“I want steak ”
EdgarSnowpiercer 2013
‘Snowpiercer’, released in 2013, was Bong Joon-ho’s first international co-production and marked his debut in English-language filmmaking, with approximately 85% of the dialogue in English. The action thriller is based on the French graphic novel “Le Transperceneige” by Jacques Lob, Benjamin Legrand, and Jean-Marc Rochette. Bong’s interest in the graphic novel led Park Chan-wook’s production company to acquire the copyright for him. Initially, the film had a limited release in the US due to disagreements between Harvey Weinstein and Bong regarding the running time. However, positive reviews later resulted in a wider release. The story was subsequently adapted into an American television series of the same name.
In the film’s dystopian setting, the planet has frozen due to an event called CW7. For the past 17 years, the last surviving humans have lived inside a train that continuously circles the globe. This train is the last remnant of civilization, with strict hierarchies and social classes in place. The tail end of the train is cramped and filthy, and its inhabitants are fed mysterious “protein” blocks. Curtis (played by Chris Evans), along with his mentor Mr. Gilliam (John Hurt) and second-in-command Edgar (Jamie Bell), decides to challenge the established order. They plan to overthrow the elite represented by Minister Mason (Tilda Swinton), who serves as the spokesperson for Mr. Wilford, the enigmatic inventor of the train.
Curtis and his companions fight through guards to free Namgoong Minsoo, the train’s security designer, and his daughter, Namgoong Yona, played by Song Kang-ho and Go Ah-sung, respectively. This father-daughter duo reprises their relationship from Bong’s earlier film, “The Host.” With Namgoong Minsoo and Yona on their side, Curtis and his rebels push forward toward the front of the train, prepared to face whatever challenges lie ahead, no matter the cost.
The story being contained within the train could create a sense of claustrophobia or lack of variety. However, each carriage represents a different environment and purpose, illustrating how the train has become the entirety of the world. The train’s design leads to a natural left-to-right movement on-screen, with Curtis and the other rebels making their way through the train. One particularly intense fight sequence recalls the famous corridor fight from Park Chan-wook’s ‘Oldboy’.
The film also explores circular themes as the train completes its journey around the globe once a year. Revolutions occur, and then things settle back into balance, suggesting that the train and humanity exist in a cycle that must be maintained. Bong also creates religious imagery, describing the engine as ‘sacred’ and presenting the cult-like worship of Wilfrid as the saviour of humankind.
Bong’s film most overtly critiques societal wealth disparity, showcasing the stark contrast between the tail and head of the train. Minister Mason’s speech about the tail passengers being “shoes,” in comparison to her being a “hat,” symbolizes the need for people to know their place for the comfort of those at the top. This film is also the most violent of Bong’s works; the revolution is not accomplished through dialogue. In fact, the train has a notable language barrier, especially between Namgoong (Song) and Curtis (Evans).
‘Snowpiercer’ marked Bong’s first venture into English-language filmmaking, while contemporaneously, Park Chan-wook directed ‘Stoker’, and Kim Jee-woon made ‘The Last Stand’. Among these films, ‘Snowpiercer’ made the most significant impact, eventually being adapted into a television series, solidifying Bong’s name on the global stage. Despite being extraordinarily accomplished and maintaining a tight and engaging story, it falls slightly short compared to Bong’s previous few outings.
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