World Train

Snowpiercer

Through many types of media (TV, movies, and newspapers), social/political topics seem to run ramped. I would agree that these types of media are the best ways to get a screenwriter’s or TV producers views brought to the limelight. Just recently I reviewed a film (seen here) that very much wanted to beat its point of views over the heads of the audience. That was about capitalism, however other big topics that is being discussed throughout the world is that of global warming and social equality. From a film stand point these topics are usually presented in a science fiction and/or post-apocalyptic fashion, almost as a warning tale for the masses. Well in 2014, these two topics were mashed together in such a film that I tragically missed out on. Based on the French graphic novel Le Transperceneige by Jacques Lob, Snowpiercer gives us that cautionary story that is common for these types of issues.

Eighteen years ago, the Earth was unintentionally frozen over by world governments in an attempt to help stop global warming. The problem that created is that the Earth became so cold that it became inhabitable. To try to keep the human race from persevering, transportation magnate Wilford (Ed Harris Run All Night) creates a train with a perpetual motion engine that travels constantly among a global track. Wilford has sectioned off the train by social class with him being at the front of the train and socially descending toward the back of the train ending with the ‘scum’ at the rear of the train. These so called scum have come to their wits end with being treated so poorly that one of their own, Curtis Everett (Chris Evans Captain America: Civil War) has orchestrated a revolt to march through the train and eliminate Wilford.

If I was to go back and revise some films from my Must Haves list, this film would definitely have found a place close to the top 25 mark. I feel in love with this film, its characters, and the ideology that it presents. The social aspects of the film and the consequences of trying to stop global warming are forefront of this film, but unlike Killing Them Softly it isn’t drilled on over and over. The story is a perfect mixture of political/social caution and adventure/sci-fi. The characters are so magnetic that it is very difficult not to feel something for them, even the antagonist Wilford.

Evans draws people into this story by becoming the strong, yet flawed, leader of the train’s rebels. Curtis’ purpose is clear; however by the end of the film you come to understand the real drive behind his revolt. Evans brings so much different emotions to the surface that he is able to hide his true depths that make him even more of a sympathetic character at the end. The great thing about Harris’ performance is that he is able to be the villain, but a villain you start to feel sorry for. Throughout the film the audience is bombarded with how terrible this man is and yet when he speaks in the climax you being to wonder if he really is such a bad guy. I was also taken in by Yona played by Go Ah-sung (The Host) and the innocence that her character brings to the film. Yona is a clairvoyant young girl that seems to bring a balance to the film. While everyone else on this train is willing to keep the status quo at any cost, Yona seems to blend in and at times bring perspective to the world around her.

Bong Joon-ho (Mother) creates a very extravagant, yet realistic world within Snowpiercer. Bong’s vision is so enthralling that once the film starts it is very hard to look away. He provides in depth characters and a captivating story that I found myself so completely sucked into this world that he has created. I was also in wonder on his color pallet for the film. Using dark grimy colors for the back passengers and as they move forward the colors start to blend and become brighter. Yet when we finally get to the end of the train the colors switch back to the grays to show the similarities between the rear and front of the train.

Another regrettable miss of 2014 though glad I caught up with. I recommend this film to anyone that enjoys movies. The cast is incredible and the director is brilliant which makes for a very pleasant movie experience. I honestly haven’t seen any other films by Bong Joon-ho, but I can assure you that I will after viewing this gem.

The Verdict: Worth Your Time.