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Horripilations Review of Train to Busan (2016)

Movie Review: Train to Busan (2016)

Synopsis

“Train to Busan” is a riveting South Korean action-horror film directed by Yeon Sang-ho, released in 2016. Set against the backdrop of a sudden zombie outbreak that sweeps across South Korea, the film follows the harrowing journey of a father and his daughter on a high-speed train to Busan, one of the few cities reported to have avoided the catastrophic spread of the infection.

The story begins with Seok-woo (Gong Yoo), a work-obsessed fund manager, who is estranged from his daughter, Su-an (Kim Soo-an). As a birthday gift to her, he reluctantly agrees to take her to Busan to see her mother. However, as they board the KTX train, chaos ensues when a highly contagious virus turns passengers into vicious zombies at an alarming rate. Faced with a race against time and the escalating threat within the confined space of the train, Seok-woo, Su-an, and a motley crew of passengers must band together to survive, while grappling with their humanity and moral dilemmas amidst an apocalyptic scenario.

Along for the ride are several notable characters, including the courageous married couple Sang-hwa (Ma Dong-seok) and Seon-kyung (Jung Yu-mi), the self-serving businessman Yong-guk (Kim Eui-sung), and a group of schoolchildren that Su-an befriends. As they navigate the increasingly perilous situation, the film evolves into a gripping commentary on survival instincts, societal values, and personal sacrifice, making efforts to highlight the humanity that endures even in the bleakest of circumstances.

List of Actors and Their Characters:

  1. Gong Yoo as Seok-woo: A fund manager and estranged father.
  2. Kim Soo-an as Su-an: Seok-woo’s young daughter, whose wish for a birthday trip sparks the journey.
  3. Ma Dong-seok as Sang-hwa: A brave and compelling character who becomes a protector for others.
  4. Jung Yu-mi as Seon-kyung: Sang-hwa’s wife, who is fiercely loyal and resourceful.
  5. Kim Eui-sung as Yong-guk: A businessman whose self-serving nature puts others at risk.
  6. Choi Woo-shik as the young train worker, with a role integral to the narrative.
  7. An So-hee as a schoolgirl, representing the innocence lost amidst chaos.
  8. Kim Jin-woo as one of the surviving passengers, contributing to the dynamic of survival.

Conclusion

“Train to Busan” transcends the standard tropes of the zombie genre to create a unique fusion of horror, action, and heartfelt drama. The film is a masterclass in tension-building, with nail-biting sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats while exploring deep emotional and ethical dilemmas. The layered character development allows for a genuine connection to the protagonists, evoking empathy and sorrow as they confront life-or-death situations. Not only does it deliver expertly choreographed action sequences and stunning visual effects, but it also intertwines poignant themes of love, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be human.

Yeon Sang-ho’s direction weaves these elements seamlessly, making “Train to Busan” not just a typical zombie horror, but a profound commentary on society and human nature. The film’s ability to address contemporary issues, such as the fragility of life in the face of disaster and the need for compassion in a world increasingly driven by self-interest, further elevates it.

Overall, “Train to Busan” is a landmark in modern cinema, transcending cultural boundaries and offering a gripping narrative that resonates universally. It remains an essential watch for both horror aficionados and general audiences alike.

Score: 9/10

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