Deserter Pursuit

This is a stunning example of how cinema or TV can be used to get people to be aware of and discuss something important.

I can only imagine what it must be like to live in a country with compulsory military service, but this show and all of the cast do an excellent job of humanising (as in tells a human story) the situations that must occur when service is only a choice if you are rich or connected enough to make use of the loopholes.

A must watch. But not an easy one.

This show is primarily a scathing indictment of the institutional bullying that takes place in compulsory military service in South Korea. Told with an ironic brisk tone and occasional sardonic dark comedy, the horror is real, never exaggerated but portrayed in a matter of fact way that makes it so much more effective and powerfully moving. Some other reasons for desertion are also shown like economic reasons. But the torture is the main thing here.this show is a success because the subject matter is a universal problem in any country where men are forced into so called military service and killed or injured mentally and physically. Akin to a normal innocent person being sentenced to prison and torture for a crime they didn't commit.

There is an onward momentum and a fast pace unlike many other shows because this one has only 6 episodes. No slow moments or wasted scenes and all things come together. Sometimes you need to concentrate to keep clear who is who as there are many soldiers.

Jung Hae In was so good in Something in the Rain but his recent projects like a Piece of Your Mind weren't good enough for him. He is such a terrific actor showing a sympathetic dramatic side here. In D. P. the bullying he suffers is so much more painful to watch because it is him and the viewer can feel his righteous indignation under his self control. Kudos to Shin Seung Ho who is well cast and very effective as a bullying sadist.

There is a lot more to tell and season 2 should be a good one. Congratulations to the cast and crew and writer.

Wow! D. P. Is fast moving and gripping - I had to hold back from binge watching all six episodes in one sitting. So much sadness balanced by bits of light. Makes me pray that all militaries are working to end the hazing and cruelty that seem to abound when the wrong people are given power. Beautifully acted, don't miss it.

A new recruit is assigned to the DP who are responsible for bringing back soldiers who have gone AWOL. A well acted drama which looks at the the unfair treatment of soldiers of all ranks and how bullying can become systematic. Each episode deals with the causes of why the soldier deserted and the efforts to return him. In a country where conscription is compulsory it will hopefully make the people look at the vicious cycle of bullying from all ranks against ordinary people carrying out service.

D. P. (2021) has a good start and a great ending. The story, actors, music, direction, you name it, everything was well put together.

Anyway, I don't know what else to say except to encourage you to watch this series. (*There are only six episodes.) It is worth your time. And whether or not there is a second season, this season already speaks volumes.