Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (2023) – Movie Review and Summary (with Spoilers)
“Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” is a joyous and bonkers live-action adaptation of the manga. The movie celebrates friendship, dreams, and plenty of zombies.
Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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General Information
| Director(s) | Yûsuke Ishida |
| Screenplay By | Tatsuro Mishima |
| Based On | “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” manga series by Haro Aso |
| Date Released (Netflix ) | August 3rd, 2023 |
| Genre(s) | Action |
| Film Length | 2 Hours, 4 Minutes |
| Content Rating | Rated TV-MANot Rated |
| Noted Characters and Cast | |
| Akira Tendo | Eiji Akaso |
| Kencho | Shuntarô Yanagi |
| Shizuka | Mai Shiraishi |
What Is “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” Rated And Why?
“Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” is Rated TV-MA for some profanity, sexual content, and graphic violence
Overview
“Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” is a great movie for anyone wanting to make a change to their lives but too afraid to do so and also wanting to see some zombie gore along the way. As someone who hasn’t seen the anime or read the manga, director Yûsuke Ishida and writer Tatsuro Mishima succeed at making “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” a fun yet meaningful standalone movie.
Film Summary
This content contains pertinent spoilers. Also, images and text in this post may contain affiliate links. If a purchase is made from those sites, we may earn money or products from the company.
“Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” introduces us to Akira Tendo, an astute and hardworking young man who has just finished college and is eager to enter the workforce. While he’s initially thrilled about the prestigious job he landed, Akira soon realizes that the job is ruthless to its employees and the work is never-ending and thankless. A full year passes for Akira until one day, he goes outside and realizes some things are a little strange; for example, zombies have suddenly taken over the downtown area and eaten everyone in sight. Akira is more worried that he’ll be late for work.
When it suddenly dawns on Akira that he’s in the middle of a zombie pandemic, his immediate thought is that he doesn’t have to go to work. Akira is thrilled. He lives life to the fullest and has a newfound freedom. Akira even creates a bucket list of things he wants to do before he becomes zombie food: tell someone he loves them, become a superhero, and makeup with his old friend Kencho (Shuntarô Yanagi). Kencho is luckily still alive, and when the two reunite, they continue to embark on their journey of shenanigans. They meet Shizuka (Mai Shiraishi), a skilled fighter who doesn’t have time for their silly games, but she learns to appreciate Akira’s lust for life too.
But the trio is haunted by Akira’s past when they encounter a sanctuary run by Akira’s old boss. What was once a chance at a new life becomes horrifically similar to his old one. Akira and his friends are faced with the choice of either protection and safety under the harsh working conditions of Akira’s boss or risking a life of danger and freedom out in the world.
Judging by the poster art of “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead,” I couldn’t guess this was a comedy-horror about a zombie apocalypse. In many ways, this is not a zombie movie. Zombies serve as a backdrop to a story about friendship and following your dreams. While that pitch may sound silly in itself, “Zom 100” is aware of its silliness and wears that badge with pride.
Other Noteworthy Information
- “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” is based on a manga and anime with the same name.
Character Descriptions
Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.
Akira Tendo
Akira is experiencing a wake-up call that brings him a beautiful and rare optimism during the zombie apocalypse. After spending a year at a grueling, thankless job, Akira is loving having time to himself for the first time in a while. He lives every day to the fullest because any day might be his last.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Kamen Rider Build” and “Cherry Magic! The Movie.”
Kencho
Kencho is Akira’s best friend and an old classmate from college. Kencho has taken more risks than Tendo in the past and enjoys any chance to hook up with a lady.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Alice in Borderland” and “Sugarless.”
Shizuka
Shizuka is a strong, independent woman who has spent the zombie apocalypse fighting alone. While she’s capable of surviving solo, she learns what it means to live when she meets Tendo and Kencho.
- The actor is also known for their role in “my channel” Youtube Channel.
Review
Our Rating: Positive (Worth Seeing)
Who Is This For?
Fans of the manga or anime should give Zom 100 a look. Any fans of zombie or horror comedies may also enjoy “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead.”
Notable Performances or Moments
Eiji Akaso as Akira Tendo
Akira can be naive but lovable, outrageous yet relatable; he lives life the way many want to live it but is still trapped by the safe and oppressive structures in place. Eiji Akaso captures Akira’s open heart and exuberance for life with an infectious smile and ceaseless energy that make Akira’s adventures always fun.
Highlights
“Zom 100” Stands on Its Own as a Clever Satire
There have been countless zombie movies that serve as metaphors for climate change, consumerism, racism, and more. Yet “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” works well by tapping into younger generations’ dissatisfaction with a life centered around an office job. You don’t need to read the manga or see the anime to relate to Akira’s “zombie” lifestyle at his workplace. His struggle is global and can be felt by anyone who has questioned going to work while sick.
A Movie That Celebrates Life, Optimism, and Zombie Sharks
Despite showing hundreds of flesh-eating zombies, “Zom 100” remains upbeat throughout the movie. There’s nothing to really fear but so much to enjoy. “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” features some bonkers scenes of escaping love hotels, fighting zombies in a superhero costume, and, yes, a zombie shark. Every actor is having so much fun in the terror or truly celebratory moments that life has to offer that the movie wins over its cynics.
On The Fence
Inescapable Comparisons to the Manga or Anime
Nothing can compare to the candy-colored world of the “Zom 100” manga or anime. The splashes of bright paint are sorely missed in the live-action movie. Furthermore, the live-action has to ignore certain details and speed up some plotlines in order for Akira, Kencho, and Shizuka to end up back in the clutches of Akira’s boss. The movie delivers on its message, but for those who have seen or read the previous series, they may leave this movie disappointed.
Recommendations
If you like this movie, we recommend:
- Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Anime
- #Alive
- Zombieland
Check out our movies page for our latest movie reviews and recommendations. .
FAQs
Answers to some questions you may have regarding this movie:
The Reason The Movie Is Named “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead”
The movie’s title comes from Akira Tendo’s bucket list of 100 things he wishes to do before he dies or ends up as zombie food.
Does “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” Setup A Sequel or Prequel?
The movie leaves the door open to the sequel, with our heroes riding off into the sunset and still having room for 80 more wishes on their bucket list.
Does “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” Have A Mid-Credit or End-Credit Scene?
An end-credit scene reveals Akira’s boss is still alive but now alone and picking up his employee outfits, potentially hopeful that he’ll get a chance to rebuild his empire.
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- Plot and Dialog - 0/100
- Character Development and Performances - 0/100
- Visuals and Sound - 0/100
- Pacing - 0/100
- Value For Intended Audience - 0/100
