One of the most underrated action films of 2024, Badland Huntersis essentially Netflix's version of a gonzo, surreal, Mad MaxPost-apocalyptic style thriller. Every now and then, Netflix original movies come up with their own take on the plot and style of a classic action movie. The streamer will keep just enough of the original formula intact to appeal to its fans, but change just enough so that it feels like its own thing and not just a superficial imitation.
Rebel Moona sci-fi epic about a resistance force coming together to fight an evil empire, it's Netflix's version of Star Wars. Continuea Christmas action film about an everyman hero foiling a holiday terrorist plot, it's Netflix's version of Die Hard. Rebel Ridgeabout a corrupt local police department's manhunt for a highly capable war veteran, is Netflix's version of First Blood. Extractionthe high-octane action franchise about an unstoppable mercenary, is Netflix's version of John Wick. And 2024 Badland Huntersa bizarre post-apocalyptic thrill ride, is Netflix's version of Mad Max.
Badland Hunters is a post-apocalyptic action film starring Ma Dong-seok
Badland Hunters turns Seoul into a lawless wasteland
Released on Netflix on January 26, 2024, Badland Hunters is a post-apocalyptic thriller and a standalone sequel to the 2023 disaster film Concrete Utopia. That film saw a giant earthquake devastate Seoul, and in Badland Huntersthree years after that earthquake, the city has turned into a lawless desert ruled by sadistic gangs. Badland Hunters marked the directorial debut of Heo Myung-haeng, and it's quite a debut - it has the assured direction of a filmmaker who's made a dozen apocalyptic action films.
The story has the gonzo surrealism of Mad Max, with the emotions of The Last of Us.
Ma Dong-seok, also known as Don Lee — the breakout star of Train to Busan and featured star of Marvel Studios Eternals - stars in Badland Hunters as Nam-san, a ruthless wasteland hunter who defends defenseless villagers from evil gangsters. When an evil scientist experimenting on humans kidnaps a young girl from the village, Nam-san embarks on a dangerous mission to save her. The story has the gonzo surrealism of Mad Maxwith the emotions of The last of usand it's as good as it looks.
Badland Hunters added an exciting twist to the post-apocalyptic film genre
It's a zombie movie where zombies fight choreography
While Badland Hunters borrows heavily from post-apocalyptic franchises like Mad Max and The last of ushe puts a new spin on the genre. Badland Hunters'The post-apocalyptic desert is filled with a mutant army made up of zombie-like creaturesbut they're not the usual mindless monsters seen in George A. Romero films; they are coordinated fighters who participate in many hand-to-hand and well-choreographed actions. It's not especially groundbreaking, but it's a fun and unique action horror film.