Peninsula: Train to Busan 2 (2020)

Peninsula (2020): A Desolate Return to the Untamed Korean Wasteland

Peninsula, also known as Train to Busan Presents: Peninsula, isn’t a direct sequel to the phenomenal Train to Busan (2016). It’s a standalone film set four years after the events of the first movie, revisiting the same zombie-infested Korean peninsula. The story follows Jung-seok, a former soldier who escapes the ravaged nation and finds himself presented with a high-risk, high-reward mission: retrieve a truck filled with money from the quarantined zone. As he ventures back into the desolate wasteland, Jung-seok encounters a group of survivors struggling to carve out a new existence amidst the chaos. Peninsula delivers a more action-oriented experience compared to its predecessor, but it still retains the series’ signature blend of suspense, social commentary, and thrilling encounters with the relentless undead.

Details:

• Genre: Action, Horror, Thriller
• PG Rating: R (for violence, gore, and language with disturbing images)
• Release Name: Peninsula (Korean: 반도; Bando)
• Tagline: “Four years later, the nightmare continues.”
• Audio Language(s): Korean
• Runtime: 115 minutes
• Release Date: July 15, 2020 (South Korea)
• Production Company: NEXT Entertainment World, The Lamp
• Movie Trailer Link:

Cast of Peninsula

• Gang Dong-won: Gang Dong-won takes on the role of Jung-seok, a haunted but resourceful soldier tasked with a dangerous mission in the quarantined zone.
• Lee Jung-hyun: Lee Jung-hyun portrays Captain Min-jung, the fierce leader of a group of survivors who navigate the wasteland with cunning and desperation.
• Kim Do-yoon: Kim Do-yoon steps into the role of Joon-i, a young and resourceful survivor with exceptional mechanical skills.
• Lee Re: Lee Re portrays Yu-jin, Joon-i’s equally adept younger sister, showcasing both vulnerability and resilience in the face of danger.

The cast delivers strong performances, portraying characters hardened by the harsh realities of the post-apocalyptic world, adding depth and emotional weight to the action-packed narrative.

The Architects of the Wasteland: Crew Behind Peninsula

• Director: Yeon Sang-ho, who established himself with Train to Busan, returns to the director’s chair for Peninsula. He masterfully crafts a bleak and action-oriented sequel, expanding upon the world he created.
• Writers: Yeon Sang-ho co-writes the screenplay alongside Joo Suk-min, weaving a story that explores themes of survival, human nature, and the search for redemption in a desolate world.
• Cinematographer: Kim Hyung-ku, who previously collaborated on Train to Busan, utilizes his skills to capture the vast and desolate landscapes of the peninsula, amplifying the sense of danger and isolation.
• Action Choreography: Jung Doo-hong elevates the film’s action sequences with thrilling hand-to-hand combat and high-octane car chases, delivering a visually stunning and adrenaline-pumping experience.

The team behind Peninsula combines their experience and talent to create a worthy successor to Train to Busan, building upon the first film’s foundation while delivering a distinct visual and narrative style.

Filming Locations of Peninsula

While the exact filming locations haven’t been officially revealed, Peninsula’s desolate landscapes likely stem from a combination of sets and real-life locations:

• Industrial Wastelands: Abandoned factories, warehouses, and scrapyards could represent the economic collapse and societal decay that followed the zombie outbreak.
• Desolate Rural Areas: Barren fields and deserted highways might have been filmed in rural South Korea, creating a sense of isolation and emphasizing the vastness of the quarantined zone.
• Urban Ruins: Scenes showcasing the remnants of once-bustling cities could be sets constructed for the film, depicting the devastating impact of the zombie apocalypse.

The meticulous attention to detail in the film’s setting helps to immerse the audience in the harsh realities of the post-apocalyptic world.

