Train to Busan (2016)

Director: Yeon Sang-Ho

Starring: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok, Kim Su-an

Primary genre: Horror

Secondary genre: Action

Bearing several similarities with the first zombie epic “World War Z” (2013) infused with the precision of “Snowpiercer” (2013), "Train to Busan" wisely decides to have most of the action occurring within the claustrophobic setting of a train. Unable to stop, the passengers have to encounter their unfortunate fellow zombie ticket holders, protect their loved ones and survive from the clutches of other (first class) survivors. There is a nice and subtle social commentary (always present in the Korean cinema) regarding the human nature (and class system) in cases of an unprecedent disaster that does not overstay its welcome.

Yeon Sang-ho (also director) populates his script with likable and relatable human characters which ground the proceedings into a realistic cinematic landscape with quite a few of you's and me's at every turn. While visually and emotionally distinct, this plethora of individuals diminishes soon enough the moment they begun to intrigue us as we are approaching the finale. Which brings me to the biggest problem of the movie. Despite an over-generous running time, the climactic act leaves much to be desired off with more people succumbing to the zombie hordes through baffling decisions that cause their own doom. with a sentiment of having to wrap things up as soon as possible, the conclusion to an interesting story seems hasty, banal and a copycat of other (worse) films (that I will not mention here) flirting excessively with melodrama.

However, until we reach the end, director Yeon Sang-Ho makes great use of his train setting and delivers some quite tense setpieces. From brutal encounters with the infected to hide and seek games especially when the train tunnels come into a play (in a nice touch), there is so much tension on screen that you could cut it with a knife. Once the chaos starts, the film grabs you by the throat and does not let it go. It is jam-packed with exceptional camera angles enhanced by the claustrophobic cinematography (by Lee Hyung-deok) and scenes of panic that are not for the faint-hearted. The Daejeon station sequence is the stuff of nightmares with Yeon showcasing the panic, mistakes and chaos that people cause in such a situation.

It does not hurt the film that is being supported by great performance as well. Yoo Gong as the flawed protagonist is mesmerizing with an touching arc. Ma Dong-seok though is particularly arresting as a fiery character that bumps things with his fists although sadly he does not have enough development while the rest of the cast are solid in their (archetypal?) roles and help create a sense of community and evoking emotion when their imminent demise is present.

Baring similarities with "World War Z" but not shining away from the violence or the chaotic events, "Train to Busan" delivers the necessary thrills to keep you occupied while munching your fingernails. Some shoddy character development and few cases of questionable decisions towards the end remove 1 or 2 points that could have helped the movie to achieve the status of a great one. Instead it is a very good flick, an excellent substitute to all the bullshit that Hollywood has been feeding us the last decade.

Tense and solid

+Excellent direction

+Bloody but not excessively

+Colourful characters

+Performances

+Inventive setpieces

+Tension

+Subtle social commentary

-Rushed (and predictable) final act

-Interesting characters that do not get enough development

-Dumb decisions towards the end