‘Train to Busan’ is Leaving Prime Video on December 30

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As a seasoned movie buff who’s seen more than a few zombie flicks, I can confidently say that Train to Busan is an absolute must-watch for any fan of the genre. This South Korean masterpiece, directed by Yeon Sang-ho and starring Gong Yoo, is a rollercoaster ride that’s as emotional as it is thrilling.

Apocalyptic thrillers featuring zombies can swing either way – some are so poor they’re unenjoyable, while the good ones are truly exceptional and leave a lasting impression. One such movie is “Train to Busan,” a South Korean film that stands alongside classics like “Dawn of the Dead.” Unfortunately, if you’re an Amazon Prime Video subscriber who hasn’t yet watched it, I strongly recommend catching up soon as your time to stream it may be running out.

Just like many films on streaming platforms, the run of “Train to Busan” on Prime Video is drawing to a close on December 30th. This means you have only a few days left to watch this outstanding 2016 movie directed by Yeon Sang-ho before it disappears. In the film, Gong Yoo plays Seok-woo, a busy investment manager who embarks on a journey with his estranged daughter (Kim Su-an) from Seoul to Busan, South Korea, to see her mother. However, their peaceful trip is interrupted when a zombie outbreak occurs.

At first glance, Train to Busan might appear to be just another zombie movie, but it goes far beyond the norm. It delves deep into the emotional journey of a father grappling with guilt over neglecting his family, paying heavy consequences for past actions, and eventually making a heroic sacrifice as part of a heart-wrenching path to redemption. The undead in this film aren’t merely mindless creatures; they symbolize societal pressures that give the movie an added depth and impact. For aficionados of apocalyptic thrillers, Sang-ho’s masterpiece offers a perfect blend of gore, making it a must-watch for every true fan.

‘Train to Busan’ Was a Box Office Smash

On July 20, 2016, Train to Busan premiered in South Korea and became a massive success at the box office, raking in approximately $80 million dollars on a budget of just $8.5 million. While it had a limited release in the United States and other regions, by the end of its run, its global earnings totaled almost $100 million, making it the top-grossing film of the year in South Korea.

The initial film’s success led to two additional movies within the series, contrary to popular belief, they were not live-action films. Instead, Sang-ho opted for animated productions following his zombie thriller. These were a prequel named “Seoul Station” and another titled “Peninsula“. Unlike a traditional sequel, “Peninsula” is set in the same universe but doesn’t directly follow the events of the first film.

Similar to many successful foreign films, Train to Busan was slated for an American remake titled The Last Train to New York. However, the project’s progress appears uncertain as Warner Bros. replaced it with Evil Dead Rise on its schedule in mid-2022, leading us to suspect that the movie may not be happening anytime soon.

It’s likely best that way, since the original is almost flawless and doesn’t require adjustments for American viewers. It’s a beautifully constructed narrative filled with emotion, tackling themes we all understand regardless of language or culture. If you haven’t watched it yet, I recommend checking out Train to Busan before it disappears from Prime Video on December 30th.

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2024-12-24 19:04