A gritty, provocative movie about survival, social injustice, and survival, Snowpiercer is a film that will stick with you. The story is about humans set in a post-apocalyptic world of a frozen Earth isolated in a train that is always in motion, with the rich at the front and the poor in the back. The environmental component is a parallel issue that unites the topic of the struggle against the office and the labor movement in a serious allegory. Its rapidity and complex structure pull the audiences into a claustrophobic universe that reflects the tensions in our world, making one question how vulnerable and painful this world is and how perceivable the gap between people can be.
The movie is also impressive to the eye, embraces a detail-oriented production design and describes the social division between lavish front cars and filthy back sections. Framing and use of space enhance tension in the cinematography as the effects of confinement and desperation are used. The snowed exterior landscape suggests the big cruel world outside that is dangerous but also promising. The performances are commanding all around and especially that of Chris Evans as he goes through a fine turn in going from being a disruptive rebel to someone who challenges his own morale. Enhancements of character are brought out by the supporting cast, and a dysfunctional, but familiar group that is involved in trying to deal with impossible situations is brought forth.
The movie, directed by Bong Joon-ho, is a combination of heavy action scenes and moments of inner contemplation which is strengthened by a keen screenplay and creepy music. Practical effects are smoothly blended to make the experience more realistic without the distraction. They are very graphic and violent to the point of brutality but help to reiterate the stakes and thematic imperativeness. On the whole, Snowpiercer is a lot more than dystopian entertainment, being as much a thought-provoking reflection on class stratification, hope, and human endurance as it is entertaining.
