S P O T L I G H T - S U N D A Y || SNOWPIERCER (+ review)

I'm thinking of starting this thing where I just write about/ shine a spotlight on something that I've been liking lately. This is also going to give me incentive to be productive and active on this blog.

So, let's start this.

Snowpiercer

[x]

'Set in a future where a failed climate-change experiment kills all life on the planet except for a lucky few who boarded the Snowpiercer, a train that travels around the globe, where a class system emerges.' [x]

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Director: Joon-ho Bong (The Host, Mother)

Writers: Joon-ho Bong (screenplay), Kelley Masterson (screenplay) 
Cast: Kang-ho Song, Ah-sung Ko, Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, Octavia Spencer, John Hurt, Ed Harris, Jamie Bell, Luke Pasqualino
Genre: Action, Sci-fi, Thriller
Release: 2013

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Where do I begin with this movie?

Loosely based on the graphic novel, Le Transperceneige (1982), by Jaques Lob and Jean-Marc Rochette, Joon-ho Bong's new sci-fi thriller takes place in a new cold world after a disastrous experiment that takes most of humanity, save the lucky few that boarded the Snowpiercer. Seventeen years later, a constricted class system, separated by the carriages, dominates its inhabitants. Those in the front live in luxury, while those in the back (the ‘tail’) live in overcrowded squalor. A dystopic world in one thousand and one carriages (so it says in the graphic novel). Through cryptic messages, another rebellion is forming, led by Curtis (Evans) who enlists the help of Namgoong Minsoo (Kang-ho) in opening each door, getting closer to the creator of the Snowpierecer, Wilfred (Harris).

The film’s pace is reminiscent to that of a game where each carriage is alike to the next level, presenting the group with new dangerous challenges while piling on both character and plot development. The intensity of each scene is given by the confined spaces of the train, which the cinematography and directing takes advantage of - in particular the brutal action scene between the opposing two small armies. The plot does appear to be predictable at certain parts, but it really isn't. One thing that I learnt while watching sci-fi thrillers/ spec sci-fi is that anything can and will happen.

The casting is another aspect that I love, and each performance brilliant. It’s difficult to talk about one performance when all were just as good. Each character was distinct from one another, their own motives intertwining with others, and supporting each other.

One thing I noticed was how those who lived at the front of the train were mainly white characters, and those in the tail of various cultural backgrounds – mirroring a number of social and cultural issues today. It may be just me looking too far into it, but it’s definitely something that struck to me a lot. Another aspect of the film that intrigued me were the religious and philosophical implications. These may be harder to pick up on, but it brings the entire film together and adds another depth to it that I certainly enjoy.

For those not familiar with Joon-ho Bong, he is known for perceptive social critique within his films, and Snowpiercer definitely has its allegories and metaphors alluding to real world issues (such as oppression, climate change/ global warming, social differences etc.). It’s a compelling and thought-provoking storyline that doesn’t let, even at the end. It challenges the typical action genre dualism of ‘good versus evil’, and instead presents an intriguing perspective (through Eastern religious and philosophical themes for those familiar with them).

If you like watching sci-fi thrillers, spec sci-fi films like Children of Men or even Bladerunner, then I definitely recommend Snowpiercer. Even if you’re just watching it for the action it’s a film that you need to watch.

- Del