do-cheol loyally stands by the underprivileged and works tirelessly to uphold the law. With his unyielding dedication to justice, Detective Do-cheol often finds himself in conflict with his superiors in the police department, who are more interested in maintaining public order and image.

Yoo Ah-in brilliantly plays the character of Jo Tae-oh, the young, reckless, and arrogant third-generation heir to the powerful Sunjin group, a mega-corporate conglomerate. Unlike your typical playboy heirs, Tae-oh's character is one with a twisted psyche who derives sadistic pleasure from the power and impunity that his wealth and status afford him. This narcissistic and sociopathic persona subtly reveals the harsh reality of the power structures in South Korean society.

Avoiding the classic ‘good cop, bad cop’ trope, the film successfully creates a new dynamic relationship between Do-cheol and Tae-oh. Their interaction evolves into a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase when a truck company owner, who was driven into bankruptcy and desperation by Tae-oh’s corrupt practices, ends up in a half-dead state, leading Do-cheol to suspect Tae-oh’s involvement.

Antique portrays the lovable yet at times naive Bae, who gets entangled in the dangerous web of corporate power play due to his loyalty towards Do-cheol. Yoo Hae-jin brings forth an impeccable performance, adding just the right amount of light-heartedness to the otherwise tense storyline, complementing the intense performances of Hwang Jung-min and Yoo Ah-in.

The narrative unfolds at a steady and engaging pace. The hard-nosed and feisty Do-cheol's probe into Tae-oh's activities, despite the escalating dangers and obvious powers stacked against him, is emblematic of the age-old battle between the working class and the elitists. 'Veteran' does not shy away from showcasing the stark reality of unchecked power and class divide while remaining enjoyable for fans of action and comic relief.

From intense nation-wide car chases to fist brawls, the movie presents many exhilarating sequences with a distinctive blend of violence and humor. The brilliantly choreographed action sequences glorify Do-cheol as the champion of justice without making him a glorified superhero. With its moments of levity combined with a powerful socio-political commentary and edge-of-your-seat action, 'Veteran' delivers a unique cinematic experience that any movie enthusiast would appreciate.

One of the critical successes of the film is how it is layered with sharp wit and dark humor. The dialogues are punchy and the situations, though nail-bitingly tense, frequently leave viewers chuckling. Do-cheol’s team of policewoman Miss Bong and weirdly affectionate Detective Oh provides some comic relief along with showcasing teamwork and camaraderie.

The film features a variety of scenic landscapes, beautifully captured by the cinematographer, contrasting the grim undertones of the story. Another key aspect contributing to the cinematic allure is the movie's pulsating soundtrack, enhancing the intense car chases and fight sequences, contributing to an immersive viewer experience.

Ryoo Seung-wan's strong directorial capability shines through 'Veteran'. Even while tackling heavy social themes, he keeps the narrative entertaining, balancing intense moments with patches of laugh-out-loud humor. His ability to craft distinct characters and put them in a suspenseful and humor-filled plot illustrates why he is one of South Korea's leading action-comedy directors.

In summary, Veteran is a movie that cuts deep through the societal hierarchy and the power that comes with money and wealth. It is an acclaimed cinematic journey that provides audiences with the right blend of action, comedy, and drama. It showcases the vast gap between the privileged and the common man while presenting thrilling, action-filled moments that keep the audience at the edge of their seats. This film epitomizes the age-old fight for justice and is a must-watch for any fan of action cinema.