Insights

When Train to Busan was released in 2016, despite South Korea culture’s unfamiliarity of zombie appearances in horror films, nevertheless it was a huge hit with the Korean audiences. The critical timing release of this film was a key contribution to this film’s success. In Korea, most horror films were intentionally set to release in cinemas during the summer because the cool air-conditioned theatres make a perfect getaway from the heat and humidity; the temperature in the cinema also create a chilling atmosphere for the viewers while they’re watching the thrilling horror film. Due to how well the film performed in Korea, and by the raving reviews that were widely spread across the internet in Korea, they decided to release the film in cinemas across Asian. Although the movie was not released in cinemas globally but living in a such technology advanced digital age where world-wide internet users are able to download and watch at the comforts of their home. The film was favorably received across many countries and was even applauded by few influential filmmakers in the industry. Even though the film was doing very well, there were still criticism made on South Korea’s attempt in producing a popular westernized themed zombie apocalypse movie. The critics posted on popular social media pages mainly notes how the film is like “World War Z”, and that the film is not necessary as thrilling or scary like other zombie apocalypse western films. Many Train to Busan fans would then engage with the reviews and criticism on the internet by explaining the purpose of the film surrounds each character and was never centered around the zombies. By the convenience of the internet, viewers all over the world were able to gage a deeper analysis and understanding of the messages and themes that Director Yeong was trying to convey to the public.

Although this deadly virus spread is fictional, the film does an incredible job in portraying realistic scenarios as the wrath of a unknow plague slowly takes over and destructs the entire country. Through Train to Busan, the director depicts the feeling of fear and terror that an infectious outbreak brings onto the nation. Director Yeong uses the film’s extreme apocalyptic setting, and the troubling diseased individuals to demonstrate a disturbing, and violent transformation into a carnivorous creature that challenges the nature of a human-being and the meaning of humanity.  The illness of turning humans into zombies thus unleashes a new wave of fear and unfamiliarity among the citizens and government. This induced feeling of fear can bring forward the best and worst side of humanity as individuals’ cross close paths with death. The film continuously reinforces individuals to push aside their selfishness and egotism human nature that supports the idea every man for themselves. Through the characteristic traits displayed by various characters, it was shown that through the spread of empathy, compassion, and selflessness, individuals can create a positive impact around them which serves as an aid for survival in a dark time filled with fear.  

The film showed many problematic issues that were arising within their country – a failed governmental system, and unequal privilege divide within social classes. Since Train to Busan was filmed as a modern-day movie, it is easy to notice that those concerns are parallel to what is happening in the real world. The film not only point out the faults in the system, but it also provides key take-away points to improve our modern society. The actions that the government took in the film should serves as an indication for how the governmental system should be reshaped by valuing the citizens health and safety equally instead of focusing on power control. It promotes the idea of equality among society as the film demonstrates that social class divide means nothing in the wrath of an apocalypse. Individuals will not be able to escape an infectious disease based on their privilege, the amount of wealth they have or if they benefit from “insider information”. These are all significant insights for our society to consider.