Snowpiercer (2013)

In a future where a failed climate-change experiment has killed all life except for the lucky few who boarded the Snowpiercer, a train that travels around the globe, a new class system emerges.

Sam's Review

Bong Joon-ho may well go down in history as one of the greatest directors, with films like Snowpiercer as the reason why. And, I will be watching it again, as I feel that I probably missed things the first time.

Global warming is the backdrop for Snowpiercer. When global warming peaks, the human race attempts climate engineering which goes horribly wrong (perhaps a warning, as it is widely agreed that climate engineering is not the way to solve climate change), leading the world into an ice age, and stranding the last remains of humanity on a train.

The film isn't subtle in it's reflection of society and class. Those at the back, struggling and poor, while the elite at the front are surrounded by luxury, viewing those behind them as little more than fodder. There’s further depth to the metaphor, such as no matter how far you progress up you are still viewed as the person at the back of the train. It also seems to be a rebuke of the leaders of the world, enforcing rules with lies and violence, all so they can retain power.

I also believe that the eternal Great Engine is a metaphor for religion. So far ahead, unreachable at the front of the train, so few allowed in it's presence. The whispers of divinity is a veil that when lifted shows the corruption of humanity. Chris Evans’ Curtis put it best, “if we control the engine, we control the world.” Perhaps I am reading into it too much, instead it could be an indictment of the horrors of child labour, the majority benefit from such atrocities. Apple, Primark and Nike are just a few of the many brands that have been accused of using child labour. And while we all close our eyes, pretending that we are above such things, Joon-ho has no problem forcing us to confront reality.

There are a few things that do not make sense in the reality of the film, some as simple as how are the tracks maintained? A valid question. And, the pacing is a little quick for me, as there are parts I would've liked to have explored. I wonder if such a short amount of time cannot properly capture the depth of this story, and it seems others agree too, as a Snowpiercer TV show is meant to be coming out this year.

The film steals you away into the world of the train, leading you on a gripping story. There are elements that could be better, though some of that can be chalked up to the time constraints of film. While it is obvious in it's themes, the messages are still potent.

8/10