'Snowpiercer' review

Korean director Bong Joon-Ho (2006's 'The Host') has made yet another knockout with his dystopian sci fi thriller, 'Snowpiercer'. The film revolves around a world that has succumbed to a second ice age as a result of trying to stop global warming. Those who survived were placed on a never ending train that circles around the earth non-stop. The only problem is that placement on the train was built on class. Rich and prosperous to the front, the poor and hungry to the back. For years this is how its been. With riot after riot being stopped at its core. But a man by the name of Curtis (Chris Evans) is determined to make his revolution work, and reach the front of the train to take out its merciless leader.

The first thing to note is the movie's extremely impressive cast. Chris Evans (a.k.a Captain America) brings his usual leadership charisma to the performance of our protagonist, Curtis. But unlike the red, white, and blue boy scout he's known for playing, Curtis is very flawed, and a very sad character. Evans has never given a more dramatic performance in his career. Supporting Evans is Jamie Bell as his young sidekick, John Hurt as his mentor, Tilda Swinton as the evil pawn, and Octavia Spencer as a mother trying to get back her kidnapped son. The two main Korean actors are 'The Host's Kang-ho Song, and newcomer Ah-sung Ko as his daughter.

It's interesting that a film made by mostly Koreans in the country of Korea would be in English and star so many American/British actors. But I think that's a compliment to the directing style of Bong. Many people are attracted to his balancing of humor, horror, and tragedy. Most prominently seen in his previous film, 'The Host'. These mixing of tones is prominent in many modern films to come out of Asian countries. Such an example is Kinji Fukasaku's 2000 Japanese film, 'Battle Royale'. It tends to lean from tragic to hilarious to frightening, all in the course of about five minutes.

This is what may turn some people off from 'Snowpiercer'. For its sometimes hard to say what kind of audience its shooting for. But if you (like myself) love this director's pattern of changing tones, it's a must watch.

'Snowpiercer' starts off as somewhat of a homage to classic seventies and eighties sci fi films. Taking a shot at our world conflicts and making a dystopian future surrounding them. But in the end it becomes a much more artistic, and profound story. It shows us the devilish temptation of power in its final moments.

The film is smart, gritty, and well written. The characters are complex, and the action scenes are extremely entertaining. Also, the set design, music, and cinematography are beautiful. It may go on a little too long, and its message might get a tad bit heavy handed by the end, but the overall feature is marvelous.

Grade: A-

Review by: Josh McCormack