28 Weeks Later
“Exterminio 2” - Mexico
“28 Wochen später” - Germany “28 settimane dopo” - Italy “28 viikkoa myöhemmin” - Finland MPAA Rating:
 for strong violence and gore, language and some sexuality/nudityReviewed by: Chris Sosa Extremely Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
 Primary Audience:
Adults, Teens
Genre:
Horror, Sci-Fi, Drama, Sequel
Length:
1 hr. 39 min.
Year of Release:
2007
USA Release:
May 11, 2007 (wide - 2,000 theaters)
          Relevant Issues
How did bad things come about? Answer Why does God allow innocent people to suffer? Answer What about the issue of suffering? Doesn’t this prove that there is no God and that we are on our own? Answer Does God feel our pain? Answer What kind of world would you create? Answer How does viewing violence in movies affect the family? Answer
See review of the prequel to this film: “28 Days Later” “It all begins again” “28 Weeks Later” is the follow-up to the extremely popular independent film “28 Days Later”. For those unfamiliar with the previous film, “28 Days Later” put a spin on the zombie genre in which a group of infected humans spread their highly contagious virus to other humans causing them to have uncontrollable, indefinite fits of rage in which they kill all human beings. This installment takes place 28 weeks after the first occurrence of infection, just as society is beginning to return to normal, all the infected are dead from starvation, and refugees are slowly but surely arriving in Britain. The American Army has arrived to help with the relief efforts, and all seems to be going well… that is, until the virus resurfaces. In terms of content, the most obvious concern of this film will be the violence, and I suggest that any readers easily sickened skip to the next paragraph. It is difficult to explain exactly how horribly disgusting this film actually is. I have reviewed more than one truly disgusting film, but this was by far the most unsettling. While the other films had a clear break with reality, “28 Weeks Later” did not. The violence was sickening in its brutality. One such scene found an infected man slashing his wife, eventually forcing his thumbs into her eye sockets, which in turn killed her. This is only one of many truly unsettling violent segments. The scenes of extreme violence were simply too many to record, and each one had a very, very dark and unsettling tone, somewhat odd for a genre that never seems to quite have a grip on reality. If one were to find the aforementioned scene even slightly unsettling, they would be best served skipping this film. The second-most concern will be the sexual content. While paling in comparison to the violence, it is present. One scene shows a couple having sex, and their top-halves are exposed. Limited other scenes contain moderate-level nudity in a non-sexual context. Strong language is present, but is nowhere near the level of many other current films. While language is one of the least of this film’s content concerns, there are multiple instances of the harshest of language. From a spiritual viewpoint, this film offers more food-for-thought than actual answers. The most obvious and direct showing of Christian principles comes during one of the movie’s later scenes, echoing the Biblical principle, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (NLT). Other points in the film make for better conversation starters than specific spiritual lessons, themes such as the nature of humankind, survival vs. sacrifice, the consequences of scientific advancement, and the effect of America on the world. This film does not appear to have any concept of God, positive or negative. Lastly, there is no way for one to speak of “28 Weeks later” without referencing its incredibly slick presentation. The mood was consistently tense. The cinematography had a very gritty yet controlled feel to it, and the pacing was purely genius. Not to mention, the score of this film was chilling, sometimes so minimalist as to have the audience squirming in their chairs due to the extreme tension. The special effects were also amazing, with the infected looking more like something out of a nightmare than make-up from a studio. Whoever directed this film deserves a shot at the Academy Awards, as a horror film of this caliber has rarely been seen since Romero first introduced the world of cinema to true terror in his masterpiece “Night of the Living Dead”. So in closing, “28 Weeks Later” is difficult to describe. From a stand-point of social concern, this film should have probably gone from the editing room to the garbage. From an artistic stand-point, the world of cinema may have a modern-day classic on its hands. This is what makes the film so confusing. I really wanted to enjoy it, but found it difficult. I attempted throughout the entire film to think of one socially conscious reason to justify its existence, but I came up with nothing. Art should be a medium used responsibly, but this film was anything but responsible. The only positive thing to be said from a socially-conscious viewpoint about “28 Weeks Later” is that through its intricate plot, it makes us take a look at ourselves, and we’ve never seemed in such need of redemption as in this film. Thankfully someone was up to the task. Violence: Extreme / Profanity: Heavy / Sex/Nudity: Heavy See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.  Comments available:
Positive
