The Chaser (2008 film)

The Chaser (2008 film) is a South Korean action thriller film directed by Na Hong-jin in his directorial debut. Released in 2008, the film stars Kim Yoon-seok and Ha Jung-woo.

The plot follows Joong-ho (Kim Yoon-seok), a disgraced former detective turned pimp, who finds himself in a desperate race against time to save his missing call girls from a brutal serial killer, Young-min (Ha Jung-woo). When several of his girls disappear, Joong-ho realizes they were all last contacted by the same client. He sets out to find this client, leading him on a dangerous and violent pursuit through the streets of Seoul.

The Chaser is noted for its fast-paced narrative, gritty realism, and intense violence. It garnered critical acclaim and commercial success in South Korea, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year. The film received numerous awards, including Best Film and Best Director at the Grand Bell Awards. It was also screened at the Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section.

The film's success helped launch the careers of Na Hong-jin and Ha Jung-woo, establishing them as prominent figures in the Korean film industry. The Chaser is often considered a landmark film in the Korean thriller genre and has been praised for its compelling story, strong performances, and unflinching portrayal of violence and corruption.