Before Bong Joon Ho contrived the film Parasite, he made Snowpiercer (2013) starring Chris Evans. In this dystopian sci-fi future, scientists invented a gas to lower the Earth's temperature, but it works too well. Only humans that boarded the train survived. However, new class systems emerge making life miserable for some and easy for others. Then, the revolution happens!
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Chris Evans was a great choice for the film even though Ho had reservations about him being cast. He wasn't sure Evans Hollywood physique would work for a character who's supposed to be malnourished. No, he couldn't lose weight due to the film being sandwiched in between The Avengers and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. CGI wasn't an option either due to budget restraints, so clothing and camera tricks were the answer.
This is based on a French graphic novel, and I should say it's not for the faint of heart. It's even brutal at times. However, it's warranted to get the point across, and I can say I wasn't uncomfortable. My advice is to make sure you're in the mood. Because if you are, you'll enjoy it!
Since the whole movie takes place on a train, there are two things that really matter. It's production design and costume. The writing, directing and editing can be great, but it'll be a sub-par film without those two elements due to being in a small area.
This movie is filled with surprises and twists. It's interesting to see the different train car classes. Some look completely normal while others are in horrifying conditions. I was surprised several times.
Other quality performances come from Octavia Spencer, Tilda Swinton, and Ed Harris.
I can't say much more without major spoilers, so watch it for yourself. There's a new show coming out at the time of this writing very soon. It'll be the same story but with different characters and classes. I'm not convinced it'll be better than this movie, but you never know. My film rating is an A.
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