After the critical and commercial success of Concrete Utopia, it makes sense for Lotte Entertainment to turn it into a franchise. Badland Hunters is a more action-focused spinoff, with that dystopian world looking like a wild, wild Seoul and Ma Dong-seok as its lone ranger. Compared to its predecessor, the commentary is scant, the plot is thin, and the only thing that connects it is the apartment. But even with the B-movie mad scientist plot, long-time stunt coordinator Heo Myung-haeng makes his directorial debut wildly entertaining, with solid action that doesn’t depend too much on CGI. Human reptiles aside, Badland Hunters is just so fun to watch.
Synopsis
After a deadly earthquake turns Seoul into a lawless badland, a fearless huntsman springs into action to rescue a teenager abducted by a mad doctor.
Storyline
After a major earthquake, Seoul has transformed into an apocalyptic, lawless wasteland. All everyone can do is fend for themselves, though rumors of a camp with resources reach butcher Nam-san and the village under his protection. After Su-na, one of his neighbors, is invited to join them, Nam-san and his neighbor Ji-wan set out to rescue her when they find out more about the cult that took her.
TLDR
Ma Dong-seok will survive the end of the world, I just know it.
What stands out
The action, of course. It takes some time away from the scientist plot, but director Myung-haeng makes every punch into punchlines, every slice into spectacle, and every showdown looking so damn cool.
