Snowpiercer

"My friend, you suffer from the misplaced optimism of the doomed."

In 2014 an experiment meant to counteract the effects of global warming causes a world-wide ice age that destroyed all life.  Eighteen years later, the only survivors reside on a luxury train, owned by eccentric billionaire Wilford (Harris).  The train has a special engine that allows it to travel around the globe and protect it's passengers from the frigid weather.  The occupants of the train are divided based on their location, with the wealthy and privileged in the front and the poor in the tail.  The inhabitants of the tail are preparing for a revolution.  They are tired of eating protein bars and having the guards take their children.  The revolution is orchestrated by Curtis (Evans), a quiet and thoughtful man who barely remembers life before the train.

Curtis plans to attack the train's water source so that they have bargaining power.  He is assisted by his best friend and second-in command Edgar (Bell) and their mentor Gilliam (Hurt) who also serves as the moral compass of the tail section.  After overcoming the first obstacle, they convince Namgoong Minsoo (Song), who designed the locking mechanisms for the doors, and his clairvoyant daughter Yona (Ko) to join their trip to the front of the train.  With Wilford's ruthless spokesman Mason (Swinton) and trained guards in their way, can they fight all the way to the engine?


I was skeptical about this film, but after reading several positive reviews, decided to give it a chance.  It marks the English-language debut for director Joon-ho Bong, who is a South Korean director and screenwriter with a distinctive style.  Bong based the screenplay on the French graphic novel Le Transperceneige by Jacques Lob, Benjamin Legrand, and Jean-Marc Rochette.  Prior to this, I was unfamiliar with Bong's films, but I can't wait to dive into more of his work.

Bong created a detailed world on the train, with each train having a distinct style and purpose.  It is visually stunning and creative.  They also utilized the space on the train well in the intricate and gruesome fight sequences.  Some of the action is a little far fetched, but others are impressive based on what they manage to do with the space and resources at hand (one scene is only lit by torches).

The cast list is also impressive.  Chris Evans, best know as Captain America, is the focus of the film, but the people around him are even more entertaining.  Kang-ho Song and Ah-sung Ko regularly collaborate with Bong, and are a great father-daughter team here.  Tilda Swinton has the showiest role as Mason.  She is hidden under ridiculous glasses and fascinating accent, but is still the most despicable character in the film... but you can't wait to see what she will do next.  The cast as a whole are intriguing characters, played by talented actors.

It is an interesting film.  It takes a bit to get into it, but the payoff is worth it.  A fascinating science fiction, action flick.

Snowpiercer (2013) 126 minutes
Rating: R for violence, language and drug content
Director: Joon-ho Bong
Starring: Chris Evans as Curtis
Kang-ho Song as Namgoong Minsoo
Tilda Swinton as Mason
Jamie Bell as Edgar
Octavia Spencer as Tanya
Ewen Bremner as Andrew
Ah-sung Ko as Yona
Vlad Ivanov as Franco the Elder
Luke Pasqualino as Grey
John Hurt as Gilliam
Ed Harris as Wilford