Writer/Director: Bong Joon-ho
Starring: Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton and Octavia Spencer
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors in Hollywood have achieved the appreciation of Chris Evans. Ever since his rise to stardom during the 1990’s, Evans has become an icon. Whether it’s beloved heroes, suspects of murders or political leaders, Evans has portrayed many strong characters. Evans’ finest strength as an actor has often been his likability. Evans is one of those rare actors that has always embodied the qualities of heroism. Through his capability to portray superheroes which are compelling, Evans has built a legacy in Hollywood which is lasting. Shining a bright light in darkness, Evans has transformed into one of the most iconic actors in entertainment. Evans’ abilities to embody strong qualities of heroism has made him a beloved icon that has achieved stardom. Throughout his long-lasting career, Evans has made many films discussing strong themes which are definitely without any doubt worth seeing.
I’m a huge fan of Evans and adore all movies which he has created in his career. However, “Snowpiercer” is truly my favourite. Released in 2013, Bong Joon-ho’s movie demonstrated doomed trains enduring catastrophe. Packed with breathtaking production, engaging story and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the finest films ever made about trains. Ultimately, what makes “Snowpiercer” a masterpiece is strong appeal. Unlike most movies about trains, the movie tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message on social class which will definitely resonate with everyone. A mesmerizing masterpiece about trains, there are countless strong reasons why “Snowpiercer” is a commemorated movie that is worth seeing.
Set in a dystopian future, “Snowpiercer” tells a story of a doomed train facing disasters. Chris Evans portrays Curtis, a heroic leader seeking to start rebellions. Curtis has often held strong views regarding social class which are at odds with society. Due toward his low class status in society, Curtis has often struggled to achieve prosperity. However, Curtis’ life changes when he is given chance to start uprising on doomed trains facing disaster. Acting against wishes of upper class society that is led by Mason (Tilda Swinton), Curtis questions whether its possible to overcome social class tensions. As all odds are stacked against his favour, Curtis wonders whether it’s possible to survive on a disastrous train facing disaster. Facing the huge barriers of social class, Curtis wonders whether he can survive train disasters.
Bong Joon-ho is fascinated with the themes of social class. An excellent filmmaker, Joon-ho has often made engaging movies about social class causing disaster. His Oscar-winning film “Parasite” illustrated lives of poverty-stricken Korean families enduring a painful plight. With “Snowpiercer”, however, he made his first ever social class thriller. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of individuals on a doomed train facing catastrophe but he pulled it off effectively. Using strong cinematography, Bong Joon-Ho captures trains experiencing a catastrophe. Evoking Sidney Lumet’s “Murder on the Orient Express”, Bong Joon-Ho expertly uses point of view shots to capture disastrous trains facing stress. For instance, POV shots enhance the train scene. During this engaging scene, Curtis witnesses a rebellion on a train facing catastrophe. POV shots are often tricky to use in most movies. As Joss Whedon’s “The Avengers” claimed, POV shots often enhance comic-book films. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through captivating visuals, Curtis captures tensions that doomed passengers on trains are facing.
Another strong aspect of “Snowpiercer” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well-made. Bong-Joon Jo effectively employs the production of a train to capture the lives of individuals facing tension. Throughout the film, the production of the train plays a pivotal role in capturing social class tension. For instance, the production design of the train elevates the warfare scene. During this memorable scene, Curtis begins a violent rebellion on a train that causes tension. Through stunning production, Bong Joon-Ho captures trains that experience devastation. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. Marco Beltrami’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie an intense atmosphere capturing the burden that individuals on doomed trains bear. Using bold production, Curtis captures doomed trains that face destruction.
Storytelling is one of the central reasons why “Snowpiercer” is a film about trains which is compelling. The film is beautifully written, and expertly uses sequences of silence to capture individuals on a doomed train facing tragedies. Bong Joon-ho’s screenwriting strength is Joe abilities to capture the tensions experienced individuals on a doomed train facing disaster. For instance, the silence elevates the farewell scene. During this heartbreaking scene, Curtis bids emotional farewell towards passengers on the doomed train causing tension. Silence is a complex technique to use in movies. As Celine Song’s “Materialists” suggested, silence often enhances romantic dramas about materialistic matchmakers. Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” did suggest that silence enhances murder mystery movies. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Bong Joon-Ho captures doomed trains facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Chris Evans delivers one of his greatest career performances as Curtis. Evans first achieved appreciation for playing superheroes in comic-book movies. With “Snowpiercer”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t simple to portray a hero trapped on a doomed train that faces catastrophe, but he succeeded. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, desperation and fear of a heroic leader seeking to survive on a doomed train facing tension. It’s a strong performance from one of the most beloved actors working in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Chris Evans, the supporting cast is terrific and worthy of admiration. Ed Harris is superb, bringing bravery to a heroic passenger on a train facing tragedy. Tilda Swinton is terrific, bringing compassion to a feminist leader with desires to survive doomed train destruction. Lastly, John Hurt merits appreciation. As an intelligent scientist, he brings wisdom to the movie.
Finally, “Snowpiercer” would earn recognition of everyone for capturing doomed trains that face disaster. Unlike most movies about trains, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes including identity, mental health and social class which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with social class to enjoy it. It delivers a meaningful message about social inequality which would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Snowpiercer” is one of those rare science-fiction movies which everyone would adore.
Fans of Chris Evans would definitely recognize “Snowpiercer” and so would movie-goers that seek heartfelt entertainment. A strong science fiction blockbuster, it honours an actor with a charismatic nature.
Nearly 15 years following the release of a groundbreaking science-fiction film about doomed life-threatening trains facing disaster, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor with a charismatic nature that has portrayed compelling characters in unforgettable movies which audiences commonly treasure.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 