Abstract

The object of this project is to dissect the filmic elements in Train to Busan (2016) to analyze how the film represents the Sewol Ferry incident, a national disaster occurred in South Korea, and how the audience is able to engage with the trauma. As the first zombie blockbuster created in South Korea, Train to Busan adapted the elements of the zombie genre that has been delineated repeatedly. The film inherited the traits of zombies, representation of government and media, and feature of human characters from the genre created in Hollywood. Additionally, national characteristics had been added through reflecting the Sewol Ferry incident. Based on the ideas of genre studies, not only the components that construct the zombie genre, but also how the spectators confront the trauma while viewing the movie can be examined. Cinematography, narrative, character settings resemble the tragic event, which consequently trigger the audience to engage with the national trauma. Thus, while adapting the genre constructed in the Hollywood, Train to Busan reveals how Korean adaptation of the zombie media has been made.

Degree

College and Department

Fine Arts and Communications; Theatre and Media Arts

Rights

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