Positive - Not being a fan of Danny Boyle’s prequel “28 Days Later,” which I found to be little more than an excuse for mindless excess, I had little or no intention of going to see the sequel. That was until I found out that acclaimed Spanish director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, responsible for 2001’s 'Intacto' - one of the best Spanish films of recent years, was at the helm. Impressed by recent British films helmed by acclaimed foreign directors, “The Constant Gardener” (2005) and “Children of Men” (2006), directed by Fernando Meirelles and Alfonso Cuarón respectively, I decided to give this one a go. I was not disappointed, right from the frantic opening scene, filmed using handheld cameras for the most part; I could tell that this was going to be a much more satisfying film than its predecessor. After the heart-pounding opening the viewer is then treated to possibly the best cinematic framing of the city of London (albeit a post-apocalyptic one) that I have ever seen. When one’s eyes aren’t feasting over the sumptuous cinematography, then one is gripped by the superbly executed horror, suspense and action sequences, making for a thrilling viewing experience. The film is also much more intellectually rewarding than its predecessor as it can also be viewed as a political allegory, not unlike George A. Romero’s cult classic “Dawn of the Dead” (1978)—a satire on consumerist America. The military that now patrol the desolate streets and rooftops of London, on the lookout for stray zombies, are American and have an almost flagrant disregard for the people of the country they are patrolling. This is clearly a not so subtle reference to the US presence in Iraq and Afghanistan. This takes added resonance when these soldiers are ordered to take indiscriminate military action against an isolated area of the city, even using their own version of cluster bombs. Regardless of one’s political view over US foreign policy, this aspect of the film is thought provoking nonetheless and raises the film to a higher level than others typical of this sub-genre. However, for all its artistic merit, this is not a film that I would recommend to the majority of Christian movie-goers as the levels of gore and violence are quite extreme and the foul language is ever present. Viewer discretion is definitely advised. Positive - This film exceeded my expectations greatly, throughout the whole piece, I was sitting at the edge of my seat in anticipation for the each action-filled sequence. The camera work and special effects were as high quality here as they were in the original, however, some editing (jump shots) was a bit rougher than desired. Being an artist, I disagree with the idea that any work of art needs to have meaning beyond existing simply for the purpose of being Art. That is the definition of fine art, after all; Art for Art's Sake. Any moral or real social commentary was subtle. There was no real attempt to convey a specific, direct message... just food for thought. Symbols such as a statue of Washington, the cross atop a church, eyes, children etc., can be analyzed into infinitum to create greater meaning, but deep thought beyond 'Humans are bound to doom themselves' is pointless. The music was grand in its intensity and energy, it, along with the stunning visual effects is worth the watch for mood and atmosphere. Great artwork makes one feel, and this is exactly what the movie “28 Weeks Later” does. Neutral
Neutral - “28 Weeks Later” was a good follow up to the previous film “28 Days Later.” The action was great and the actors were good. The only thing that bothered me other than some of the gore was the language. The f-word was used a lot—and other curse words. I watched the rest of the film because I started to see the characters effort of self sacrifice. Like Jesus had when he was willing to die for the sins of man, not that the acts in this movie can compare to jesus, but it’s heroic to see one give his life to save another, especially to overcome evil or make a positive difference. If you liked the first one, I would say that you would also enjoy this film also, but don’t bring the kids. Negative
Negative - I must say that I had high hopes for this film. Normally, I don’t like horror films, and I was completely shocked when I thourghly enjoyed 28 Days Later. It was intelligent, tense, dramatic, scary, and it had a heart to it. It was also deeply rooted in bringing out moral and ethical questions. And it didn’t shoved blood and gore in the audience’s face. Negative - Zombies running around hacking up blood on PEOPLE!!!… Man abandons needful wife and then lies to innocent children! This is not the message the Jesus I know would endorse. Racial stereotyping, which I do not find hilarious. Once people die they should be in heaven, if God wills it, or Hell, if God chooses so. This zombieness is a natural implication of no after life: not an uplifting moral, I think. Wife 'infects' Man and then he slaughters Wife!!!! I was so embarrassed I had the audacity to show this film to my family, expecting a good old fashion zombie movie, which this was not. Nothing like “Night of the Living Dead.” It was pure filth. I don't think a zombie that kills people and eats people should go to heaven, but they may end up in heaven if they commit no sin: this, however, is not addressed with enough detail in this film. bringing this zombie afterlife into more focus may bring about a moral spiritually uplifting message to this rather nihilistic film. Negative - First off I would like to say that I enjoyed “28 Days Later,” that being said I now want to tell you that “28 weeks Later” was vey inconsistant with the first movie. In the second movie when the soldiers were talking about the containment of the virus they said that the virus was not transfered between species when clearly the crow that infected frank clearly had the virus (the crow’s eyes had changed just like the humans), I also find it hard to believe that if the virus came from infected chimps it wouldn’t be able to be transfered to other animals. I also think the gore was a little much in this movie, following the Hollywood trend of having gore simply for the sake of gore. The last thing I have to say is I hope if some massive infection like this were to break out, the military won’t just lose it and start killing everyone infected or not (that is NOT a country I want to be a part of). Comments from young people
Positive - A masterpiece of camera work and a well-made film at that, 28 WEEKS LATER more then lives up to the original, and will satisfy all horror and even some action fans. One problem, the film is extremely violent (even by my standards and those are low) in some scenes and just bloody in others, some Christians will not be able to take the film, and some shouldn’t try. Many will not be able to stomache the brutal violence of the scenes, and yes this movie is brutal in many places. But if you can get past the brutal violence and moderate level of language (although I’ve read that there are 28 f-words, it did not seem that many were spoken), then you will find an extremely well done, intense, heckuva thrill-ride. But be warned, like I said it is BRUTALLY violent! |
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