Tuesday, April 18, 2023

D.P. stands for deserter pursuit

 In many war movies it is common enough that military police are shown, usually as interfering or occasionally as supportive, but seldom explored with their own dynamics and personnel concerns.  "D.P." (2021) gives more of an inside view, or at least one perspective.  Available on Netflix in dubbed format.

Military service is mandatory in South Korea which means a lot of men are pulled from career paths and forced into military discipline.  Resentment is not uncommon and feelings of abandonment can lead to desertions.  Harassment, hazing and bullying are too common.

In the first season there are six episodes of around 50 minutes each.  We follow one young man who once in the military is selected to be in the D.P. squadron.  He met some physical requirements and had demonstrated a clever observation.  He is joined by a slightly senior partner and the two work on a few cases. 

Over the next six episodes they pursue a number of deserters with some followup.  Interviewing family and friends, studying tapes and going over locations. Jurisdiction issues add to the stress with the SDT (an anti terrorist organization), local police and even other divisions of the military with conflicting concerns.  For the last episode there is quite a tense standoff between a few government forces, a discharged solider and a bully soldier.

The cast and crew are noteworthy.

Jun-hee Han directed and wrote. executive producer

Kim Bo-tong developed the story from his own military experiences and later produced a webtoon.  He co-wrote the script.

Jung Hae-in played the junior partner.  Earlier films included "Something in the Rain" (2018) and "Tune in For Love" (2019).

Koo Kyo-hwan  played he senior partner.  Film credits include "A Werewolf Boy (2012),"Escape From Moghdishu" (2021), "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" (2022).  Check  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/04/escape-from-mogadishu-we-can-learn-to.html and http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/08/extraordinary-attorney-woo.html

Kim Seong-gyoon played their supervisor.  His film credits include "The Suspect" (2017) and "Divorce Attorney Shin" (2023).   Check http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/04/divorce-attorney-shin.html

The series was popular enough that by demand a second season is on its way.

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