Ashfall is an action-adventure-thriller movie directed by Kim Byung Seo and Lee Hae Jun. The film narrates the story of a massive eruption of Mount Baekdu, causing destruction in Seoul and nearby cities. The eruption triggers an emergency response from the government, which sees a team of experts and soldiers assigned to prevent a bigger outburst. However, the mission faces opposition from different parties who fear that it could cause a bilateral conflict. In this article, we will review the movie’s plot in detail and give our opinion of the film’s overall quality.
Synopsis
The year is 2019, and Korea is hit by a natural disaster as Mount Baekdu erupts, spewing lava and ash into the neighboring countries of China and North Korea. The film opens up with a powerful earthquake that causes a high-rise building to crumble in North Korea. The eruption causes widespread destruction, leaving Seoul and other nearby cities almost flattened to the ground.
Jeon Yoo Kyung, the Presidential Secretary, moves fast to prevent a bigger outburst of the volcano. She meets Geology Professor Kang Bong Rae, who had predicted the eruption earlier. Prof. Kang suggests that the eruption could be prevented by drilling holes deep into the mountain to relieve it of pressure from the magma below. However, the only way to drill the holes is by using a nuke, a weapon that only North Korea has in its possession.
In response, the Korean government sends a team of experts and soldiers to North Korea to retrieve the nuke. Led by a brave captain, Jo In Chang, the team must find a North Korean spy who holds the key to the nuke’s location. Along the way, they face various challenges, including a surprise attack by American soldiers who learn of the mission.
While on the mission, they have to ensure that a group of Chinese gangsters does not steal the nuke for their selfish gain. The team’s success determines whether the country will survive or get wiped out by a second, more powerful eruption.
Review
Ashfall is a disaster film that stands out for its excellent CGI quality. Unlike similar movies before, this one has a unique twist to the story that keeps you glued to the screen. The scenes are breathtaking and realistic, capturing the grim realities of nature’s fury during natural disasters.
The film’s visual effects are outstanding and well-coordinated. They bring the story to life and make it easier for the viewer to connect with the characters. The opening scene of a skyscraper collapsing in North Korea sends chills down your spine, and so do the other scenes that follow thereafter.
The movie’s characters are also well-developed, and you can easily empathize with them. Captain Jo’s character is daring, courageous, and committed to the mission, even if it means leaving his pregnant wife behind. The other characters, including the Geology Professor and the spy, are also given ample time to showcase their abilities and add value to the storyline.
The film’s soundtrack adds to the emotional feel of the movie, especially during scenes with a high emotional tone. The sound effects are impeccable, highlighted best by the terrifying sound of the eruptions.
In conclusion, Ashfall is an excellent disaster film that showcases great storytelling and excellent CGI quality. The character development, sound effects, and soundtrack all add to the overall appeal of the movie. It is a must-watch for anyone looking for a thrilling and action-packed movie that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
