Why Watch Snowpiercer?

Tilda Swinton in Snowpiercer

Snowpiercer is a post-apocalyptic movie where human life is confined to a single, moving train. Mankind attempted to curb global warming by releasing a manufactured chemical known as CW-7, but it only had the effect of creating the next ice age, and the only people left alive live aboard a train that is in perpetual motion. So why watch Snowpiercer?

PLOT

The plot is centered on those in poverty, led by Chris Evans’ Curtis, trying to wrestle power away from the elite and the character known as Wilford. The premise is essentially a David vs. Goliath scenario and you immediately want to pull for the underdog. There are certain situations where you can’t fathom how Curtis’ troops are going to make it out alive, but when the solution presents itself, you can’t help but think that this is a truly smart action movie.

THE MOVIE’S WORLD AND RULES

The movie puts an interesting spin on the post-apocalyptic genre, fitting an entire populace on a single, moving train. To make matters more interesting, there is a social hierarchy within the train’s several compartments segregating people based primarily on wealth, much like the capitalist system in place today. There are also little bits here and there showing how this world functions. There are classrooms within the train spreading “Wilford” propaganda, and even mini-factories mass-producing protein bars for consumption. These little details in all kinds of places paint a truly creative and vivid world that is believable.

The idea of such a model in work within a train may seem absurd, but as the movie progresses, the reasons for the apocalypse and for life to be stuck in a train are connected brilliantly. The reasons for life surviving on a train become evident. People on the train have made use of the limited resources available to make the most of what they can. Some live in poverty, while others live in luxury, eating sushi harvested in a sustainable manner. Yes, sushi grown on a train.

TILDA SWINTON

The acting all round is stellar, but I have to make a special note of Tilda Swinton. Swinton is one of the most underrated actresses in the industry today. She has the ability to completely transform herself, even tacking a different gender, which she does here. As Mason, she embodies a truly evil character who harbors no compassion for another human being, besides herself. Her voice and mannerisms are unlike anything you can attribute to her. She is brilliant.

The other actors are also amazing, but Swinton deserves to be singled out. Even the international cast members Kang-ho Song and Ah-sung Ko provide refreshing angles. This was especially noteworthy since a post-apocalyptic world won’t necessarily be all Caucasian, and giving international talent a chance to shine deserves praise.

ACTION SEQUENCES

Not only is this a smart science-fiction movie, but it showcases some tremendous action sequences, between those in power and those oppressed. Since the movie focuses on a time period after the world has met an ending of sorts, there is an emulsion of fighting that embraces both medieval and advanced warfare. One faction is able to use the very limited supply of guns it has, while all the factions do revert to a time where one relied on melee weapons.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

It may not have won an Oscar, but it holds 35 wins and 69 nominations at other film festivals and awards ceremonies. It was listed in several critics’ Top 10 lists for the year 2014, so it’s a tragedy that the movie didn’t do too well at the Box Office or among the more acclaimed awards shows.