Operation Undead is a box office hit: Horror film with humanistic values

"Operation Undead", a Thai film, has renewed the concept of zombies, subtly combining horror, war and deep psychological elements. The film has made viewers ponder about war, morality and life.

"Zombie Battlefield" officially premiered on November 29, 2024 in theaters nationwide. From the first days of its release, the film received great attention from audiences who love the horror and zombie genre, especially in the novel setting with a plot related to World War II and the appearance of humane zombies. With the combination of action, horror and war elements, the film made a strong impression and attracted a large audience to the theater.

"Zombie Battlefield" is set in 1941, when World War II is spreading. On a small island in Thailand, a group of Japanese soldiers not only prepare a military base but also conduct Fumetsu biological weapon experiments, turning humans and animals into an army of undead. These experiments quickly get out of control, leading to a zombie pandemic, creating a life-and-death battle not only between humans and zombies, but also between human values.

The story focuses on two main characters: Mek (played by Nonkul Chanon), an idealistic and passionate army corporal, and Mok (played by Awat Ratanapintha), Mek's younger brother, a dreamer and freedom-loving young man. Both are forced to face the terrible danger of the Fumetsu virus, and the situation becomes more tense when Mok is also infected and becomes part of the army of undead that Mek must purge.

Unlike traditional zombie movies, where zombies are merely mindless and brutal creatures, "Zombie War" redefines the concept of the undead. The film delves into the psychology of these creatures, as they retain their memories, emotions, and can sometimes recognize loved ones.

One of the most striking scenes is when Mok and his army of undead sing songs about broken dreams, showing the inner struggles of these creatures when facing death and their own memories. Director Kongkiat Komesiri is very successful in exploiting the human element of these creatures, highlighting the cruelty of war and the deep psychological wounds it leaves behind.

The film stands out not only for its unique concept but also for the excellent performances of its talented young cast. Nonkul Chanon, who made his name through films such as Bad Genius (2017), plays Mek very well - a patriotic, tough soldier who is also burdened with the pain of losing his family and the inner conflict when faced with his younger brother who has become a zombie.

Awat Ratanapintha, as Mok, also makes a strong impression. He clearly portrays Mok's inner conflict, especially when the character has to face the tragedy of being a zombie.

In addition to the horror elements typical of the zombie genre, Zombie War also blends elements of war, history and profound moral messages. When the brutal war forces people to make choices, the film raises questions about human values, sacrifice and loyalty.

Not only does "Zombie Battlefield" focus on creating suspenseful situations, it also focuses on building character psychology, especially the brotherly relationship between Mek and Mok. The love, sacrifice, and heartbreaking decisions between the characters add weight to the story.

An indispensable element in zombie movies is special effects and effects. With Zombie War, although the budget is not too big, the practical effects and zombie makeup are done quite impressively. The images of zombies with haunting facial expressions and the transformation of humans into brutal creatures have created a dark and scary space for viewers. Although some scenes of fire effects and CGI can still be improved, the film has done a great job with physical effects, bringing viewers into a haunting world of war.

With a creative plot, a fresh approach to the zombie genre, and profound messages about war and humanity, "Operation Undead" is a movie worth watching. Although there are some shortcomings in the script and secondary character development, with attractive action elements, outstanding acting, and psychological material, the movie does a great job of bringing a cinematic experience that is both strange and familiar. Those who love the horror genre and want to explore a zombie story with inner depth cannot ignore this work at the end of 2024.

Movie Cam: Beautiful enough setting, scary enough, engaging enough acting, but minus 1 point Thảo Mai16:56:20 19/09/2024Tam Cam is a national fairy tale that everyone knows by heart. Turning the film version of Cam into a horror film is a curious move, but also risky because if done poorly, the audience will react.