NEW to Netflix, Badland Hunters is a no-nonsense post-apocalyptic action film that hangs on its gloriously choreographed fight scenes.
Directed by Myeong-haeng Heo, this dystopian adventure stars Ma Dong-seok of Train to Busan fame as experienced hunter Nam-sam.
A sequel to 2023’s Concrete Utopia, which followed the residents of a Seoul apartment building after a devastating earthquake, it picks up with the brooding trapper and his young sidekick Choi Ji-wan (Lee Joon-young). The pair sets out to rescue teenager Su-na (No Jeong-ee), who has been abducted by mad scientist Yang Gi-su (Jun Hee Lee).
The story is far from original and drags in places, especially when it foolishly steers away from explosions and fist fights and instead opts to focus on straight-faced dialogue.
This really is the kind of film best savoured dozily on a late Sunday afternoon after the roast dinner. In fact, you could probably catch 40 winks and all and still know exactly what is going on when you wake up. The plot is totally inconsequential.
Actually, it’s a pity they didn’t really just go for it with the choreographed fight scenes, which are the best part truth be told.
Badland Hunters does little to raise pulses or get the grey matter hammering. It is fairly painless, inoffensive, and mildly entertaining fare for those into a bit of dust-filled Mad Max/Army of the Dead gratification.
On a positive note, you are unlikely to remember any of it, afterwards, and as meh as it all is, I have seen far worse on Netflix this week.
In fairness, the South Koreans always deliver topnotch film production, so despite the lack of momentum at times, it all unfolds with a glistening panache and enough stylised combat to keep us from losing interest over its two-hour duration.
(2/5)
