Writer: Loong Wai Ting

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Watch this if you liked: “The Sinking of Japan,” “Poseidon,” “The Day After Tomorrow”

Deemed as the Asian version of Hollywood's "The Day After Tomorrow," "Tsunami at Haeundae" helms a slow paced storyline. From the opening shot, the story seems to crawl from one scene to another. At one point, the story is rather dull and seems a tad draggy. Reason is because the director paid too much unnecessary attention to one particular character and then "kills" him or her in the next scene. Also, there is noticeable imbalance in breathing life to each of the characters. While at that, some of the scenes or "dead time" can be rather nonsensical.

It wasn't until about half an hour before the end of runtime did the story begin to pick up. It is also the time where everything happens so quickly. During the most exciting moment, where tears began jerking that unnecessary scenes like running away from a giant explosion and a falling bridge became the main scene stealer, which has gone a little overboard.

The camerawork in "Tsunami" is commendable, capturing the characters' panicky emotions well when disaster is about to strike. It almost gives a first-person sort of experience, if put into the same situation as being trapped and helpless. On the other hand, "Tsunami" also boasts quite an impressive visual effect of the giant killer wave ramming into thousands of people at the beach and slamming into high rise buildings. Well, it looks like Hollywood has finally met its competitor!

All in all, "Tsunami at Haeundae" is recommended for all thrill seekers and fans of disaster films.

Cinema Online, 10 September 2009