31 Days of Halloween: Thrill Ride to Buson

Train to Buson (2016)
********* (9 out of 10 Stars)

Directed by Yeon Sang-Ho
Starring: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, and Ma Dong-seok

“Dad, you only care about yourself. That’s why mommy left.” – Soo-an  

In “Train to Busan,” Seok-woo, a committed yet detached father, agrees to accompany his young daughter, Su-an, to Busan for her birthday. Their routine journey spirals into chaos as a swift and ferocious zombie outbreak engulfs South Korea. The train becomes a harrowing arena for survival, pushing Seok-woo and Su-an, alongside a motley crew of passengers, into a relentless battle against the undead. The film deftly intertwines gripping action with poignant storytelling, delving into themes of sacrifice, survival, and the bonds forged amidst adversity.

My appreciation for zombie films has traditionally skewed towards those from America and Italy, but “Train to Busan” has reshaped my perspective. A standout feature of Korean horror lies in its use of lighting. Unlike many American films that shroud special effects in darkness, Korean filmmakers boldly illuminate their scenes, enhancing the shock and authenticity.

“Train to Busan” transcends the typical zombie flick with its robust narrative and intricate subplots. Director Yeon Sang-ho expertly marries high-octane horror with emotional depth, elevating the story beyond the conventional zombie tropes. The cast breathes life into their roles, transforming potential clichés into dynamic characters. I found myself genuinely invested in their fates, rooting for their survival or despising their flaws—a testament to the film’s character development.

The film also weaves in social commentary, reminiscent of Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead,” adding layers to the survivors’ interactions and decisions. The pacing is masterfully handled; the virus’s silent, insidious spread mirrors the impending doom, culminating in an overwhelming tide of terror.

“Train to Busan” has made a profound impact on the zombie genre, proving that horror can be both thought-provoking and exhilarating. It revitalizes a genre where I thought originality had run its course, proving that I was indeed wrong—profoundly so.

“Train to Busan” will continue to make waves and have an ascending and significant impact on the zombie genre, showcasing the potential for horror films to offer meaningful storytelling alongside thrilling entertainment. It also showed innovations in the zombie genre where I thought all original ideas had been used up. I was wrong about the assumption—dead wrong.