Gangnam Zombie is a low budget horror film with a unique twist. Well Go USA has done it again by releasing this small film that sets it aside from the mainstream pack. The movie features a young, runner up to the prestigious Korean National Taekwondo Team, who is in midst of trying to build a better life for himself in Seoul, Korea when he face the most formidable opponent of his Taekwondo career.
Directed by Lee Su-seong, this low budget film delivers on what you might expect from a modern Urban Zombie movie. Its story takes you from Zombie origin to the spread of a Zombie plague, starting in Seoul, Korea. The difference between this and other Zombie film's is the intersection of the only thing Korean filmgoers like more than Zombies, and that is martial arts. Ji Il-ju stars as the lead character in this Urban thriller. He is fun to watch, perhaps, because a state of confusion seems a natural comfort zone for him.
The film is a low budget film. It is smartly shot in a single location, with few characters. This is a plus. The filmmakers understand that less is more here. Any attempt to be Train to Busan would have failed, miserably. That doesn't mean the filmmakers don't trade off of the success of that, and other films and television shows in the Zombie/Horror genre.
The characters are all animated and fun to watch. Some of the characters, like the building owner, are smartly, and knowingly, played to be more disgusting than the ensuing Zombies.
The film also has a tone of humor that makes it a fun watch. For me, the humor is properly tempered with the action. The humor here, clearly, knows its place.
The film is a worthwhile and I recommend it. If you like Zombie movies add a 1/2 a star. If you like taekwondo movies add another 1/2.