#Alive

Chamber zombie massacre, which mainly takes place in an apartment and in the hallway of panel houses in a Korean housing estate. It is a bit harder to immerse yourself in it because it has quite visible dull moments. However, as the runtime progresses, it becomes enjoyable, and Ah-in Yoo also takes care of a few funny acting moments. The zombie masks were traditionally well-played in a Korean style, because they really have talent for this there. As a filler for the Netflix quarantine time nowadays, it can actually be quite immersive. (18/10/2020)

The South Korean produced #Alive is an example of a well-executed, modern take on the zombie movie genre. Even though, in this case, the walking dead are definitely not slow-moving. it does not even matter, as there is still some gravitas because of the superb acting. It’s a real shame that there wasn’t even more gore, as the costumes and special effects make-up were very good. The movie would have deserved a higher rating if the moviemakers had pushed the envelope a bit. (11/09/2020)

The nice, colourful visuals are initially enticing, but the further the film goes, the less interesting it becomes. The zombie make-up effects are decent, so is the cinematography, but it needs something more than just constantly flipping between apartments, sitting at home in front of the computer and flying a drone. Towards the end the film delights with a third character and the finale is solid too, but it didn't quite work for me. Others will probably like it, for me it's just below average between 2 and 3 stars. (16/01/2021)

Although I knew I was watching a film mostly set in an apartment complex, more specifically in one apartment, I expected a more thrilling experience. What bothered me the most was the eccentricity and often unlikability of the main character; his actions often seemed nonsensical, and I frequently found myself shaking my head in disbelief. The concept itself is fine, but it’s not fully realized in many aspects. However, I wouldn’t call it a complete waste of film or something to be viewed with disdain. It offers a few intense scenes (like the moment of traveling to another apartment to replenish supplies). Technically, I have no complaints; the Koreans know how to handle the zombie genre, with perfect masks and well-executed undead movement. The ending definitely improved my overall opinion, with the scene in the apartment with that guy and his wife being precise. However, this doesn’t offset the previous plot full of logical flaws and minor screenwriting errors. I give it 60%. (15/09/2020)

This year will probably belong to zombie horror movies, and we are still waiting for Train to Busan 2 and Army of the Dead. #Alive is a very original and entertaining zombie thriller from South Korea, in a more intimate vein, but it's good enough. When chaos breaks out in the city, the protagonist decides to ignore his surroundings and isolates himself in his apartment, but he still can't avoid problems. He runs out of water, food and starts hallucinating. The film full of rather clever and unorthodox ideas, the zombies have great make-up effects, they are intelligent, very fast and the transformation of man into zombie is beautiful. #Alive may lack juicy gore, but thankfully it makes up for it with suspense, good pacing and a few unexpected twists. A fine affair. Story****, Action***, Humor>No, Violence**, Entertainment****, Music***, Visuals****, Atmosphere****, Suspense****. 7/10. (05/08/2020)