Review by Jon Donnis
"Badland Hunters" takes viewers on a gritty, adrenaline-fueled journey through the desolate wastelands of post-apocalyptic Seoul. Directed by Heo Myung-haeng in his directorial debut, this South Korean dystopian action film delivers plenty of thrills and spills, albeit with a few bumps along the way.
The plot follows Nam-San (played convincingly by Ma Dong-seok), a formidable wasteland hunter, and his loyal companion Choi Ji-wan (portrayed by Lee Jun-young), as they navigate the treacherous landscapes in search of resources to sustain their struggling community. When one of their own, Su-na (played with boldness by Roh Jeong-eui), is kidnapped by the rogue scientist Dr. Yang Gi-su (ably portrayed by Lee Hee-joon), the stakes are raised as Nam-San and his allies embark on a dangerous mission to rescue her.
One of the film's standout features is its impressive violence and meticulously choreographed fight scenes. From start to finish, viewers are treated to spectacular displays of martial prowess, accentuated by the film's brutal and unrelenting action sequences. The choreography effectively captures the ferocity of the battles, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
"Badland Hunters" strikes a delicate balance between action and drama, punctuating intense combat with moments of levity and character development. While some of the dramatic scenes may veer into soap opera territory, they serve to humanize the characters and add depth to the narrative.
However, the film is not without its flaws. Despite its thrilling action and compelling characters, "Badland Hunters" falls short in terms of originality. Many elements of the post-apocalyptic setting feel derivative, and certain plot points are left unexplained, leaving viewers with unanswered questions.
Overall, "Badland Hunters" is a solid entry into the dystopian action genre, offering plenty of excitement and entertainment for fans of the genre. While it may not break new ground, its gripping action sequences and charismatic performances make it a worthwhile watch. I score "Badland Hunters" a respectable 7.5 out of 10.
Out Now on Netflix
