Well GO USAWhen Operation Undead is about more than a plot to overturn the local militia, just what happens next is quite the spiritual journey. Although tensions between the Thai and Japanese troops are tumultuous at best, to pile on top a threat which requires both sides to work together is daring.
After the attack on Pearl Harbour, the latter had further plans. They need a path to Burma and Thailand is in the way! Elsewhere, the scientists want to test a biological weapon which effectively turns anyone who breathes the fumes into mindless super-soldiers. They’re like zombie berserkers, and they did not really think things through. Even a few Japanese soldiers got affected!
Honestly, I don’t think I’ve seen a recent film that considers the potential repercussions. To watch the chaos is as fun as a Predator film, but as for what goes on in the mind of a fallen before succumbing to the virus is the best part! It’s rare to even consider that personal narrative, and what’s presented is very dreamlike.
To note, this film doesn’t document the days before the armistice. When both sides has to unite against this foe, they are not joining forces because their leaders said so. They want to survive!
And during this conflict, the tale focuses on Mek (Chanon Santinatornkul) and his brother Mok (Awat Ratanapintha) as they attempt to keep things together during the invasion. Mom is also worried about them when all hell breaks loose. They recognize their fellow brothers in arms falling to the walking dead, and when I see that it’s actually led by a boss, whether one of these siblings can save the day will depend.
When this movie is more about just how war can affect a village, the fallout is just as poignant. And when this movie is about taking no prisoners, I can’t think of this film as similar to Predators. These zombies are nothing like I’ve ever seen before and for those viewers who are watching for the gore, the effects are particularly impressive! I suspect Tom Savini would give his thumbs up since he was a combat photographer during the Vietnam War.
Even the performances stand out as Santinatornkul and Awat Ratanapintha have to play out their characters as opposites! As for who is in the right, and why their superiors are losing it, the unexpected bit which sees these two witness the world fall into hellfire.
I should not spoil this detail, but it’s a pleasant update to what a zombie can do. These chemical creations have this fortitude which sees even body parts still moving! And when this film ends on an ominous tone, which isn’t necessarily a cliffhanger, I suspect there’s more story to tell.
3½ Stars out of 5
Operation Undead Trailer
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