The Brilliant Mind Behind Train to Busan Strikes Back with the Ultimate Sci-Fi Gem of the Year

Streaming media has become so fleeting in its impact lately. When a movie is released in theaters, it becomes a topic of conversation, whether it's a success or failure. However, with the constant influx of new films on streaming platforms, many of them quickly fade from the public consciousness just a week after their release. This unfortunate state of film distribution undermines the potential recognition and praise that films like Jung_E truly deserve.

Renowned director Yeon Sang-ho first gained international acclaim with his highly acclaimed 2016 film Train to Busan. This high-octane action/horror masterpiece breathed new life into the zombie movie genre. Yeon further showcased his talent by directing an animated prequel and a standalone sequel. His streaming series Hellbound received well-deserved acclaim, and he is currently set to direct a live-action adaptation of Hitoshi Iwaaki's Parasyte. While his most recent film may not have garnered the same level of attention as his previous works, it unquestionably merits recognition and admiration.

What is Jung_E About?

In the 22nd century, humanity faced the devastating consequences of climate change and widespread pollution, resulting in the Earth's ruin. Forced to abandon their home planet, humans sought refuge in more than 80 space-faring habitats. Among them, three major shelters formed an alliance called the Adrian Republic, initiating a war against the remaining 77 habitats and the people who remained on Earth.

In response, the other nations united their armies to create the Allied Force, a collective effort to resist the aggression of the Adrian Republic. However, this conflict has been prolonged far beyond its natural end due to a significant calamity. The most formidable soldier of the Allied Force, a mercenary named Captain Yun Jung-yi, failed in her final mission, allowing the war to persist and tragically falling into a coma.

Fortunately, advancements in technology have made it possible to keep the brain alive even after the body's demise. Kronoid Laboratory, an illicit technology company, undertakes the task of training an AI version of Captain Jung-yi. Leading this project is Yun Seo-hyun, the adult daughter of the war hero. Seo-hyun is determined to salvage her mother's legacy, rehabilitating Jung-yi's reputation and ensuring that the world remembers her as a hero. However, the owner of the company and her fellow scientists have different intentions.

Adding to the urgency of their work, Seo-hyun is afflicted with a terminal illness, creating a ticking clock scenario. As the AI repeatedly fails to complete Jung-yi's mission, their efforts take an unexpected turn, leading to the emergence of something entirely new. This exceptionally dark science fiction film finds its emotional core in the complex relationship between its characters.

Who was Kang Soo-yeon?

Jung_E gained attention on Netflix, but not for its quality. It was the last project of renowned Korean movie star Kang Soo-yeon, who began her acting career at a young age. In 1986, she gained recognition for her role in Im Kwon-taek's The Surrogate Woman, becoming the first Korean actor to win awards at international film festivals. Kang's success put Korean cinema on the global map, and she became a prominent figure in the industry throughout the 90s and 2000s.

After a nine-year hiatus, Kang returned to the big screen with the lead role in Jung_E. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when she suffered a cerebral hemorrhage in May, leading to her untimely death. In January 2023, Jung_E was released as Kang's final film, dedicated to her memory. Her performance in the movie was hailed as impeccable, and her legacy left a profound impact on the world. The fact that Jung_E was Kang's last film became its major claim to fame.

Why Didn't Jung_E Become A Hit?

Jung_E, despite not being the most original film, offers a fresh perspective on sci-fi conventions. This captivating action drama not only provides visually engaging scenes but also prompts viewers to ponder various topics, ranging from the future of healthcare to the complexities of motherhood. While the film received mixed reviews from critics, with some applauding its heartfelt storytelling and inventive ideas and others criticizing its premise, it managed to maintain popularity on the foreign language chart. Unfortunately, the tragic death of the film's lead actor prevented it from going unnoticed. Netflix, known for its lack of promotion for 80% of its original content, did little to market Jung_E, leaving it largely unknown to the public. The film's distribution company seemed indifferent to whether or not it gained recognition. Despite these challenges, Jung_E is still accessible on Netflix and is a must-watch for enthusiasts of sci-fi action, Kang Soo-yeon, Yeon Sang-ho, or thought-provoking family dramas. While it may not have revolutionized the industry, Jung_E unquestionably deserves recognition and a chance to be discovered.