Train to Busan

On a high speed train headed for Busan, a mysterious illness erupts and turns passengers into threats. In the midst of panic, a single father named Seok-woo hurries to protect his young daughter Soo-ahn as the carriages turn into a dangerous maze. Strangers behind glass doors must decide who to trust as the zombie outbreak spreads from car to car, creating a claustrophobic pressure cooker where tiny acts of courage collide with selfish impulse. The ride becomes a tense test of what people will do when a crisis strips away normal rules and forces hard choices. The film also uses quick cuts and sudden sound cues to heighten danger, turning ordinary travel into a waking nightmare. The ride becomes a tense test of what people will do when a crisis strips away normal rules and forces hard choices.

Directed by Yeon Sang-ho and based on a story by Park Joo-suk, Train to Busan marks a notable debut from a filmmaker known for animation. It blends frantic horror with character driven drama aboard a high speed train. The production uses tight sets and practical effects.

Train to Busan helped propel Korean genre cinema onto the world stage, proving that high concept horror can coexist with emotional stakes. Its brisk pacing and social subtext sparked discussion about class and sacrifice, and it inspired fans to seek more international takes on the zombie myth across borders.

Critics praised its tight suspense and strong performances led by Gong Yoo and Ma Dong-seok, with focus on familial bonds and ethical choices under pressure. The film is seen as a sharp blend of thrills and social commentary, using a confined setting to examine solidarity and leadership today in debates.

Box office details are not provided in the available materials, so the focus stays on the film itself rather than commercial performance. The movie nevertheless gained a strong international following and helped open doors for Korean genre films abroad. Its influence continues to be felt in festival lineups.