This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE
All Aboard the Zombie Express!
Hey there, movie buffs and zombie enthusiasts! 👋 Today, I’m gonna spill the beans on a flick that made some major waves in the world of zombie cinema when it came out in 2016 – “Train to Busan.” If you haven’t seen it yet, don’t worry; I’m here to give you the lowdown on this undead thrill ride. 🌟
First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room – zombies on a train. Yep, you read that right. Picture this: a bunch of passengers stuck on a high-speed train racing through South Korea, while a zombie apocalypse unfolds right outside the windows. Talk about a commute from hell!
Now, I’ve seen my fair share of zombie flicks, and I’m not gonna lie, I was a bit skeptical about the whole “zombies on a train” concept. But holy guacamole, was I in for a wild ride!
Our main dude, Seok-woo, played by the talented Gong Yoo, is a workaholic dad who takes his daughter, Su-an (Su-an Kim), on a train to visit her mom in Busan. Their strained relationship is the emotional core of the movie, and trust me, it hits right in the feels. Little did they know that they’d be fighting for their lives on this journey.
The character development in this film is on point. Gong Yoo as Seok-woo is fantastic. You can’t help but root for Seok-woo’s transformation from a self-absorbed businessman to a total badass protector dad. And Su-an, the little warrior, steals your heart with her innocence and bravery. She’s the emotional anchor of the film, delivering a performance that’s both powerful and moving.
The supporting characters are just as impressive. You’ve got a pregnant lady, a tough guy with a heart of gold, a high school baseball team, and even a selfish corporate bigwig who you’ll love to hate. These folks turn a regular train ride into a rollercoaster of emotions.
The action sequences? Mind-blowing! They’re not just thrilling – they’re smart, well-choreographed, and they actually make sense within the story. The lightening-paced action and relentless pursuit had me on the edge of my seat, wondering how the heck our survivors are gonna make it out alive. And let’s not forget about the zombies themselves! These ain’t your sluggish, old-school zombies. Nope, these bad boys are Olympic sprinters with a taste for human flesh. The way the film portrays the zombies is insanely cool – fast, ferocious, and downright terrifying.
The suspense in “Train to Busan” is off the charts. I found myself biting my nails and shouting at the screen more times than I’d like to admit. Director Sang-ho Yeon did an amazing job keeping the tension cranked up to 11, with plenty of heart-pounding moments that had me gasping for breath.
But it’s not all doom and gloom – there are moments of heartwarming humanity sprinkled throughout the film. Acts of selflessness and sacrifice show that even in the face of a zombie apocalypse, people can come together to help one another. That being said, what really sets “Train to Busan” apart is its heart. This movie isn’t just about escaping zombies; it’s about what it means to be human. The characters are beautifully fleshed out (pun intended 😄), and their arcs bring real depth to the story.
Now, I won’t give away any spoilers, but I will say that the ending had me reaching for the tissues. It’s both gut-wrenching and heartwarming, leaving you with a mix of emotions that’ll stick with you long after the credits roll.
“Train to Busan” isn’t just a great zombie movie; it’s a great movie, period. It’s got action, it’s got heart, and it’s got zombies doing their zombie thing. What more could you ask for?
So, if you’re in the mood for a wild ride and don’t mind a few zombie scares along the way (okay…A LOT of zombie scares), grab some popcorn, find a comfy spot on the couch, and hop aboard the “Train to Busan.” You won’t regret it!
Catch you on the flip side,
Roger