Released in 2016, Train to Busan is an action-packed zombie thriller that recounts the terrifying journey of Seok-Woo (Gong Yoo) and his daughter Soo-an as they travel to Busan to celebrate her birthday with her mother, Seok-Woo’s ex-wife. The travel is supposed to be easy and uneventful, but things take an unexpected turn when they board a train that becomes the target of a zombie outbreak. What ensues is a pulse-pounding race for survival, in which Seok-Woo and other passengers must battle their way through hordes of the undead to reach safety.
The Plot
Train to Busan takes place in a world on the brink of an apocalypse. A truck traversing a restricted area collides with a deer covered in blood, which gets up and runs away. This incident hints at the impending disaster that is about to unfold. Seok-Woo, a self-absorbed fund manager, decides to humor his daughter by accompanying her on the train ride to Busan. Soon they discover that the train is carrying more than just passengers; it’s also transporting zombies. As these infected passengers start attacking others, the train becomes a battleground where Seok-Woo and other survivors must fight their way through carriages filled with these ravenous monsters, all in a desperate attempt to get to Busan.
The Characters
The characters in Train to Busan are memorable and give the movie an emotional depth. Seok-Woo, initially a self-centered father, evolves into a courageous protector, willing to do anything to save his daughter. Moreover, he gains the respect of another father-like figure, a fearless blue-collar worker named Sang Hwa (Ma Dong Seok), who shares his journey. Other notable characters include Yong Guk (Choi Woo Shik), a teenage baseball player who lost his whole family in the outbreak and an old lady who makes the ultimate sacrifice for the safe passage of others. The cast also includes Gong Yoo’s ex-wife and his daughter’s fellow passenger, Jin-hee (Jung Yu-mi), and a selfish businessman Yon-suk (Kim Eui-sung).
Train to Busan Conclusion
Train to Busan is a thrilling and suspense-filled movie that takes a fresh approach to the zombie genre. With relatable characters and an action-packed plot, it delivers everything that fans of this genre could ask for. The story proves to be a heartfelt exploration of humanity’s capacity for sacrifice and courage in the face of horror. Additionally, Yeon Sang Ho’s artistry in building tension is undeniable, especially when confined to the claustrophobic train cabins. Overall it’s a must-watch movie for anyone who loves zombie movies, action thrillers, and entertaining films in general.
