The Chaser (2008)

Ever since I discovered Oldboy years ago I’ve been interested in Korean films. Much like the new wave of French Horror, the Koreans don’t hold back. The films usually have a very strong cinematic voice and don’t skimp on the carnage. The Chaser is no different.

An indictment on the South Korean judicial system The Chaser is about an ex detective turned pimp whose girls keep disappearing. He assumes they’re being captured and sold into slavery but they’re being killed by a serial killer. Can he find the killer’s home before another of his girls is murdered?

The Chaser is a gritty thriller based on an actual case in South Korea. From the beginning of the film we know who the killer is and so does the pimp. The whole film is centered around finding the killer’s home and his buried victims in order to indict the killer. He confesses but without evidence they have no proof therefore, no case. I don’t know if this is actually how the judicial system works in Korea but the film is certainly pointing its finger at the law and order in the system and to corruption within. At just over 2 hours long one would think that a thriller with no whodunit element would be boring but this isn’t the case with the Chaser. I found myself interested throughout with rapt attention. Make no mistake though, this film is ugly. There isn’t anything “nice” or “fun” or “cool” in this film. Its just straight up agonizing brutality with a heap of frustration at the weaknesses of the system the police are operating in. Check it out if you dig Korean films, but look elsewhere for an initiation into the wonderful world of Korean film.

7/10

Gore: mild, but a graphic film nonetheless

Nudity: none