Veteran

Veteran is a 2015 South Korean action thriller film directed by Ryoo Seung-wan, starring Hwang Jung-min and Yoo Ah-in. The movie delves into the complexities of social hierarchy and the blurred lines between good and evil. It begins with a pivotal scene, where Jang Tae-soo (played by Hwang Jung-min), a veteran detective in his mid-40s, is struggling to make ends meet. He's assigned to investigate the hit-and-run assault on an old acquaintance, Jang Se-jin (played by Bae Hae-sun), a kind-hearted and hardworking street vendor who sells traditional food to make a living. As the investigation unfolds, Jang Tae-soo's attention focuses on Yoo Ja-sang (played by Yoo Ah-in), a cunning and wealthy young executive who's the adopted son of the influential Lee Jang-seon (played by Kim Young-woong). Yoo Ja-sang is a symbol of the corrupt and entitled elite, who believes he's above the law due to his family's influential position and wealth. His aggressive driving behavior and disregard for the safety of others are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his arrogant and morally bankrupt behavior. As Jang Tae-soo digs deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that goes far beyond Yoo Ja-sang's isolated actions. He's forced to confront the darker aspects of Korean society, where wealth and power are often used to silence the marginalized and vulnerable. The police force is also found to be corrupt, further hindering Jang Tae-soo's efforts to bring Yoo Ja-sang to justice. A subplot within the movie is Jang Tae-soo's complicated past, which is revealed through a series of flashbacks. These brief glimpses into his past show him as a younger man, working tirelessly to become a detective. His dedication and passion for justice are evident, but his personal costs are also shown, particularly with regards to his relationship with his family. His daughter, Yoon-ju (played by Kim Yoo-jung), is the central figure in his emotional support system. Her absence from his life weighs heavily on Jang Tae-soo, and he struggles to reconcile his present circumstances with the memories of his past. The dynamics between Jang Tae-soo and Yoo Ja-sang form a central core of the movie. Their contrasting personalities create a tense standoff that propels the plot forward. Jang Tae-soo represents the underdog, driven by a sense of justice and duty, while Yoo Ja-sang embodies the epitome of corruption and excess. Their confrontations highlight the moral implications of their choices, making it difficult to distinguish between right and wrong. As Jang Tae-soo closes in on Yoo Ja-sang, their cat-and-mouse game reaches a boiling point. The tension builds towards an explosive confrontation that has significant repercussions. In the end, Jang Tae-soo's persistence yields results, yet the movie leaves the audience pondering about the true cost of his victory and the lingering effects of corruption in Korean society. The film raises important questions about the social hierarchy of South Korea and the consequences of allowing it to perpetuate. Ultimately, Veteran provides a thought-provoking and intense exploration of the complexities of corruption, privilege, and justice.