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Flu DVD Review

     Actors: Jang Hyuk, Soo-Ae
  • Director: Kim Sung-su
  • Format: Color, NTSC, Surround Sound, Widescreen
  • Language: Korean
  • Subtitles: English
  • Dubbed: English
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Rated: Unrated
  • Studio: CJ Entertainment
  • DVD Release Date: March 18, 2014
  • Run Time: 122 minutes



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            At first glance Flu looks like dozens of other films that have come out in the last decade, all apocalyptic films about a spreading infection that takes out an entire population. At basic premise, Flu fits into this category perfectly, standing out with a modicum of realism which does not have the plot result in zombie-like symptoms from the victims. In Flu, the only monsters are the political figures making rash decisions in a seemingly noble attempt at keeping the infection contained. The fear comes from the chaos resulting from mass panic caused in a society helplessly quarantined with the diseased, and there is horror in the physical effects of the infection.

     


            Just because Flu doesn’t have zombies doesn’t make it wholly original, in some ways resembling Steven Soderbergh’s Contagion, with an added propensity for disaster film thrills. In typical fashion of Korean blockbusters, there is also a fair amount of melodrama inserted into the narrative. Often the realism of the scenario clashes with forced emotional relationships of the lead characters, which even include a cute little girl to constantly put in peril.

     

            Despite an inconsistency in the entertainment of this two-hour disaster film, the scope and quality of filmmaking are always apparent. If it has not already been made clear, South Korean cinema has once again proved their ability to competently construct blockbusters of impressive size and technical ability. Even when the story needs more work, the visuals are almost always impressively cutting edge, which is a statement also made of nearly every summer release to come out of Hollywood.

     

            The DVD includes a making-of featurette, as well as some concept art and deleted scenes.

           

    Entertainment Value: 7.5/10

    Quality of Filmmaking: 6.5/10

    Historical Significance: 5/10

    Special Features: 4.5/10

     

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