FIGHT YOUR WAY TO THE FRONT.
After a catastrophic event resulting in a new ice age, mankind’s only survivors are packed onboard a huge train traveling a worldwide track; one day, the poor in the back mount another attempt at revolt… The Korean director’s English-language debut has a premise that won’t stand up to scrutiny, but it does provide a chance for clever social satire and part of the cast are clearly having fun, especially Tilda Swinton in a hilarious turn. Some of the confrontations are stylish and exciting, with nicely designed CGI views outside the train. However, the story runs out of steam as the revolt reaches its climax.
2013-South Korea. 126 min. Color. Directed by Bong Joon-ho. Screenplay: Bong Joon-ho, Kelly Masterson. Graphic Novel: Jacques Lob, Jean-Marc Rochette (“Le Transperceneige”). Cast: Chris Evans (Curtis Everett), Song Kang-ho (Namgoong Minsu), Tilda Swinton (Minister Mason), Jamie Bell, Octavia Spencer, Ewan Bremner… John Hurt, Ed Harris, Alison Pill.
Trivia: Followed by a TV series, Snowpiercer (2020- ).