The Soundtrack of Peninsula

Peninsula’s soundtrack complements the film’s action-oriented narrative:

• Thrilling Orchestral Scores: Tense and suspenseful orchestral pieces escalate during action sequences and chase scenes, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
• Industrial Soundscapes: Harsh industrial sounds and electronic elements create an unsettling atmosphere, reflecting the desolate and unforgiving world.
• Sparse Use of Vocals: The soundtrack primarily relies on instrumental elements, allowing the sounds of the wasteland and the desperate struggle for survival to take center stage.

Composer Mowg returns to create a dynamic soundscape for Peninsula, enhancing the film’s tension and propelling the action forward.

Fact vs. Fiction: Unveiling the Story Behind Peninsula

While Peninsula is a fictional narrative, it draws inspiration from various sources:

• Post-Apocalyptic Themes: The film taps into the anxieties surrounding societal collapse and the struggle to rebuild in the face of global disasters.
• Military Influence: The portrayal of survivor factions and the use of scavenged military equipment reflect the breakdown of traditional social structures and the desperate measures people take to survive.
• Moral Ambiguity: The film explores the blurred lines between morality and survival, as characters are forced to make difficult choices in a ruthless world.

Peninsula utilizes these elements to create a thrilling and thought-provoking exploration of humanity’s capacity for both good and evil in the face of extreme circumstances.

Box Office Aftermath: The Performance of Peninsula

Peninsula’s box office success was moderate compared to its predecessor:

• Domestic Performance: Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Peninsula managed to become the highest-grossing South Korean film of 2020 domestically.
• International Reception: The film received a mixed international reception. While some praised its action sequences and world-building, others felt it lacked the emotional depth of Train to Busan.
• Lower Numbers: Peninsula’s global box office earnings fell short of Train to Busan’s record-breaking performance, likely due to a combination of factors including the pandemic and audience expectations for a direct sequel.

While it didn’t replicate the phenomenal success of Train to Busan, Peninsula’s box office performance solidified its position as a worthy addition to the zombie apocalypse genre.

Reviews: Is Peninsula Worth Watching?

Here’s a glimpse of what critics and audiences are saying about Peninsula:

Social Media Buzz:

• “Peninsula is a wild ride! The action sequences are insane, but I miss the emotional core of Train to Busan.” – @JohnSquires (Horror Critic)
• “Not as good as Train to Busan, but Peninsula is still a fun and thrilling zombie flick.” – Sarah Smith (Moviegoer)

Critical Reception:

• “A visually stunning and action-packed sequel that expands upon the Train to Busan universe.” – IGN (Review)
• “Peninsula lacks the emotional resonance of its predecessor, but it delivers a satisfying dose of post-apocalyptic thrills.” – Variety (Review)
• “A worthy follow-up that prioritizes action over character development. Fans of zombie carnage will be entertained.” – The Hollywood Reporter (Review)

While some might find the shift towards more action divisive, the overall praise for the film’s visuals, action sequences, and world-building suggests it’s an enjoyable experience for fans of the genre, particularly those seeking a more adrenaline-fueled experience compared to Train to Busan.

Wasteland Warriors: Train to Busan vs. Peninsula

Both Train to Busan and Peninsula offer thrilling entries into the zombie apocalypse genre, but they differ in some key aspects:

Narrative Approach:

• Train to Busan: Focuses on a more personal and emotional journey, exploring themes of fatherhood, sacrifice, and humanity amidst crisis.
• Peninsula: Takes a broader approach, showcasing the societal breakdown and the struggle for survival in a larger post-apocalyptic setting.

Character Development:

• Train to Busan: Features a smaller cast of characters with well-developed personalities and motivations, allowing for deeper emotional connection.
• Peninsula: Introduces a larger ensemble cast, prioritizing action sequences over in-depth character exploration.

Tone and Pacing:

• Train to Busan: Blends suspense, emotional moments, and action sequences to create a more balanced experience.
• Peninsula: Leans heavily on action sequences and thrilling chases, delivering a faster-paced and more frenetic experience.

