I suppose it was definitely time for my first Bong Joon-ho film as well as (possibly) my first Chris Evans film that wasn't a part of the Marvel Universe. Joon-ho's Snowpiercer is an excellent science-fiction thriller that provides an unmistakably dystopian look at our future while suggesting that audiences look back at what they are also currently part of. This film has some great performances from the cast and a creative environment for these themes to play out in, but I feel like the time period that this film was released was so riddled with dystopian thrillers that it might have gotten lost in originality. Despite that, I still had a lot of fun with this murderous and rebellious reimagining of The Polar Express and there are many elements of it in which I can clearly see how cinephiles are so drawn to this filmmakers' body of work.
Snowpiercer is the story of the titular train that circles the globe carrying the only remaining people left on Earth after a failed global-warming experiment left our world frozen. The very tail end of the train houses the poorest and most unfortunate of these people, including Curtis (Chris Evans), Gilliam (John Hurt), Edgar (Jamie Bell), and Tanya (Octavia Spencer). After circling the planet for almost two decades, the people of the tail-end decide that it is time for their revolution by moving up the train through its different class systems and taking down its leader and operator Wilford (Ed Harris). The script of this film, written by Bong Joon-ho and Kelly Masterson, is what provides the most interesting yet dull aspects of this whole story. Setting these characters in a dystopian future that is only slightly far-fetched is not an original concept in terms of sci-fi storytelling. The different class systems that existed on the train is really just another theme that is typically seen in all dark and pessimistic films such as this one. What makes this particular film so interesting, however, is the fact that the entire film takes place in the often cramped quarters of a constantly-moving train. The way that the setting changes as the train moves between areas of dark and light or smooth and rough terrain provides for so much of this narrative's exciting features. The environment of this movie definitely made for the most creative aspect of this story, along with the fantastic action that followed. The choreography in this film, aided by Kyung-pyo Hong's cinematography, was absolutely incredible and was definitely characteristic of these Asian filmmakers' experiences. I adored the personal feel of the fight sequences and how Hong was able to manipulate the camera to make the small space of a train so wildly fresh and fun to watch.
While Joon-ho's direction was decently consistent the entire time, I felt it was very hard to get into this film. This movie's drudgingly painful first half made me lose hope for actually enjoying this story, as I feel it took far too much time establishing its world. The dark colors and dreary mood made me feel like this film would be just like any other edgy and dystopian film. Thankfully, once Curtis and the other tail-end passengers began their fight towards the front and started making actual progress is when the movie picks up. One fantastic element of Joon-ho's direction that I will say is that he is a master of sensory filmmaking. It might just be because this film takes place in the small confines of a train, but I could actually feel, smell, and taste the world that he built within the railroad. Seeing how the poor passengers were fed the protein blocks and resorted to a drug-fueled life of huffing a fictional and flammable drug called Kronole was painful to watch but provided for a very intense viewing experience. The performances in this movie also added to the authenticity of its story. It was honestly strange seeing Chris Evans play a character other than Steve Rogers, let alone a character like Curtis who was far more grungy and profane. Evans was still able to incredibly embody the grief and power of this character and in such a beautiful way. While all the other artists involved all gave so much life to their roles, Tilda Swinton's character Mason was the absolute standout. She gave such a lively and colorful performance that contrasted this world that had been built and she definitely stole every scene that she was in.
Snowpiercer may seem like your typical, dystopian, action film but it is much more than that. Joon-ho has given audiences such a strange yet relatable look at many of our society's customs in regards to how we are treating our future and the deadly effects our actions could have. I can not say that I was blown away by this film, but I can say that I am very excited for Chris Evans to start working on projects again outside of Captain America.
My Rating: ★★★½
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