9 years since the release of Veteran (2015), director Ryoo Seung Wan returns with the second installment of the series with Veteran 2, also known internationally as “I, the Executioner”!
“I, the Executioner” tells the story of veteran detective Seo Do-cheol (played by HWANG Jung-min) and his team at Major Crimes, relentless in their pursuit of criminals, who join forces with rookie cop Park Sun-woo (played by JUNG Hae-in) to track down a serial killer who has plunged the nation into turmoil.
For audiences familiar with the impact the first installment of the first movie Veteran had in Korea and veteran actor Hwang Jung Min’s status in the Korean film industry, I, the Executioner is a movie Korean film enthusiasts wouldn’t want to miss. That said, the storyline of I, the Executioner has absolutely nothing to do with the first movie so moviegoers can opt to watch the movie without any expectations and knowledge of the first film (but it would be good to learn just the names of the main characters).
[WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD]
The movie started off with the introduction of the detective team members from the first installment of Veteran with a scene where they try to crack a case together. We recommend learning the names of the main cast so you won’t get lost figuring out who is who.
You know that you won’t miss out on the humour in a movie Hwang Jung Min is in and the 54 year old actor left no crumbs from the beginning of I, the Executioner.
After the detective team resolved the case at the beginning of the film, here’s where the real deal begins.
By the way, be prepared for blood/gore of crime scene photos, be prepared for the loud noises and action scenes throughout the entire movie because there will be little to no quiet moments at all.
No one will question and doubt Hwang Jung Min’s ability to portray the characters he plays to the tee but can we talk about Jung Hae In’s portrayal of his character’s duality in I, the Executioner?
The title of the film I, the Executioner itself was a hint as to how the 36 year old actor would create chaos in the film as the rookie cop who lived a double life with the main character “Hae-chi” who is like the modern day Batman.
The subtle introduction of “Hae-chi” while assuming Jung Hae In’s role as a rookie cop who was on duty was an alright way to briefly give the audience a hint of what’s in store. However, during the dinner scene at the Korean barbeque place, Jung Hae In’s soulless gaze while staring at Hwang Jung Min was captured in the reflection of the mirror, sending shivers down the spine. The camerawork in this scene was done so well.
The rest is history.
Without spoiling too much of the plot, do take note on how Jung Hae In, no, Park Sun-Woo, no, Hae-chi, crafted his entire plan to “screw over” (?) Hwang Jung Min’s character Seo Do-cheol.
Aside from getting justice in an unjust society where criminals get away with their crimes easily, I, The Executioner also explored topics such as office politics, problem solving, relationships with colleagues, trust, kinship and ways to correct things legally.
Overall, the movie storyline was acceptable but it would be good to have seen how Hwang Jung Min’s character gradually figured out that Jung Hae In’s character was a mole despite him trying to mask his identity as “Hae-chi”. It might be better if you read the synopsis and familiarise yourself with the characters in the movie before watching the film with no expectations.
We would like to end off with the quote that left the most impression on us.
“People only want to believe what they want to believe. Instead of asking why, focus on your decision.”
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Text by: Wan Ling | Photos by: tvN Movies
A special thanks to Warner Bros Singapore and tVN Movies for having us at the media preview screening!
“I, the Executioner” is out in Singapore cinemas.
