Since its release, Badland Hunters (Vietnamese Title: Thợ Săn Hoang Mạc) has generated significant buzz due to the involvement of the talented actor Ma Dong Seok, known for his roles in hit action films such as Train to Busan (2016), The Outlaws (2017), Eternals (2021), and The Roundup (2022).
The film’s premise is refreshingly new compared to many South Korean action films, set in a post-apocalyptic future where society has collapsed, following a major earthquake.
With significant investment in production and distribution, the film quickly gained recognition shortly after its debut on Netflix. The work has consistently ranked high among popular films across various countries, including Vietnam.
A Struggle for Survival in a Post-Apocalyptic World
The story begins as the city of Seoul transforms into a wasteland following a catastrophic earthquake.
As societal order crumbles, the world descends into chaos. Survivors face not only numerous threats from nature but also grapple with existential dilemmas. There remains only one path: to become a hunter or fall victim to others hunting for survival.
Among the survivors is a skilled and resilient hunter named Nam San (played by Ma Dong Seok). He seems to be unfazed by the horror surrounding him.
Unexpectedly, Nam San finds himself alongside a young girl, Su Na (Roh Jeong Eui), who has been captured, and he must devise a plan to rescue her from the hands of the ruthless gang led by the sinister Gi Su (Lee Hee Joon). Left with no other choices, he must embark on a daring mission to save the innocent while facing perilous challenges.
The film follows a straightforward narrative, adhering to the familiar tropes of the survival genre often seen in many action films.
Set against a backdrop of post-apocalyptic despair, this theme has been exploited extensively in Hollywood projects like A Quiet Place, Bird Box, and The 5th Wave. However, it is still a relatively fresh direction for South Korean filmmakers.
Last year, the disaster film Concrete Utopia explored a similar apocalyptic scenario, albeit with a focus on human malevolence. In contrast, Badland Hunters emphasizes action and adventure. The post-apocalyptic setting serves as the backdrop for Nam San’s heroic quest to rescue the innocent.
Throughout the journey, the protagonist faces numerous dangers, including fierce battles with mutated creatures and confrontations with other ruthless hunters armed with weapons.
Directed by Heo Myeong Haeng, the film features quality storytelling, with well-timed dramatic moments that enhance viewer engagement. If not for the strong performances, audiences might struggle to recognize this as a debut film from a relatively inexperienced director.
According to IMDb, the production budget reached up to $18 million, which is relatively high compared to many other South Korean films. A significant portion of the budget was dedicated to visual effects and action sequences, making a considerable impact.
The action sequences are executed with a keen eye for detail. The climax, especially the final battle, creates a sense of tension and excitement.
Ma Dong Seok Delivers an Outstanding Performance
Last year, actor Ma Dong Seok made a significant impact as he only appeared in one project, The Roundup: No Way Out. This time, the “hero” continues to showcase his charisma in various action scenes that are impressively gripping.
In his role as Nam San, Ma Dong Seok delivers a natural performance that feels authentic and unforced. His talent shines through in the intense scenes, which are punctuated by moments of humor—elements that endear him to audiences.
Alongside Ma Dong Seok, Lee Hee Joon also shines in his role. After the series Mouse (2021), he continues to take on a challenging role as the cunning and dangerous Gi Su. His piercing gaze adds an unsettling atmosphere to the film.
Other supporting actors contribute to the overall effect, making the characters feel more relatable to viewers.
Upon release, Thợ Săn Hoang Mạc quickly gained acclaim, achieving a “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes with 86% positive reviews from critics and 77% from audiences. Much of the high praise is attributed to Ma Dong Seok’s standout performance and the thrilling action sequences, particularly the impressive work of the director in bringing forth a fresh perspective to the South Korean action genre.
Although the film’s climax is somewhat predictable, the use of post-apocalyptic tropes feels familiar. The cinematography employs a yellowish tint that occasionally makes certain scenes appear artificial, lacking a sense of realism.
The post-apocalyptic world depicted in the film feels conventional, showing little creativity compared to many other projects. The storyline is rather simplistic and lacks surprising elements. However, the film still manages to be an engaging choice for those who enjoy action genre films.
After this project, director Heo Myeong Haeng will continue to collaborate with actor Ma Dong Seok in The Roundup: Punishment—the sequel to the popular franchise centering on detective Ma Suk Do, set to be released later this year.
