QUEZON City, Philippines (September 8) – At the risk of sounding like an unabashed Koreanophile (which I am not categorically denying), “Train to Busan” is one of the top must-see movies of 2016.
Unlike other anticipated films (*cough* Suicide Squad *cough*), “Train to Busan” or to give its proper Korean title “Busanhaeng” made its premiere silently. It was part of the Midnight Screening section of the 2016 Cannes Film Festival which was held in May 13.
And while I am disappointed by the other anticipated film, I must say that I enjoyed “Train to Busan”.
It was South Korea’s first film belonging in the zombie genre. It is also the first Korean film of 2016 to break the audience record, with 10 million theater-goers and counting!
To be honest and in an attempt to make a balanced review, the film does not bring anything new to the zombie genre besides the fact that the protagonists are staying inside a bullet train going – where else? – to Busan.
And that is where that undefinable Korean charm comes in.
The fund manager who has issues with his little daughter. The nice, expecting couple, the elderly sisters, the baseball player and his crush… the film somehow makes us care for them and their well-being. We don’t want these people to end up as zombie food.
Headlining the film is Gong Yoo of the “Coffee Prince” fame. His co-stars also managed to showcase their superb acting but it is the little girl, Su-an, who steals the show.
Su-an personifies the perennial question: can you still be kind to others during desperate situations?
Unfortunately, when faced with rabid zombies dashing full speed ahead, many of us will put ourselves first in order to survive.
But that little girl refused to give in to the pressure – she was taught to be nice to others and that is what she will do no matter what happens.
This is in stark contrast with the attitude evinced by her dad, who initially does not care about others, and is focused only on his and his daughter’s survival. Fortunately, he managed to turn around due to his daughter’s relentless kindness.
That for me is the message of the film – to be kind no matter what – and it is even reinforced when those who were selfish unwittingly became victims of the very disaster that they wished to prevent.
“Train to Busan” may not have the brains – it offers no scientific explanation regarding the zombies, it lacks deep philosophical examination of human morality – but it is – without a doubt – a movie with a heart.
(written by Jay Paul Carlos, additional research by Vince Alvin Villarin)
