FOR THE LOVE OF ZOMBIES!

Okay, so if you love Zombie movies like I do, I would say we’ve come a long way since George Romero’s, “Night of the Living Dead” in 1968. Socially and racially, this movie was groundbreaking in so many ways. I could go on and on, but considering Covid 19, made us all 20 th century Zombies; whether we wanted to be or not, I’ll just go with that for now. I mean, I could even make comparisons to Leopards, if you want to go the biblical route. However, I’ll stick with Zombies. Strange, when Covid 19 first plagued us, I didn’t want to see a Zombie apocalyptic movie, if you paid me too. And I really love them. However, when it comes to movies, the classic Zombie formula still works.

No matter how you introduce it, the formula still works, because it’s us versus them. It’s human survival, good versus evil, light versus dark. So, if you loved “Night of the Living Dead” in 1968, “Dawn of the Dead” in 1978 and “World War Z” in 2013; you’ll equally love “Train to Busan”2016 (Tubi), “Kingdom” 2019 (Netflix), and “#Alive” 2020 (Netflix). These movies all have the elements of great American Zombie movies with one slight twist. They are not American made. No worries though; if you’re not into subtitles, Netflix allows you to dub in English dialogue. Whew!

First up, we have “Train to Busan”. This high-energy Korean film starts out slow. It exposes another family dynamic that pulls on the heartstrings. It focuses on a little girl’s perspective of being caught in the middle of a separated couple with shared custody. Her father works constantly and leaves his daughter with his live in mother. The little girl is miserable and wants to go home to her mother’s house, because she feels totally neglected by a father who misses her singing perfomance and doesn’t even know what to get her for her birthday. Feeling like a failure, he finally gives up trying to please her and decides to grant her wish to go to her mother’s house. They catch the next train to Busan and all hell breaks loose when a sick girl gets on the train. The father and daughter become closer during their journey as the disease spreads throughout the train and he works hard to keep her safe. This film is a dynamic, heart pounding thriller and a tearjerker from beginning to end. What a treat for the diehard, horror, film fanatic and a hidden gem for the dramatic thrill seeker.

Next, we have “Kingdom”. It’s a Korean series shot like a movie, which makes it all that more appealing. First, let me say, It's a period piece. The way it’s shot is absolutely stunning. The landscaping and the costume designs are breath taking. The Zombie special effects are scary, strangely captivating and nothing short of amazing. There are definitely some acrobats in the Zombie cast of extras, which sells the menacing monsters even more. As far as the storyline, it’s classic family drama. One family member wants what the other has rightfully inherited. Therefore, a plot is hatched to steal the “Kingdom”. The Prince, the rightful heir, is the hero. He must fight his evil Uncle who decides to steal the throne. And, he’s not the only one. The real King, the Prince’s father contracts a deadly disease that runs rapid through out the “Kingdom”. He turns into a flesh-eating monster that family members and royal subjects go to extreme lengths to keep under wraps in order to stay in power. Needless to say, this is an impossible task and order quickly turns into chaos. It is definitely binge worthy with two fantastic seasons so far and anticipating more.

Finaly, the last Korean film I recommend is “#Alive”. It has feelings and characteristics Covid 19 all over it! Which is why it took me so long to watch it. I mean, who wants to watch a movie where it starts off you’re stuck in the house; cut off from everyone you know and love, every day is ground hogs day and they’re constant reports on television about the epidemic that’s killing people, getting worst. Sound familiar? Yep, that’s about the gist of it. Depressing as hell, but worth it! The film starts out with a young man waking up and realizing that the world outside has changed dramatically and he cannot leave his flat. Just when he decides to give up and end it all, he realizes he is not alone. After that, things get really crazy just trying to survive. This film really tests your mental health and gets under your skin with feelings of claustrophobia; loneliness and desperation, but at the same time unpredictable, thrilling and inspirational. It hooks you and makes you stay tuned in to see what happens next.

These three films definitely get your blood pumping. They are scary with just enough dramatics to keep you going. George Romero would be proud of these examples of his Zombie legacy. They say; “imitation is the biggest form of flattery”. In this case, it delivers over and over again. For the love of Zombies! It’s 2021 and the formula is all too real and still works!