24/38
Rookie detective Park Sun Woo and Seo Do-Cheol, a veteran of the Violent Crimes Investigation Division, pursue a serial killer who rocks their world. 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 packed with fast-paced action scenes, but what sets it apart is its humor and clever way of dealing with social commentary on the corruption of the wealthy. Hwang Jung-min’s portrayal of the ruthless detective is fantastic, bringing 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 courage, Jo embodies the untouchable and entitled elite who believe they can get away with anything. The film subtly critiques the power imbalance in society while also being a thrilling ride filled with great fight choreography. The action and moral message combine to make it one of the standout Korean action films of the decade.