Director Ryu Seung-wan's difficult path, meaningful reason for the box office success of 'Veteran 2'

Sep 22, 2024

사진=CJ ENM

The movie Veteran2 (directed by Ryu Seung-wan and produced by Foreign Oil Steel) has crossed the break-even point and reached the 5 million mark.

According to the Korea Film Council's integrated computer network of movie theater admission tickets on the 21st, 'Veteran2' recorded a cumulative audience of 5.023,539.

Veteran 2, which surpassed 4 million after a solo performance during the Chuseok holiday, surpassed 5 million on the second weekend, making it a box office hit 'Success'.

Due to the previous episode, which attracted 13.42 million viewers, some saw that 'Veteran 2' would also be a success. In addition, expectations were higher as the second film was recognized for its cinematic quality as it was invited to the Cannes Film Festival's non-competitive section and the Toronto International Film Festival's special presentation section.

However, there were also concerns. The concern came from fans who expected a refreshing cider action. The complicated story line and a somewhat heavier atmosphere further stimulated the worry. There was also a disappointing evaluation from those who expected the first film to be exhilarating.

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Why did manager Ryu Seung-wan choose a difficult path instead of a comfortable one. Wouldn't production have been more convenient if it had only pursued fun and box office success. You just have to 'follow in' the first instalment. Just thinking about it, shouldn't the main villain change from a chaebol second generation to a politician, gangster, and serial killer. It doesn't seem too difficult to make a villain that is more vicious than Jo Tae-oh (Yoo Ah-in). Ryu Seung-wan's stylish action has a reputation, so it can fully satisfy the audience who are looking forward to it. From director Ryu's point of view, it seems much easier. Movie fans know that he is a director who can pull that out.

However, coach Ryu took a different path despite the burden and concern. There were traces of efforts to create a point to think about, along with private revenge and school violence. This is because he has a reason to make a movie. The movie "Ryu Seung-wan-pyo" should have a reason why it is made, and not only should it be fun, but it should also illuminate society properly. Not to mention 'unfair trade' or 'mogadish'smuggling', the early works 'Arahan Jangpungdae Operations' and the first part 'Veteran1' were not just entertainment. So the audience was even more enthusiastic.

So 'Veteran2' is completely different from other sequels.The English title of 'Veteran' in Part 1 is just 'Veteran', but the English title of Part 2 is 'I, 'Executor'. The characters Seo Do-cheol (Hwang Jung-min) and the violent crime investigation team are not abandoned, but did he want to talk about something completely different. So 'Veteran2's box office hit is even more meaningful.

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Of course, 'Veteran2' did not forget to carry on the legacy of the first film. It's a pity that the line "We don't have money, don't we have Gao?" has been drastically reduced, but the lines such as "I told you not to sin" are now the signature lines of the 'Veteran' series. Jeon Seok-woo (Jeong Man-sik), director of Kukdong Freight, and Park Seung-hwan (Shin Seung-hwan), reporter of The Myungsung Ilbo, also welcome the re-emergence of Jeon. The music of Jang Ki-ha, who inherited the legacy of the late music director Bang Joon-seok, also constantly makes audiences excited.

P.S. Nevertheless, my personal opinion is that the introduction 'Stay strong' sequence needs reflection. It seems to have fallen from the tightrope of fun and reality, which is the beauty of 'Veteran', buried in comic, on a completely different tone from the original.

star77@sportschosun.com

Director Ryu Seung-wan's difficult path, meaningful reason for the box office success of 'Veteran 2'

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