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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