Train to Busan vs. World War Z: A Zombie Movie Face-Off
Today, I’m diving into the ultimate zombie movie face-off: Train to Busan vs. World War Z. Train to Busan has a sequel, Peninsula, which is also a solid watch. But which one really takes the crown in the world of zombie films? Let’s break it down.
Why Train to Busan Wins (Spoiler: It’s the Story)
First things first, Train to Busan is hands down the better story. It’s got heart, it’s got urgency, and it really hits you emotionally. But, there’s more to it than just a solid narrative. If you haven’t seen Train to Busan, it’s a Korean zombie movie that is as intense as they come. It’s available on Netflix, and trust me, it’s a must-watch.
The Problem with World War Z’s PG-13 Rating
Here’s my main problem with World War Z: the PG-13 rating. Let’s face it: when you watch a zombie flick, you want to feel that raw terror. You want to see the blood, the gore, the chaos. But with a PG-13 movie, there’s only so far you can go. You’re not going to see Brad Pitt’s guts being torn out. It’s just not going to happen in a family-friendly, watered-down version of a zombie apocalypse.
Train to Busan, on the other hand, isn’t afraid to go there. It’s graphic, it’s raw, and it’s relentless. In Train to Busan, anyone can die at any moment. There’s a real sense of danger, and the stakes feel higher because of it. Unlike World War Z, where you know Brad Pitt’s not going anywhere, in Train to Busan, you never know who’s safe. That’s the kind of intensity that World War Z missed out on.
Character Depth: World War Z Misses the Mark
Another issue I have with World War Z is the lack of character development. We follow Brad Pitt and his family, but we don’t really get to know them. And when supporting characters die, it doesn’t hit as hard. There’s no emotional investment.
In contrast, Train to Busan puts us in a claustrophobic setting where we get to know the characters. We experience the stress with them because we’re right there, trapped on the train alongside them. The emotional weight is much stronger because of the tight-knit environment and the time we spend with the characters.
CGI Zombies: The World War Z Problem
One of the most iconic scenes in World War Z is the wave of zombies crashing through the streets. The concept sounds terrifying, right? But when you actually watch the movie, it’s all CGI, and it doesn’t quite hit. The zombies look too much like animated characters, which makes them less menacing. It’s a cool idea, but it doesn’t have the same impact as a real, human-bodied zombie.
Train to Busan does it right. The zombies are real people in makeup and prosthetics, and it makes all the difference. Even though we know they’re not real, there’s something much more tangible and terrifying about seeing actual human bodies stumbling toward you, full of dread and desperation. It’s a level of realism that World War Z just doesn’t have.
How to Make World War Z 2 Better
If World War Z ever gets a sequel, here’s what I think it needs:
Make it Rated R: The PG-13 rating ruined the first movie for me. Zombies are supposed to be scary, and that means blood, gore, and consequences. Go full R-rated for the sequel.
Use More Practical Effects: The CGI in World War Z looked great in the trailers but didn’t land in the movie. Train to Busan showed us how practical effects can make zombies feel real, and that’s the direction World War Z needs to go.
Bring the Scale Down: Instead of globetrotting and trying to save the world, put us somewhere more personal. An apartment building, a subway, a neighborhood. Let us see ourselves in the characters’ shoes, trapped and fighting for survival. That’s where the real tension lies.
Avoid Ridiculous Plot Holes: No more planes getting crashed with Brad Pitt surviving unscathed. And don’t set up a super-intense moment, only to have it fall flat with an unrealistic twist.
Final Thoughts
When it comes down to it, Train to Busan is the better movie. It’s more raw, more emotional, and it captures the terror of a zombie outbreak better than World War Z. But World War Z has potential—if a sequel were ever to be made and fixes the issues I mentioned, it could be a zombie movie worth watching.
