Seoul Station

Released in 2016, Seoul Station is an animated prequel to the acclaimed, pulse-pounding zombie blockbuster "Train to Busan." It is a South Korean horror animation written and directed by Sang-ho Yeon. Underlining societal issues through the lens of a zombie apocalypse, Yeon continues to explore the motifs that ruminated in his live-action follow-up. The movie features voice performances from Seung-ryong Ryu, Shim Eun-kyung, and Joon Lee.

The movie unfolds around Seoul Station in South Korea's bustling capital, thrusting audiences into a thrilling world of the undead right from the get-go. As sunset draws near, the homeless denizens of this frenetic train terminal begin behaving unusually—growing violent and ravenous—much to the horror of ordinary citizens who cross their path. This inexplicable transformation marks the onset of a nightmarish trail punctuated with gripping scenes of survival and deceit, making it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.

Inhabitants of Seoul Station, mostly vagabonds, symbolize society's marginalized, often neglected by the privileged class. The narrative focuses on the interesting correlation between societal negligence toward the underprivileged and the creeping terror of the undead. The film's protagonist is a former prostitute, her boyfriend, and her estranged father, setting the stage for some dramatic personal confrontations amidst the chaos.

Seoul Station's narrative is a well-executed visual allegory that primarily focuses on the societal fear of an epidemic that, once unleashed, does not differentiate between classes. Sang-ho Yeon uses the escalating fear of zombies to mirror society's prejudices and fears. This pall of fear is exacerbated by the relentless chase sequences and confrontations that form the backbone of the film.

The animation style is different from most mainstream animation films, but it perfectly suits the film's mood. The muted, grayish color palette enhances the bleak atmosphere, adding depth to the unsettling narrative lined with horrific incidents. The minimalistic appearance should not fool anyone; the animation is incredibly detailed, especially during the film's tense moments.

Seung-ryong Ryu, Shim Eun-kyung, and Joon Lee, who lend their voices to the main characters, do a commendable job. Their performances add more credibility to the film, ramping up the intensity of the nightmare enveloping Seoul city.

Seoul Station taps into the core of human survival instinct, centering on individuals fighting literally and metaphorically through Seoul's labyrinthine streets and alleys. The protagonists choose to fight or flee based on their character traits and perceived responsibilities. The setting of a bustling city turned into a haunting calamity zone creates an immersive survival game vibe that will strike a chord with audiences.

Director Sang-ho Yeon deserves credit for crafting such a captivating prequel. By utilizing the medium of animation, he has heightened the intensity of the horror scenes. At the same time, he has cleverly incorporated sociopolitical messages. More than just a zombie flick, this is a film about class disparity, human nature to survive or self-sacrifice, family bonds, and much more.

Seoul Station has a gritty and realistic approach to its story, making it distinct from many other horror and zombie films. The subtlety and depth of the societal themes included in the plot make this film grimly refreshing. It is a serious horror animation that challenges the conventional zombie genre by creating characters with depth and insight into their life, accompanied by storyteller expertise that heightens the audience's fear effectively.

In conclusion, Seoul Station is a thrilling and sociopolitically aware zombie film that masterfully uses animation to portray a terrifying scenario. It delivers the chills, thrills, and fast-paced action typical of the genre, while also offering a compelling analysis of society, making it captivating for both horror enthusiasts and those seeking deeper themes in their viewing experience. Despite being a prequel, it stands on its own merits, providing a gut-wrenching yet insightful cinematic venture that is worth the ride.