We’re no strangers to movies about natural disasters, zombie apocalypses, alien invasions, and even simulations. And there’s a common theme in this genre: the characters have to survive.

Based on the second part of the webtoon Pleasant Bullying by Kim Soongnyung, Concrete Utopia opens with the aftermath of an earthquake-stricken Seoul, which left the city into rubble except for an apartment complex. Hwang Gung Apartments remains standing as if no catastrophic natural disaster happened.

The story revolves around the lives of survivors who draw up new regulations: the apartments belong to the residents, everyone must carry out their duties, and those who do not comply with these rules cannot live in the complex.

Concrete Utopia joins the ranks of so many other great post-apocalyptic titles, so we’ve familiarized ourselves with the types of people we see when their lives are in danger. Which one are you?

The designated leader

The designated leader is typically the survivor who steps up during a stressful situation in the movie, like throwing himself to put out a fire from an explosion or volunteering to check the situation outside post-disaster. They really have nothing special going on about them, but with their braveness, the crowd agrees to make them lead. Because who else is willing to risk their lives even more? Not me, for sure.

The family man

This is the survivor who would do anything for their family, even if it means going against their values and principles. The one who would atone for the wrongdoings of their other family members just so they can stay and not be left on their own. If being violent is all it takes to get an extra can of sweet peach or that extra blanket, they would do it – no questions asked.

The one who holds on to their values

This type of survivor is the person whose moral compass will not be shaken – they’re the good Samaritan who will put their lives at risk just so they can help others. They won’t even change their values when there’s a gun pointed at their head!

They’re the characters that will annoy you with their choices, but you can’t help but have a soft spot for them, because as the movie progresses, you’ll realize that kindness and standing up for the wronged do make a difference.

The head of the association

If there’s going to be a spokesperson for the rest of the population, it’s going to be this person. They’re usually adamant about sticking by the rules, making them the right-hand person of the designated leader. But put them in a situation that will directly affect them or the people they love and they will crumble. Where’s all that bravado in the beginning? It’s all down the drain.

The uncooperative resident

The uncooperative resident would rather follow the basic rules, hide in their own little world, and not participate in whatever the rest of the crowd does. They thrive being a wallflower but don’t get too complacent – they might be stirring up something behind these walls. Yes, they’re uncooperative, but there’s still a good dose of compassion left in them. This resident will help as much and in whatever way they can.

The ticking time bomb

Just when you think there’s finally ~peace~ amidst the chaos, there will be that one survivor who has seen it all and would shake things up in the movie again. They have this information that will change the trajectory of the plot, making the audience hold onto their breath. Other survivors would try to silence them, but as Buddha says, “Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth”.  Whistleblower yarn?!

After all, we’re just humans

And when put in a life-and-death situation, you just lose control and have one thing in mind: to survive. You’ll understand the chaos that would ensue, the decisions to be made, and the methods undertaken just to see another day and make everything seem perfect, just like the residents in the movie. Director Um Tae-Hwa skillfully portrayed a diverse range of characters, unpredictable turns in the plot, and visual pleasures, depicting what it truly takes to survive.

As I left the cinema, one quote stuck with me: “You are alive. So just live.”

Rated R-13, Concrete Utopia opens in Philippine cinemas on September 20.

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