“Badland Hunters” is a gritty South Korean dystopian action film set in a post-apocalyptic Seoul ravaged by an earthquake. Directed by Heo Myeong-haeng, the movie stars Don Lee (Ma Dong-seok) as Nam-san,a rugged hunter who takes on a rescue mission in a lawless wasteland. The plot kicks off when a teenage girl, Su-na (Roh Jeong-eui), gets kidnapped by a mad scientist (Lee Hee-joon) running a twisted experiment in a fortified apartment complex. Nam-san teams up with his loyal friend Ji-wan (Lee Jun-young) and a few others to save her, facing off against mutated creatures, a deranged cult, and the scientist’s army.

The film’s biggest strength is Don Lee’s commanding presence—he’s a powerhouse in every action scene, delivering bone-crunching punches with his signature charisma. The choreography is raw and intense, especially in close-quarters combat, making the fights feel visceral. The desolate, ruined cityscape adds a haunting atmosphere, and the practical effects for the mutants are impressively grotesque. Lee Hee-joon also stands out as the unhinged villain, bringing a creepy energy to his role.

However, the movie stumbles with its pacing and character development. The first half builds tension well, but the second half feels rushed, with some plot points—like the scientist’s motivations—left underdeveloped. Supporting characters, including Su-na, don’t get enough depth, making it hard to connect with their struggles. The dialogue can also feel cliched at times, leaning too heavily on post-apocalyptic tropes.

Overall, “Badland Hunters” is a solid action flick for fans of the genre, offering thrilling fights and a bleak, immersive world. It’s not groundbreaking, but Don Lee’s performance and the high-octane action make it worth a watch. I’d give it a 7/10.