Jung_E(2023) Review

Contemporary sci-fi blockbusters often draw inspiration from past films in the genre, but Jung_E, the latest Netflix project from Train to Busan director Yeon Sang-ho, takes this to a new level of derivativeness. The film, which has big screen ambitions but is ultimately viewed on small screens, feels cobbled together from various recent sci-fi efforts, offering nothing new or original. The film borrows elements from Neill Blomkamp’s Elysium, Edge of Tomorrow, and I, Robot, and despite its dystopian premise, it has nothing to say about the devastating effects of climate change on Earth. The story takes place in 2194, where the rich have fled to intergalactic colonies to escape an uninhabitable Earth, leaving the poor behind. Despite the presence of a complicated mother-daughter relationship, the story is underwritten and fails to make the audience care about the characters or their stakes. The action sequences, however, are well-staged and exciting.

Jung_E, the latest Netflix project from director Yeon Sang-ho, fails to live up to its sci-fi blockbuster ambitions and instead falls into the realm of being completely derivative. The film borrows heavily from various recent sci-fi efforts, creating a final product that feels cobbled together by an algorithm. The class-conscious commentary of Neill Blomkamp's Elysium, the Groundhog Day-meets-Starship Troopers time loop of Edge of Tomorrow, and evil androids straight out of I, Robot, are all present in the film, but none of these elements are executed in a way that makes them stand out.

One of the most notable things about the film is that it touches on the devastating effects of climate change on Earth, but it fails to offer any significant commentary on the issue. The story takes place in 2194, where climate change has made Earth uninhabitable and the wealthy have fled to intergalactic colonies, leaving the poorest behind to survive in ruined cities. This premise is similar to that of Elysium, but Jung_E fails to offer any deeper meaning or insight.

The main plot of the film revolves around a complicated mother-daughter relationship and how the memories of loved ones are used by corporations following their passing. However, this aspect of the story is never given the time to develop, existing purely as a narrative beat to move the story forward. Despite the potential for a thought-provoking sci-fi blockbuster, Jung_E fails to deliver on its promise. The action sequences, while exciting, are not enough to make up for the unsatisfying story and underdeveloped characters.

Jung_E, the latest Netflix project from Train to Busan director Yeon Sang-ho, is a film that wears its influences on its sleeve, but unfortunately, it falls into the category of being completely derivative. Despite its big screen ambitions, the film feels like a cobbled together collection of familiar elements from other recent sci-fi movies. From the class-conscious commentary of Neill Blomkamp's Elysium, to the Groundhog Day-meets-Starship Troopers time loop of Edge of Tomorrow, and evil androids straight out of I, Robot, Jung_E fails to bring anything new to the table.

Adding to its shortcomings, the film also fails to say anything meaningful about the significant issue of climate change, which is central to its premise. The story takes place in 2194, where Earth is uninhabitable due to climate change, and the rich have fled to intergalactic colonies, while the poor are left behind in ruined cities. This premise, while intriguing, is not explored in a meaningful way and is only used as a backdrop for the story.

At its core, Jung_E is a story about a complicated mother-daughter relationship, but this relationship is never given the time to develop, existing purely as a narrative beat to move things forward. The film also touches upon the use of loved ones' memories by corporations following their passing, which could have been a poignant commentary on the social media age, but it is frustratingly underwritten.

Despite its shortcomings, Jung_E has some exciting action sequences, particularly in the introductory set piece and the third act. However, these action sequences are not enough to save the film from its unsatisfying story and lack of originality.

Jung_E, the latest film from Train to Busan director Yeon Sang-ho, is a disappointing and derivative sci-fi blockbuster that fails to fully capitalize on its potential. The film takes inspiration from a number of recent sci-fi efforts, including Neill Blomkamp's Elysium, Edge of Tomorrow, and I, Robot, but fails to add any significant commentary or originality to the mix. While the premise of the film, which centers around the devastating effects of climate change on Earth, is intriguing, the film ultimately fails to say anything meaningful about the issue. The story takes place in 2194, with the rich having fled to eight intergalactic colonies, leaving the poor behind on a ruined Earth. The film also touches on themes of mother-daughter relationships and the use of memories by corporations, but again fails to fully explore these ideas. Despite some exciting action sequences, the film is ultimately unsatisfying and underwhelming.

In conclusion, Jung_E is a film that fails to live up to its potential. It borrows heavily from other sci-fi films, and fails to bring anything new or meaningful to the table. The story is underwritten, and the characters and their world are not given the time to develop. While it has some exciting action sequences, they are not enough to make up for the film's shortcomings.