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        4 Themes Explored By Dystopian Action Film "Badland Hunters"

        Discover some of the themes explored in dystopian action film, "Badland Hunters".

        Dyllan Mykel, Kpopmap Editor
        4 min to read  ·  Published : Jan 30, 2024
        4 Themes Explored By Dystopian Action Film "Badland Hunters"

        Netflix

        Ever since its premiere on January 26th, Korean film "Badland Hunters" has remained at the top of most popular movies on Netflix worldwide. The movie is fast-paced, filled with tense moments and heart-racing suspense. The film's cast includes Ma DongSeok, Lee HeeJoon, Lee JunYoung, Roh JeongEui, and much more.

        "Badland Hunters" is set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic Seoul, transformed by a deadly earthquake. The survivors go to great lengths to survive in the aftermath, struggling against threats from nature and a newly formed lawless world governed by power. While strong and widely resourceful, Nam San (Ma DongSeok) is a mere wasteland hunter, joined by Choi JiWan (Lee JunYoung) by his side. After sniffing out a devious ruse, they set out to rescue SuNa (Roh JeongEui) and discover the real reason behind an organization's mysterious generosity.

        The Netflix exclusive film is not for the weak of heart and probably should not be watched while eating. However, it checks off various boxes of pure entertainment with a healthy dose of adrenaline. While this might be the case, the action thriller does offer some depth, exploring a variety of different themes.

        With that said, here are a few ideas explored by "Badland Hunters".

        Note: spoilers ahead.

         

        1. Sense Of Belonging

        4 Themes Explored By Dystopian Action Film "Badland Hunters"

        Netflix

        After the horrific events that changed the geography of Seoul and life of the citizens, everyone was faced with a similar struggle. However, in spite of that, they gathered their wits about them and were able to form smaller communities displaced across the city. Although spread out, "Badland Hunters" showcases the idea of belonging and being able to be part of something bigger than yourself.

        This comes in the form of people in the Bus District and the families that are a part of the Apartment. It's in belonging to these various groups that the people are able to retain the will to survive and look towards a bigger, brighter tomorrow.

         

        2. Instinct To Survive

        4 Themes Explored By Dystopian Action Film "Badland Hunters"

        Netflix

        With the supposed "end of the world", everyone's natural instincts go into overdrive. Some look to band together and try to work in harmony, while others revel in the chaos and use it to their advantage. At the end of the day, they come face to face with their instinct to survive and act upon it.

        It's an innate reflex that all humans have and "Badland Hunters" highlights both sides of the spectrum perfectly. It provides a silent hope that if we're in the same situation, we would courageously rise to the aid of others like Nam San and Choi JiWan.

         

        3. Great Lengths For Family

        4 Themes Explored By Dystopian Action Film "Badland Hunters"

        Netflix

        "Badland Hunters" presents two types of family: those that are blood-related and those that are formed over time. While different on a molecular level, their protective instincts remains similar and the desire to help their loved ones from any danger are one and the same. In the case of Yang GiSoo (Lee HeeJun), he strives to bring his daughter back to life — even if that means sacrificing another parent's child in the process. Then there's Nam San and Choi JiWan who rush to SuNa's aid at the first sign of trouble.

        They fight against all odds and spill gallons of blood in order to keep their loved ones safe. To see both sides, one an admirable rescue and the other grossly reliant on human experimentation, is a testament to the great lengths people would go for their family, blood-related or not.

         

        4. Confronting Your Past

        4 Themes Explored By Dystopian Action Film "Badland Hunters"

        Netflix

        As eventful as it is in the present, the film unlocks various characters' past. There's Yang GiSoo and his daughter, soldier Lee EunHo (Ahn JiHye) and her loyal squadron, as well as Nam San and a former boxing competitor. Although these confrontations differ to varying degrees, they are forced to come face to face with these ghosts of yesterday.

        Confronting the past is no way a walk in the park and may even end up in unwanted results, however, it must be done in order to move on. Although "Badland Hunters" doesn't dive into this idea too deeply, there's enough to make the viewer reflect on their own life journey and unearth certain parts of the past that they need to face.

        What did you think of "Badland Hunters"? Did you enjoy the film?

        Lee JunYoung

        Lee JunYoung

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        Roh JeongEui

        Roh JeongEui

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