MIFF NOTES: Train to Busan (2016, Dir. Yeon Sang-ho)

I didn't catch the prequel to Yeong Sang-ho's box-office busting Korean zombie actioner Train to Busan (though it did run directly prior), so I'm a bit blank on the commentary that is being put about amongst all the pre-requisite bitey teeth, cranked limbs and gore.

I like my zombie films to come with some smarts and the big-money-doesn't-care-for-us vibe peeking out from under the carnage here didn't cut the mustard for me. Nor did the daddy/daughter schtick, especially when it is lathered on so violently in an effort to get some emotional buy-in from the audience.

Some of it does work though. Dong-seok Ma's hilariously rendered strongman and his pregnant wife succeed where the generically suited protagonist (Yoo Gong) doesn't. There are some solid laughs, some solid scares, some interesting set-ups, and a full zombie baseball team.

The pile-on zombies make for large scale set pieces and they're well shot, even if they are a little too reminiscent of Marc Forster's bolder, broader, World War Z, which to be honest, I'd prefer to revisit over this.

★★☆

Trailer:

Train to Busan screened as part of the Melbourne International Film Festival 2016.

You can check out other films from the festival here.