If you’re a fan of zombie movies, you know how difficult it can be to find one that really stands out from the crowd. But Train to Busan, a South Korean horror-thriller released in 2016, manages to do just that. With its creative premise, non-stop action, and heart-wrenching moments of humanity among the chaos, Train to Busan is an absolute must-see for fans of the genre.
The film is set in Korea and follows a diverse cast of characters as they board a train from Seoul to Busan. Among them is Seok-woo, a workaholic father who is taking his young daughter Su-an to visit her mother in Busan. Also on the train are a pregnant woman and her aggressive husband, a high school baseball team, and a homeless man who ends up being a kind of hero in his own right.
But as the train pulls out of the station, chaos erupts. Reports start coming in of a mysterious virus spreading throughout the country and turning people into flesh-eating zombies. It’s not long before the train itself is overrun with the undead, and the survivors must fight for their lives to make it to safety in Busan.
One of the most impressive things about Train to Busan is the way it uses its setting to create tension and unease. A train is a great place to set a horror film, as it’s a confined space with limited escape options. But director Yeon Sang-ho takes it to another level, using the train’s speed and motion to ramp up the suspense. There are moments where the train has to speed through zombie-infested stations, barely missing the grasping hands of the undead, and others where survivors have to make split-second decisions about which cars to run through or how to barricade themselves in.
But it’s not just the action that makes Train to Busan stand out. The film also has a strong emotional throughline, anchored by the relationship between Seok-woo and Su-an. As the horror escalates and the survivors are forced to make difficult choices, Seok-woo is forced to confront his own failings as a father and a human being. There are moments of heartbreaking sacrifice and unexpected heroism that elevate the film beyond a simple zombie flick.
Of course, that’s not to say that Train to Busan skimps on the gore and scares. The makeup effects are fantastic, with the zombies looking appropriately hungry and gruesome. There are plenty of jump scares and tense moments, but the film never feels like it’s relying on them to carry the story. Rather, the scares are a natural outgrowth of the situation the characters find themselves in.
In the end, Train to Busan is a thrilling ride from start to finish. It’s a film that manages to explore some genuine emotional depth while also providing plenty of visceral thrills. If you’re a zombie fan, don’t miss this one – and if you’re not, Train to Busan might just convert you.