Synopsis
Amazing how zombie stories rarely change! Be they American, European, or Asian, they are always the same. Zone of the Dead, however, is unique in that it’s a Serbian rendition of the undead which is very hard to catch in Korea. (Again, nationality shouldn’t suggest novelty.) A direct protégé of numerous previous zombie flicks, the film offers full-fledged gores, bloodbaths, and actions, based on a familiar plot. The story begins with an ecological disaster leading to an outbreak of epidemic while a prison inmate is being transported. The disease changes people into zombies who will embark on deadly fights against the living. But in this latest zombie fare, people don’t just take in — supposedly the latest trend. The armed agents and the inmate kill countless zombies. The inmate, in particular, is invincible; his astonishing strength terrifies the monsters. Although the killing scenes with non-stop shooting severing limbs and spraying blood everywhere are downright gory, and the violently-wavering camera makes one sick on occasion, the realistic and power-ridden gore esthetics of director KONJEVIC is something to note. Older fans will be particularly pleased to see Ken FOREE, who played Peter in George A. ROMERO’s masterpiece Dawn of the Dead (1978), appearing as Agent Mortimer REYES. A true zombie film buff wouldn’t want to miss this incredible entertainment. (KIM Jong Chul)