Veteran review [LKFF 2015]: “A very broad and very hilarious comedy.”

Veteran review: With laughs and action, this is a film that will have to catch you in the right mood to enjoy as a whole.

Veteran once again sees Ryoo Seung Wan mixing action, thriller, and social commentary. This time his sights are set clearly on the degradation of the working class by those in positions of privilege and wealth. It’s a universal tale in today’s climate, and this certainly aids in making a more connective tale. Unlike some of Ryoo’s recent features though, this is a much more entertaining affair, portraying itself more as a very broad and very hilarious comedy.

Hwang Jung Min plays the veteran cop of the title, who along with his team manage to set up hilarious, yet effective, stings to bag the bad guys. This is best demonstrated in the opening scenes where Detective Seo (Hwang) and his team of misfits stage an elaborate scene to unravel the origins of a car thief gang that sell cars, steal them from their new owners, and quickly move them on. The fight sequences are wonderfully ludicrous, with Seo utilising everything around him in a particularly stand out car-garage throw down. It climaxes at port with many shipping containers which act as a labyrinth and wonderful slapstick humour.

Things take a dark turn once Seo’s friend, contractor Bae (Jung Woon Jin), demands money from a previous job only to be beaten in front of his own son at the behest of the young and successful Jo (Yoo Ah In). The beating is horrific and contrasts unsettlingly with the humorous tone of previous scenes. This is also where we see the rise of the battle between the working class and those of privilege. It may seem heavy handed, but it also works as a powerful visual.

Yoo’s villain is a despicable nightmare of a character. He’s handsome, well dressed, and exceptionally smug. He shows no signs of remorse and loves to demonstrate his power, whether it’s humiliating people in front of their sons, or degrading women in front of Seo. There’s nothing to like or admire here, and to that degree the character is slightly one note. Yoo plays the note perfectly however, and as the film speeds towards its climax we just know we’re in for some much deserved comeuppance.

Veteran works best as a greatest hits compilation for Ryoo. It is certainly his most laugh out loud film – which is to be expected with Oh Dal Su in the cast as a flippant and unorthodox team leader – as well as still having bone crunching violence. It is that juxtaposition that serves as a highlight and a deterrent. Audiences enjoyment will be how well versed they are switching between extremes, and even for hardened action and comedy fans, it still may be slightly too much. It also has an impact on the more emotional scenes, with some of Hwang’s moments missing the mark due to his character’s cartoonish behaviour at times.

Still, there’s a huge amount to enjoy here. Fans will love seeing so many big Korean names, especially those from previous Ryoo films that turn up in cameos, sometimes just for the hell of it. With laughs and action, as well as remarkably choreographed fight sequences, this is a film that will have to catch you in the right mood to enjoy as a whole, but will have something for everyone no matter the occasion.

Veteran review by Luke Ryan Baldock, November, 2015.

Veteran screened at the London Korean Film Festival as part of a retrospective on actor Hwang Jung Min’s work.