Movie Review: Train to Busan

I was supposed to post a drama review for my first entry on the revamped blog but I just have to get my thoughts out there about this movie. I don't usually watch these kind of movies at all let alone in the cinema but just from the trailer, I knew I can't let this pass by.

Train to Busan (부산행) is a 2016 South Korean zombie apocalypse thriller film directed by Yeon Sang-ho and starring Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi and Ma Dong-seok. Gong Yoo is best known for his role as the male lead in the drama Coffee Prince.

The plot according to Asian Wiki--
Seok-Woo (Gong Yoo) is a fund manager in Seoul. He is separated from his wife and lives with his daughter Soo-An (Kim Soo-Ahn). Seok-Woo doesn't spend much time with his daughter or show affection to her. On the night before Soo-An's birthday, Soo-An insists on seeing her mother for her birthday. Seok-Woo has no other choice, but to take her to Busan. Early the next morning, they board the KTX train for Busan at Seoul Station.
Before the KTX train leaves Seoul Station, a zombie like girl jumps onto the train. The girl is infected with a horrific virus that is spreading like wildfire. Seok-Woo, Soo-An and the other passengers on the KTX train must now fight for their lives.

The zombies here can be compared to those in World War Z when it comes to the speed and how they looked like. They were more scary for me as they are still very close to looking human so you can't really tell right away if a person is infected. This film is being compared to Snowpiercer but I think this one has more heart.

SPOILER ALERT: There was this scene that Seok-Woo took his daughter aside when she gave up her seat to an elderly lady. He said that in times of distress, she should only look out after herself. His daughter replied, "But grandma always complains of her knees aching". It gave me the impression that right, you can look out for yourself but you can do that while also looking out for others. This came out further into the movies. The daughter was saved by the husband of the pregnant woman even if Seok-Woo closed the door right on his face during the initial attack.

The cast are commendable as they were able to give justice to their characters. Yong-suk, the COO who insisted the train to head straight to Busan was annoying; Sanghwa, the husband, proved he was dependable and how much he loved his family; Young-guk, the baseball player, proved his loyalty to his friends, even the train engineer was believable.

The movie was fast-paced and there was no dull moments. You won't notice that it has been a couple of hours already. I'm happy with the ending. My complaint was that I wasn't finished crying yet when the closing credits began to roll.

Train to Busan has grossed US$88,080,540 worldwide. After watching, you won't wonder why.
If you're thinking twice because like me you're not into thrillers, watch the trailer below and it might change your mind. I might go again and watch it in the theater given the chance. (I treated my sisters to watch this so I have someone to watch it with me).