Overall Appeal:

• Train to Busan: Offers a more character-driven and emotionally resonant experience, appealing to a wider audience.
• Peninsula: Caters to fans of action-oriented zombie films with its intense chases, high-octane battles, and gritty portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world.

Ultimately, the choice between Train to Busan and Peninsula depends on your preference. If you prioritize emotional depth and character development, Train to Busan might be the better choice. If you’re looking for an adrenaline-fueled zombie action film, Peninsula will deliver the thrills.

Here’s a breakdown of how Peninsula compares to other popular zombie films:

Peninsula vs. World War Z (2013):

• Scale: Both films depict a global zombie apocalypse on a vast scale, but Peninsula focuses on a smaller group of survivors within a quarantined zone.
• Action Spectacle: World War Z features large-scale battles with massive hordes of zombies, while Peninsula showcases smaller but more intense action sequences with a focus on hand-to-hand combat and vehicle chases.
• Character Focus: World War Z follows a former UN employee navigating the global crisis, while Peninsula centers on a group of survivors with their own motivations and struggles.

Peninsula vs. 28 Days Later (2002):

• Infection Details: Peninsula features a fast-spreading rage virus similar to 28 Days Later, but with a more grotesque and violent presentation.
• Social Commentary: Both films explore themes of societal breakdown and the struggle to maintain normalcy in a world overrun by the undead.
• Visual Style: 28 Days Later utilizes a gritty handheld camerawork, while Peninsula features a more polished and visually striking aesthetic.

Peninsula vs. Dawn of the Dead (1978):

• Social Commentary: Both films utilize the zombie apocalypse as a backdrop to explore social issues like consumerism and class conflict.
• Character Development: Dawn of the Dead features a larger ensemble cast with more fleshed-out personalities, while Peninsula prioritizes action over character exploration.
• Special Effects: Considering the different eras of filmmaking, Dawn of the Dead utilizes practical effects for a more grounded approach, while Peninsula showcases impressive CGI-enhanced visuals.

Peninsula vs. Zombieland (2009):

• Genre Approach: Zombieland infuses its zombie apocalypse with humor and dark comedy, while Peninsula takes a more serious and action-oriented approach.
• Character Dynamics: Zombieland features a dysfunctional yet strangely endearing group of survivors, while Peninsula presents a more hardened and ruthless portrayal of those struggling to survive.
• Pacing: Zombieland adopts a faster pace with comedic moments sprinkled throughout, while Peninsula’s pacing focuses on building tension and suspense leading to intense action sequences.

While each film offers a unique take on the zombie genre, Peninsula’s blend of action, world-building, and exploration of human nature in a desolate wasteland makes it a thrilling addition to the genre.

Where to Watch/Download Peninsula: A Scavenger Hunt for Streaming Services

Finding Peninsula to stream can be tricky, as availability can change depending on licensing agreements. Here’s a table outlining some popular streaming platforms and whether they currently offer the film (as of May 21, 2024):

Additional Options:

• Digital Retailers: Peninsula might be available for digital rental or purchase on platforms like iTunes, Google Play, or YouTube Movies.
• Physical Media (DVD/Blu-Ray): You can purchase a physical copy of Peninsula on DVD or Blu-Ray for your personal collection.

Conclusion: A Thrilling Return to the Wasteland

Peninsula might not possess the same emotional depth as Train to Busan, but it delivers a thrilling and action-packed return to the zombie-infested Korean peninsula. For fans seeking an adrenaline rush and a more expansive exploration of the post-apocalyptic world established in Train to Busan, Peninsula offers a satisfying and visually stunning experience. While streaming options might be limited at the moment, Peninsula is definitely worth seeking out through rental, purchase, or physical media. So, gear up for a wild ride through the wasteland, and prepare to be entertained by the relentless action and desperate struggle for survival in Peninsula!