We are talking about zombies. Do you have an interest in it? If yes, let us discuss these groaning, shambling, and hungry creatures. More interestingly, these creatures have been haunting through zombie movies and zombie series for decades. We know many of them whether the name of the zombie thriller is Night of the Living Dead or World War Z. These stories are based on apocalypse and horror. However, our current discussion is about the differences between the Western and Far Eastern zombie stories. So, we will dig deep to identify the difference and how Far Eastern cinema has been redefining this genre.
Let’s start our discussion!
Far East is leading the charge when discussing zombie thrillers. Who is at the forefront of it? Well, Zona Merah is the game-changer here. We will explore how!
Read also: Our Take On The Walking Dead
The Rise of Zombies in Far Eastern Cinema
Let me claim one thing! Zombies are not new as the West introduced this creature. However, they generally show that zombies are mindless hordes. However, Far Eastern countries have changed this concept, and Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia display this creature as an intelligent and organized one. The best example is “Train to Busan (2016)”. We cannot consider this Korean movie only a thriller, as this is the story of a father who wants to keep her daughter protected during a zombie outbreak. Japan’s I Am a Hero (2015) is another movie that must be remembered when discussing Eastern Cinema.
Zona Merah – A Fresh Perspective
Now, we will discuss Zona Merah, as our main discussion on it. The meaning of Zona Merah is the Red Zone. We are not informed about this film or zombie series as details are a bit fuzzy, the main story is about the zombie apocalypse, but the story continues, and we find a densely populated landscape right in the middle of the story. The story is based on the dilemmas developed in society when a zombie pandemic attacks a city. Another major aspect of the story is the display of local culture and issues developed in society. This situation makes the story compelling and authentic.
When explaining the overall movie, it looks visually stunning, the pace is relentless, and the characters are engaging in a way you laugh, cry, and shake with them. It is not only about a zombie attack but also about survival when humanity is pushed to the wall.
Why the Far East is “Killing It”
The primary difference in Far Eastern Zombie Movies is that the makers are not afraid of experiments. Therefore, they mix the genres intelligently. You find not only zombie horror and thrill in these zombie series and films but also celebrating zombie sci-fi and zombie comedy. You find more relatable characters and a blend of humanity and horror in a single frame.
More interestingly, the visuals are unforgettable. Whether you are watching a zombie TV series or zombie anime, you do not miss anything interesting. Another important aspect is that the budget does not matter as the storytelling is awesome, and these stories have inspired many globally.
Conclusion
Zona Merah proves zombie genre lovers are alive. They appreciate every excellent effort. Now, the shift is towards Far Eastern countries where zombie stories are being developed more intelligently. You find everything you love about zombies in these countries, whether zombie POV games, zombie fiction, or zombie dance sequences. So, we can claim when it comes to zombies, the Far East has not only competed against the West intelligently but has started owning it. Do you accept this reality?