<All of Us Are Dead> (K-Drama + Zombie)

드라마 '지금 우리 학교는(All of Us Are Dead)'

 

 

 

I don't like horror, thrillers, gore, or dramas or movies with excessively dark or brutal scenes. Nevertheless, there are a few I've watched, and the Netflix series "All of Us Are Dead" is one of them. It's too much of a story to be simply called a zombie drama. Even those who watch it expecting a scary scene or thrilling plot twist find themselves drawn into the characters' emotions and relationships. It's the evolution of the "Korean zombie film," blending the lyrical directing characteristic of Korean dramas with a realistic message.

Zombie films evolve into a Korean style

I was particularly drawn to the school setting of this drama. While many zombie dramas focus on surviving external threats, " All of Us Are Dead" delves into much more intimate emotions. The main story revolves around the conflicts and survival within the confines of the school and the student identity. When a friend becomes a zombie, can you save them? Or should you kill them? This dilemma goes beyond a simple fight for survival and delves into a question of humanity. From that perspective, the "school" setting was truly brilliant. It's a place many Koreans can relate to, and the conflicts, loyalty, and friendships experienced by the immature students were understandable, no matter how big or small their decisions were. In fact, students often make better decisions than adults. This is effectively portrayed by the introduction of a selfish, self-centered teacher. Of course, there were good teachers. The teacher who sacrificed herself to protect her child was both touching and cruel. The scene in the middle of the film, where a student who makes a wrong choice out of personal revenge ends up being sacrificed by the homeroom teacher, was both infuriating and deeply saddening. Similarly, "Train to Busan," which was one of the pioneers of Korean zombie films, drove viewers expecting a simple, entertaining zombie experience to a point where they were taken aback. The classroom, hallway, and gymnasium are all familiar, yet the dissonance created by the appearance of the unrealistic zombies actually heightens the tension. The natural incorporation of each character's backstory further enhances the film's appeal, making it feel like a full-length feature film. Although it was a brief scene, I thought it was masterfully crafted: unlike other zombie films, the main characters are aware of the existence of "zombies." The scene where a student shouts "It's Train to Busan!" when the zombies first appear blurs the lines between reality and drama, leaving me with a truly special feeling. I'm not sure if this line was originally from the original webtoon, but it was a truly striking moment. I believe this drama successfully adapted the webtoon, adjusting the various constraints and conditions to a high degree.

Spreading the world through Netflix

'All of Us Are Dead'was released simultaneously worldwide on Netflix, once again proving the status of Korean content. It immediately topped the charts in several countries, sparking countless memes and fan art on social media. It was particularly popular among Generation Z, and the reason is simple: the emotions of youth anxiety, loneliness, and alienation it portrays transcend national borders and resonate with everyone. Without the platform that is Netflix, would this show have spread so globally? From subtitles and dubbing to recommendation systems, it was a prime example of how technology and platforms can enhance content. Now, when people think of "K-zombie," they think of not only "Train to Busan" and "Kingdom," but also "Now at Our School." All three have become leading examples of K-zombie genres.

The Production Team's Efforts, the Sincerity in Every Detail

 

One of the reasons this drama shined so brightly was its "realism." The zombie special makeup and action scenes were impressive, but even more impressive were the characters' reactions. It truly captured the human choices and conflicts of a moment of crisis so well. Most of the actors were rookies, which actually made it even more immersive. It felt more like "real students" than "actors." The production team was also amazing. They captured the original webtoon's story well while also capitalizing on the strengths of the visual medium. The zombie movements, in particular, were performed by professional dancers. Each movement had rhythm and planning, and thanks to this, it felt like a distinctly Korean zombie. I've heard that many actors shy away from playing zombies. It's probably because it's challenging, and the makeup and movements are bound to be messed up. The fact that the cast consisted of rookies and unfamiliar actors made it easier to immerse myself in the film, as there was no overlap. The middle-aged actors who played the parents and played the zombies must have had a tough time, but I truly admire them. The school setting was already a high point of interest, and with the addition of a sweet love story, this drama couldn't have been less entertaining. The performances of the four lead actors who gained attention through this drama were impressive, and Rowoon, who I first saw in this drama, delivered a performance that makes me look forward to his future. My only criticism is the English title. I wish they had chosen a more original or creative title.

 

"All of Us Are Dead" isn't just a zombie drama. It's a complex story about society, relationships, survival, and growth, all seen through the eyes of teenagers. If you haven't watched it yet, I highly recommend watching it before Season 2 comes out. If you enjoyed "Train to Busan," you'll enjoy this drama, too.