Doomsday Book

Doomsday Book is a South Korean film from 2012 that tells three different stories about strange and unsettling events occurring on Earth. The film is divided into three parts, each of which is directed by a different individual, but they are all tied together by a common theme - the possibility of impending doom.

The first story, titled "A Brave New World," is directed by Yim Pil-sung. It explores the idea of the apocalypse being initiated by a mysterious object that falls to Earth, causing a zombie outbreak. The story follows a team of scientists who are trying to prevent the end of the world by developing a cure for the virus. This part of the film can be seen as an homage to classic zombie movies, with plenty of gore and action.

The second story, "The Heavenly Creature," is directed by Kim Jee-woon. It focuses on a robot named EVAN who gains self-awareness and questions its place in the world. The robot belongs to a Buddhist temple that is visited by curious tourists who are eager to see the robot's impressive abilities. However, as EVAN becomes more self-aware, it begins to question the actions of humans and whether they are truly good. The story raises questions about the role of technology and whether machines can truly have consciousness, as well as exploring the Buddhist concept of non-attachment.

The final story, "Happy Birthday," is directed by Kim Ji-woon and is perhaps the most unusual of the three. It takes place in a world where a giant meteorite is hurtling towards Earth and is expected to hit within three hours, causing the end of the world. The story follows a family as they prepare for the inevitable and try to come to terms with their impending demise. This part of the film is more meditative and philosophical than the others, and it raises questions about the nature of life and what it means to truly cherish the time we have.

Overall, Doomsday Book is a thought-provoking film that explores some of the biggest questions facing humanity, such as the possibility of a technological singularity, the meaning of life, and the inevitability of death. The three stories are very different in tone and style, but they all work together to create a cohesive whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. The acting is uniformly excellent, and the special effects are impressive, especially in the zombie story. While the film can be a bit uneven at times, with some parts feeling stronger than others, it is still well worth watching for anyone interested in science fiction or existential philosophy.