Zombie Fans Rejoice! Train to Busan & Peninsula Hit Netflix Feb 11

by

Summary

  • Train to Busan & Peninsula are arriving on Netflix in February – marking a celebration for zombie movie lovers.
  • Train to Busan was a global hit in 2016. The sequel, Peninsula, follows a truck of cash amidst zombie chaos .
  • Potential Train to Busan remake shelved – Director Sang-ho explores new projects with a hint of horror.

Fans of the undead have a date to remember in February, as Netflix is planning to include two contemporary masterpieces from the horror genre in its streaming collection: Train to Busan and Peninsula, its sequel. These films, which have carved a niche for themselves in the zombie genre’s pantheon, are celebrated for their unique action-infused narrative that critics acclaim as the most significant contribution by the Korean film industry within the horror genre. The addition of these films to Netflix is likely to captivate a fresh horde of admirers who might just find themselves viewing train journeys (or zombies) in an entirely new light after this experience.

Why Are the Train to Busan Films a Fan Favorite?

The Train to Busan series enjoys a devoted fanbase for valid reasons. In 2016, the initial film, Train to Busan, unfolded around the unwavering bond between a father (Seok Woo) and his daughter (Su-an). Initially, their travel seemed routine, taking a train ride. However, fate had other plans as a zombie outbreak struck South Korea, beginning on that very train. The story is not merely about a relentless escape from the undead; it also delves into the extremes of human nature, showcasing both our noblest and basest instincts when survival is at stake. This dichotomy is particularly evident in the selfless sacrifice of a pregnant woman and the cold-hearted selfishness of a businessman who puts others’ safety at risk for his own survival.

Released in 2016, Train to Busan proved to be a massive box office hit, raking in $98.5 million globally, with $2.2 million coming from North American viewers. In South Korea specifically, over 10 million moviegoers were drawn to it, solidifying its position as a cultural sensation. Critics were equally impressed, bestowing it with a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and commending its fast-paced rhythm, richly developed characters, and innovative spin on the then-tired theme of zombie invasions.

In 2020, director Yeon Sang-ho unveiled “Peninsula,” a sequel to his earlier work that’s not linked directly but takes place four years later. Unlike the first film, there’s no tranquil period before chaos erupts – Korea is already overrun with zombies. However, among the ruin lies a valuable opportunity: a truckload of money. A former soldier embarks on a perilous journey to retrieve the truck in the midst of zombie-infested territory and the degraded survivors who have resorted to savagery. While “Peninsula” may not match the emotional resonance of its predecessor, it compensates with thrilling action scenes that blend elements of “Mad Max: Fury Road” and traditional zombie horror. Fans of the first film praised the broader exploration of the world in the second installment, propelling the movie to a global box office of $42 million – an impressive figure for a film released during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What’s Happening With Train to Busan In February?

Starting February 11, 2025, Netflix will make it possible for fans to relive two popular zombie films from the last decade. For those who haven’t seen them yet, this is a great opportunity to satisfy your curiosity about Train to Busan. And if you’re already hooked on Korean horror and dystopian survival thrillers, having just finished Squid Game Season 2, you probably won’t pass up the chance to see more of your favorite Korean actors and actresses in action.

What’s Next For The Train to Busan Mini-Franchise?

The Train to Busan series, consisting of three projects – the initial movie, its sequel Peninsula, and an animated prequel Seoul Station, can be considered a small franchise. Previously, director Sang-ho had hinted at another film, but it never progressed beyond a concept. According to Entertainment Weekly, a Hollywood adaptation titled The Last Train to New York was initially set for release in April 2023 following interest from James Wan, Timo Tjahjanto, and Warner Bros. However, the project seems to be on hold, having missed its scheduled date. Since then, there’s been no news about the remake, suggesting that Warner Bros. may have decided not to proceed with it. It is intriguing to consider whether negative fan reactions might have influenced this decision.

The fact that Hollywood has decided to remake a foreign-language movie, such as Train to Busan, doesn’t diminish its cultural impact, but it does spark skepticism among fans. With James Wan’s successful management of the Conjuring horror universe and Timo Tjahjanto’s impressive work on The Night Comes for Us, some have voiced concerns about a remake of Train to Busan. Given that most Hollywood remakes tend to miss the mark rather than hit it, these worries are well-founded. The fact that the remake is causing such a stir demonstrates the movie’s broad influence.

Speaking about Sang-ho, he’s all set to launch his English-language directorial career with the action-horror movie titled “35th Street“, following his acclaimed sci-fi film of the year, “Jung E“. Notably, this new project isn’t linked to the “Train to Busan” series, but it underscores his ongoing fascination with horror genres. If a third “Train to Busan” film materializes and Sang-ho takes up the director’s chair again, it wouldn’t be unexpected to find hints of “35th Street” woven into the narrative.

Read More

2025-02-01 18:04