Respond and Reflection 4: Train to Busan

Note: if you opt to copy/paste the questions below into a document and answer in paragraph form below each question, that’s fine. Just keep in mind that the pasted questions do not count toward the 300-word minimum.

RR4: Respond to questions below:

1. [Consider Context]: Context plays a really important role in any kind of rhetorical address (film or otherwise); all texts emerge from/within a given context. To help you think about the role of context in rhetorical analysis, consider how consuming Train to Busan in a ‘post-Covid’ context might affect an audience. Obviously, this is a ‘zombie film,’ but it’s about contagion. How might films about ‘contagion’ be different for, say, an audience in 2016 (when this film came out) versus 2026 (right now)? Why does context matter?
2. [Consider Cultural Values]: You don’t have to take my Intercultural Communication course or Human Communication course to know that different cultures have different values. For instance, in general, the US is considered to be a more ‘individualistic’ culture that places more emphasis and value on individualism that the ‘collective good.’ Other cultures, say South Korea broadly, tend to be more collectivist cultures that value the ‘greater good’ over, say, individualism. How does Train to Busan wrestle with, or frame, these larger values — individualism vs. collectivism — throughout the film? Zero in, please, on the relationship between the father and daughter, particularly their conversations, to help you. Remember: This isn’t about what you think is ‘better’; it’s about critically analyzing the film to ask: What does it seem to be teaching its audiences?
3. [Reflect]: What has been your most and least favorite assigned watch so far (Bugonia, Leave the World Behind(2023) & this current movie); why? (This is a free space, per usual. If you ever have requests for particular types of questions here, you can always email me or message me on Teams!)

—- Please note: The professor does not allow the use of any AI generation and will use multiple tools to ensure no AI usage. You will need to provide screenshots of TurnItIn & Quillbot to confirm no AI Usage. Attached is the rubric to follow as well.