Standing out in the crowded zombie genre can be challenging given iconic works such as “The Night of the Living Dead” and popular series like “The Walking Dead”. However, when “Train to Busan” was released in 2016, its distinctive setting and viewpoint left a strong impression. Audiences were captivated by the movie’s “zombies on a train” premise, and just a few months later, the prequel of “Train to Busan” received a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes and was acclaimed as one of the greatest Korean horror films ever made.
Titled “Seoul Station,” this animated movie was written and directed by Yeon Sang-ho, who also helmed “Train to Busan” (scripted by Park Joo-suk). This prequel introduces a unique cast of characters in Seoul as they navigate the early stages of a zombie outbreak. When Ki-woong (Lee Joon) and his girlfriend Hye-sun (Shim Eun-kyung) are separated amidst zombie attacks at the train station, Ki-woong embarks on a search for Hye-sun. He teams up with Suk-gyu (Ryu Seung-ryong), Hye-sun’s father, but neither of them is braced for the chaos that lies ahead.
The Rotten Tomatoes critic consensus finds the film as being intensely engaging from start to finish, boasting a complex and brutal take on the zombie genre. Critics appreciated its animation style and its adherence to the gritty, gory feel of “Train to Busan.” Notably, “Seoul Station” is one of the few films that has received a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes; however, it’s unusual because while critics have embraced it, audiences seem to be more divided in their opinions.
Why did audiences rate the movie so low?
Although “Seoul Station” received high praise from critics, it was met with a disappointing 39% rating on Rotten Tomatoes by the audience. Interestingly, many of these negative reviews commend the film’s animation, but express dissatisfaction with the storyline itself. The issue seems to be that “Seoul Station,” being a prequel to “Train to Busan,” does not adequately explain how the zombie virus from the original movie originated. This might be because it is common for zombie franchises to leave such questions unanswered, but some viewers felt that “Seoul Station” failed to connect well with the original film they appreciated.
In “Seoul Station,” some audience members found issues with the fresh characters, specifically Ki-woong and Suk-gyu, who both had individual motives for chasing Hye-sun. These characters didn’t elicit sympathy from viewers throughout the film. For certain people, it was challenging to watch morally questionable characters for an extended period. However, critics seemed more open to engaging with the profound themes that “Seoul Station” presents through its characters, rather than being deterred by the less appealing aspects of these characters.
What else is in the Train to Busan franchise?
For fans of “Train to Busan” who felt let down by “Seoul Station”, it showcases the exceptional quality of the initial film. If you appreciated the gritty portrayal of a zombie outbreak in an animated South Korean city, then returning to the live-action version is highly recommended. Despite the fact that the original movie might not have a flawless rating on Rotten Tomatoes, its 95% score is still quite impressive.
If you’re still craving more from the world of “Train to Busan,” there’s another live-action film called “Peninsula.” Set four years after the initial zombie outbreak in South Korea, this movie explores what has transpired since then. Instead of focusing on civilians, the story revolves around a group of men hired by a Chinese crime syndicate to retrieve a truck laden with $20 million from the now-overrun nation.
It’s important to mention that a Peninsula, unlike Train to Busan, is a completely distinct film. Despite earning a 55% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it didn’t have as powerful an impact as its predecessors. Even though it might not be the best zombie movie ever made, for enthusiasts of the genre or the Train to Busan series, it’s definitely worth watching, especially since the planned American remake has been postponed indefinitely since 2022.
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2025-05-05 21:30