I, the Executioner

Ryoo Seung-wan's sequel to his 2015 action comedy Veteran is a high-octane crime thriller that sees him reunite with Hwang Jung-min and a stellar supporting cast to a predictably satisfying effect.

The film is focused on a team of old-school cops who, more often than not, employ violent techniques during their job. But they get results and they're trusted by their superiors. Hwang replays his role as Do-cheol, arguably the most skilled of all in the group. He's much like Ma Dong-seok's character from The Roundup series, just a simple guy who knows his job and has his own ways of doing it, but isn't afraid to have some fun now and then. The team's abilities are tested once a vigilante serial killer makes himself known to the public, and is, annoyingly, constantly being called upon by some pesky live-streamers.

Ryoo again directs the film with plenty of energy and stylistic verve, definitely stepping his game up after the middling Smugglers. It feels like he's most assured when directing muscular action thrillers like this one, peppering the proceedings with humor but not against darkening the tone if need be. And so it is the case here; I, the Executioner harkens back to The Unjust in the way it questions morality and tests a desperate policeman's sense of judgment. The plot sets up an intriguing examination of vigilantism and how it can be perceived as just in the public eye, but trusts the viewer to know better than that. And we, hopefully, do.

To offset all the murder are previously mentioned instances of humor that are welcome to lighten up the mood, and they fit quite well. Also, much like in The Roundup series, there are plenty of great chases and visceral action scenes, culminating in a climactic sequence of fist pumping satisfaction that feels well earned.

Very much recommended for fans of crime thrillers.

Saw this film at Cannes Film Festival this year - and what started as a film just to fill in my free time slot turned out to be the best film that I saw at Cannes this year! (And I did watch Lanthimos' 'Kinds of Kindness' and Paul Schrader's 'Oh Canada!'.) This film had everything that a good film should have - great acting, good plot, insane comedy, beautiful action sequences, all with a great pacing and comedic timing. The film was subtitled, of course, but the entire hall was cracking up in laughter the entire time and clapped wholeheartedly as the film ended. The film follows a team of special case investigators within the police department of Korea that are investigating a serial killer with a unique modus operandi. You'd normally expect the film to be grim and disturbing, but you'll be surprised at how easy and comedic all those scenes were. Do give it a shot!

Veteran is an action-comedy that pits a seasoned detective, Seo Do-cheol, against a young, arrogant chaebol heir, Jo Tae-oh, who's involved in various criminal activities. The film is filled with fast-paced action scenes, but what sets it apart is its humor and the clever way it handles social commentary about the corruption of the rich. Hwang Jung-min's portrayal of 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 entitled, untouchable elite who believe they can get away with anything. The film subtly critiques the imbalance of power in society while still being a thrilling ride filled with great fight choreography. The action and the moral message combine to make it one of the standout Korean action films of the decade.

Or is it rookie Executioner? No pun intended - also not much of a mystery when it comes to the whodunit ... at least for the viewer who has seen more than his/her fair share of movies. Talking of which: this is a direct sequel of the movie Veteran! You do not have to have seen it - but it help with establishing the characters ... not that they do not take some turns and twists here.

The movie begins really strong - you have to dig the humor ... and the action! It is quite the fine line this walks .. but it achieves this wonderfully! And the action choreography is just amazing to say the least.

Add to that some social commentary .. and some individual and nice touches ... another winner! Have to rewatch the first movie again - even if it is something completely different.