A Great Action Thriller

Rating: 10/10 (13 October 2018)

Train to Busan is a pleasure to watch. It takes the classic pandemic zombie and combines it with the isolated environment of a speeding train to great effect. The pandemic/contagion element is interwoven with ideas of environmentalism and morality. Trapping the characters in an enclosed space with the monster creates tension and conflict in a way that is somewhat reminiscent of a science fiction movie set on a spaceship or an action movie set on a submarine. These elements converge as tensions rise and the movie turns to exploring the darkest, as well as the most selfless, parts of human nature in the way that post-apocalyptic movies seem to do so well.
This ideological framework is brought to life by some fantastic acting and great character writing that really draws you into the movie. The cinematography and visual storytelling are exceedingly well done and create a distinctive atmosphere. This is a movie that feels like it was built off of many well crafted details.
Train to Busan isn't particularly gorey or terrifying and leans more towards the action/thriller category. It creates intrigue through the failings of the characters and humanity as a whole as well as the hope for redemption.
Although the movie becomes a little "over the top" towards the end, it doesn't prevent this movie in being 10/10.