Seoul Station (2016) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Released in 2016, Seoul Station is a South Korean animated zombie film directed by Yeon Sang-ho, who also directed the live-action hit Train to Busan. As a prequel to Train to Busan, Seoul Station delves into the origins of the zombie outbreak, offering a unique animated take on the genre. With its gritty animation style and social commentary, Seoul Station provides a chilling and thought-provoking exploration of society in the face of a zombie apocalypse.
In this review, we’ll cover the plot, animation style, thematic depth, and where you can stream Seoul Station online.
Plot Summary
Seoul Station follows a zombie outbreak that begins in Seoul, South Korea, and quickly spreads throughout the city. The story primarily focuses on Hae-suk (voiced by Joon Lee), a young woman who is trying to find her estranged father, Seok-kyu (voiced by Lee Joon), amidst the chaos. The film opens with a glimpse of societal decay and the growing unrest in the city, setting the stage for the ensuing horror.
As the outbreak worsens, the city descends into anarchy, with hordes of zombies attacking the living and turning them into more undead. Hae-suk’s search for her father becomes a desperate race for survival as she navigates through the city’s dangerous and collapsing infrastructure. Alongside her journey, the film explores the breakdown of social order, the desperation of people caught in the chaos, and the impact of the zombie outbreak on various facets of society.
The film combines intense action sequences with moments of social critique, showcasing how the zombie apocalypse exacerbates existing societal issues, such as class disparity and government corruption. Through its harrowing narrative, Seoul Station paints a bleak picture of a society struggling to hold itself together in the face of an overwhelming crisis.
Why Seoul Station is a Must-Watch
- Unique Animated Approach: Seoul Station stands out in the zombie genre for its animated format. The animation, while gritty and dark, effectively conveys the horror and chaos of the outbreak. The choice of animation allows for a distinctive visual style that complements the film’s tone, setting it apart from traditional live-action zombie films.
- Connection to Train to Busan: As a prequel to Train to Busan, Seoul Station provides valuable context and background to the events depicted in the live-action film. Fans of Train to Busan will appreciate the deeper understanding of the outbreak’s origins and the additional layers of the story that Seoul Station adds to the franchise.
- Social Commentary: The film offers sharp social commentary on issues such as social inequality, corruption, and the failures of government institutions. By incorporating these elements into its zombie narrative, Seoul Station goes beyond mere horror to provide a critical examination of societal flaws and the impact of crises on marginalized communities.
- Intense Atmosphere: The film’s animation style contributes to its intense and often disturbing atmosphere. The dark and gritty visuals, combined with the eerie soundtrack, create a sense of dread and urgency that enhances the horror experience. The animation allows for a vivid portrayal of the chaos and horror of the zombie outbreak, making for a gripping and immersive viewing experience.
- Emotional Depth: Despite its focus on horror, Seoul Station also explores emotional themes through its characters. The personal struggles of Hae-suk and her relationship with her father add emotional weight to the narrative, providing a human element amidst the chaos. The film balances its horror elements with moments of genuine emotional depth, making it a more nuanced and compelling watch.
Key Themes in Seoul Station
- Societal Breakdown: One of the central themes of Seoul Station is the breakdown of societal structures in the face of disaster. The film examines how the zombie outbreak amplifies existing social issues and reveals the fragility of social order. The chaos and violence that ensue highlight the vulnerability of societal systems when confronted with a crisis.
- Social Inequality and Corruption: The film addresses social inequality and corruption, portraying how these issues are exacerbated during the zombie apocalypse. The disparity between different social classes becomes more pronounced as the outbreak unfolds, and the film critiques the failures of government and institutions in responding to the crisis.
- Survival and Desperation: The theme of survival is central to the film, as characters grapple with the desperation and moral dilemmas of living through a zombie apocalypse. The struggle for survival often forces characters to make difficult choices, revealing the darker aspects of human nature when faced with extreme circumstances.
- Family and Relationships: The personal journey of Hae-suk and her search for her father underscore the importance of family and relationships in the midst of chaos. The film explores how familial bonds can provide hope and motivation, even in the direst of situations.
Where to Watch Seoul Station Online
1. Amazon Prime Video
Seoul Station is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The film can be rented or purchased in HD, allowing you to watch it on various devices.
- Rental Price: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase Price: $12.99 (HD)
- Availability: Rental and Purchase
2. Apple TV (iTunes)
You can stream or download Seoul Station on Apple TV (iTunes). It is available for rent or purchase, offering HD quality for a superior viewing experience.
- Rental Price: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase Price: $12.99 (HD)
- Availability: Rental and Purchase
3. Google Play Movies & TV
Seoul Station is available for rent or purchase on Google Play Movies & TV. It can be watched in HD on various devices, including Android devices and smart TVs.
- Rental Price: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase Price: $12.99 (HD)
- Availability: Rental and Purchase
4. Vudu
You can rent or buy Seoul Station on Vudu. The film is available in HD and can be accessed on various devices.
- Rental Price: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase Price: $12.99 (HD)
- Availability: Rental and Purchase
5. HBO Max
As of the latest update, Seoul Station is not available on HBO Max, but it is worth checking periodically as streaming availability can change.
- Availability: Streaming (Subscription required, check for updates)
Conclusion
Seoul Station offers a unique and thought-provoking take on the zombie genre, combining intense animation with social commentary and emotional depth. As a prequel to Train to Busan, it provides additional context and insight into the outbreak’s origins, enriching the overall narrative of the franchise.
With its distinctive animation style, gripping atmosphere, and exploration of societal issues, Seoul Station is a compelling watch for fans of horror and animated films. Available on popular streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies & TV, it is easily accessible for those looking to dive into this dark and impactful zombie tale.
