28 Days Later [2002]

The lowdown: Another film in the end-of-the-world-or-civilisation-as-we-know-it genre, although '28 Days Later'
is considerably better than its predecessors. It tells the story of four survivors of a deadly plague that was unwittingly unleashed when animal activists raid a research facility. Jim (played by Cillian Murphy) wakes from a coma to find
both the hospital and London deserted, except for packs of feral humans. Jim eventually meets other survivors -
Selena, a pharmacist before the disease called 'Rage' was unleashed, and Frank and Hannah, a father and daughter
who have holed up in an apartment tower. The foursome pick up a radio broadcast and decide to go to Manchester
to see if the soldiers who set up the broadcast are still alive.

The small group of soldiers is led by Major Henry West (Christopher Eccleston), and have set up a military base in
an abandoned mansion. West reveals the true nature of 'the answer to Infection' that was promised in the radio
transmission, and his plans to rebuild civilisation. Not surprisingly, this involves Selena and Hannah, because he
has promised to give his soldiers some uninfected women. Jim will not allow this, and is chained up when he tries
to protect the women. Naturally he escapes and the soldiers meet a grisly end.

'28 Days Later' is an excellent film with a good script and great acting. The scenes of a deserted London in particular
are well-done, and the theme of a deadly virus wiping out most of the country is timely given the ongoing concerns
about bird flu. While it is often described as a zombie film, this is inaccurate, and in fact director Danny Boyle says
it is a drama film rather than science fiction or horror. Despite the themes of death and violence, it is indeed the
interaction between the characters that is at the heart of '28 Days Later'.

Video Clips: Major Henry West 3.8mb Private Mailer 3.5mb West and the mutants 4.7mb

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