The zombie genre
appeared to take a little dip in the feature form following the unfathomable
success of The Walking Dead (2010 -),
yet two films, falling under the rage zombie sub genre, show there is
creativity still to be found in less than two hours.
The Girl with all the Gifts is adapted from young adult fiction, but feels
far more adult than it does young. A post apocalyptic world that plays on the
fears of corrupted children has an excellent cast and opens with a stunning
attack on a military base. After this, the film becomes something of a road movie
as salvation is sought. Despite an interesting central premise, there are some
missteps in narrative decisions taken before the unexpected and slightly
strange ending.
One of the main issues
with TGWATG is that the suspense and
fear of the opening twenty minutes is never replicated, allowing the plot holes
time to shine. It is really only the strong performances that keep the middle
third from sagging. A slowing pace is not a criticism that can be levelled at Train to Busan (Busanhaeng), from Korean director Sang-ho Yeon.
Train to Busan is relentless and endlessly creative.
Essentially a confinement movie, Busan
traps a handful of people on a train with a whole lot of violent, horrific
zombies. There is immediacy to the narrative, as it throws us into the action
quickly and Sang-ho finds new ways to put his characters in danger for the two
hours. This is thrilling cinema.
It feels like a bonus
that the characters are also well thought out. We understand them and they have
traits that are relatable, which adds to the tension because we care about
them, or in some instances, wish their death would come quickly. In all areas
this is a well-crafted film.
TGWATG presents moral issues that are well balanced and when a film can do
this, it will always have some lasting power. Busan, for sheer inventiveness and doing exactly what you want from
a zombie film may be one of the films of the year.
No comments:
Post a Comment