Snowpiercer

10

manofthemoonJan 13, 2015

Overlooked, under-marketed and under-released, "Snowpiercer" is simply one of the films of the year. If you like challenging, apocalyptic stories, you'll like this. If you prefer straight action, perhaps watch with an open mind. It's worthOverlooked, under-marketed and under-released, "Snowpiercer" is simply one of the films of the year. If you like challenging, apocalyptic stories, you'll like this. If you prefer straight action, perhaps watch with an open mind. It's worth it. There are moments of visual beauty. Excellent.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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8

virginiaproudJan 12, 2015

This is a fun romp, great performances and the script delivers some nice surprises. Nothing you want to take too seriously, just pop the corn and pour the wine.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

raporgiJan 8, 2015

I dont get it! I guess the critics are stupid as usual. There's nothing new, special or innovative about this movie. The conversation the protagonist has with the big bad at the end was actually done better in another movie about beating theI dont get it! I guess the critics are stupid as usual. There's nothing new, special or innovative about this movie. The conversation the protagonist has with the big bad at the end was actually done better in another movie about beating the system. Tilda Swinton does her thing but it isnt enough to save this movie. Its boring preachy and people have an obsession about chopping limbs off. Maybe I'm to stupid to get it but really this movie doesnt deserve the praise its getting.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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7

moonman1994Jan 5, 2015

A very entertaining movie with good special effects. The plot of the film is kind of ridiculous but that's what makes the film more fun. However despite the special effects and the good performances from the cast there is nothing about theA very entertaining movie with good special effects. The plot of the film is kind of ridiculous but that's what makes the film more fun. However despite the special effects and the good performances from the cast there is nothing about the film that makes it stand out in a way that makes it more than just a solid film. It's enjoyable but hardly more than that.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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7

MantisDec 28, 2014

Let me start off by saying after reading all these 0-2 ratings: the movie is good and definitely worth your time.
Why? It shows humanities survival instinct and how we would be once it all comes down to the most basic things. I think in thatLet me start off by saying after reading all these 0-2 ratings: the movie is good and definitely worth your time.
Why? It shows humanities survival instinct and how we would be once it all comes down to the most basic things. I think in that regard you have to see it as a showcase of our core being. Will morality stand when survival is all you can think about? Can you do the unthinkable?
I liked this movie how it managed to shock and also the way it was shot, performed. Do not take this movie too literal or serious but just enjoy it as a way to get you thinking.
See it and make up your own mind!… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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10

talhalafciDec 22, 2014

Snowpiercer is an extraordinary post-apocalyptic film by a visionary South Korean director Joon-ho Bong. The films has everything, an excellent production design, fascinating storytelling, supreme cinematography and a spectacular cast.TildaSnowpiercer is an extraordinary post-apocalyptic film by a visionary South Korean director Joon-ho Bong. The films has everything, an excellent production design, fascinating storytelling, supreme cinematography and a spectacular cast.Tilda Swinton was mind-blowing and Chris Evans did the best work of his career.Definitely one of the best films of the year.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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9

bmaster4616Dec 18, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A very different movie to this blockbuster hungry year and generation. Most might not like it because it is interesting. The concept is different and the special effects are subpar. Though these two things shouldn't hurt the quality of the movie.mits pretty fantastic, but the ending could have been better. There are a lot of funning satire and is critical on certain political issues. This however doesn't make the movie great like it is. The overall feel, chemistry, and action sequences are what make it special. The story also doesn't let you down, as there's always mystery and suspense behind each door. The story is similar to like every poor versus rich movie goes. Though this has a twist. It's on a train with humanities last hope within the engine and walls itself. Though it's the walls you have to be aware of. The train is a metaphor for humans will to believe that the life they live is securing but yet it's a prison. Also could be that people believe that having a blanket from the government could be awarding, but that it's not. The world without the government (outside world) could be better or more rewarding. Many meanings to this. Overall it's a standout and something special, even if the ending fell a little flat. 9.2… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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9

EzzDeanDec 2, 2014

Surprisingly a great movie, in a time where the story is highly predictable, you won't see what's coming in this one.
The acting is great, the diversity of the characters is great as it should be, after all that train is a small world, theSurprisingly a great movie, in a time where the story is highly predictable, you won't see what's coming in this one.
The acting is great, the diversity of the characters is great as it should be, after all that train is a small world, the plot is full with amazing twists that will make you feel violated because you "didn't see that coming".… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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7

beingryanjudeNov 30, 2014

With a post-apocalyptic film about a high-speed train which circles the globe, you'll never expect Snowpiercer to be as politically provocative and socially telling as it really is. It's a fascinating look at humanity amidst an unusual, yetWith a post-apocalyptic film about a high-speed train which circles the globe, you'll never expect Snowpiercer to be as politically provocative and socially telling as it really is. It's a fascinating look at humanity amidst an unusual, yet exciting environment. Oh and another fine performance from Tilda Swinton.… Expand

1 of 6 users found this helpful15

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0

Muan142Nov 28, 2014

This is a terrible movie. I have a feeling whoever made it never said anything to any of the caste. It's like nobody had any idea what it was supposed to be about or what was going on. It starts out all right but then just moves on to sceneThis is a terrible movie. I have a feeling whoever made it never said anything to any of the caste. It's like nobody had any idea what it was supposed to be about or what was going on. It starts out all right but then just moves on to scene after scene of uncreative nonsense. It's like everyone heard a rumor they were making a movie and just started filming. I'd hate to be the guy who did the editing. He must have sat there with the footage for a week trying to figure out what the hell he was looking at. Just... don't bother.… Expand

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

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9

SuperkidNov 24, 2014

Snowpiercer is an astonishingly good movie because it's not you're usual mainstream type of movie. It's different. Really liked this movie it was a great story and in my opinion Chris Evans' best performance this year and ever and I'm sureSnowpiercer is an astonishingly good movie because it's not you're usual mainstream type of movie. It's different. Really liked this movie it was a great story and in my opinion Chris Evans' best performance this year and ever and I'm sure some of you will disagree but i think so and the fights were cool and gory and it was great.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

chugheadNov 24, 2014

Kill Bill meets Mad Max! Chris Evans traded in Capt America suit for a more serious challenging role. The Korean director took the gloves off, hit below the belt and took many risks, as well as not play it safe, while ignoring HollywoodKill Bill meets Mad Max! Chris Evans traded in Capt America suit for a more serious challenging role. The Korean director took the gloves off, hit below the belt and took many risks, as well as not play it safe, while ignoring Hollywood versions of making film, which will bring in a different kind of audience who desire something off the wall and unHollywood.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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0

HwoDragonNov 21, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I really, really REALLY don't want to go for the obvious pun here, but there's no way around it: This movie is a train wreck. The parts of the plot that weren't totally predictable were only so because they were so illogical, I couldn't imagine anyone being stupid enough to write them. The "BIG PLOT TWIST" at the end was so obvious, I accidentally predicted it in the first half an hour.

I honestly have no idea how this movie was conceived. Did somebody say, "Hey, let's make a dystopian, post-extinction, hunger-games-esque action movie, but on a TRAIN!", and did somebody else honestly think that was a good idea, not realizing that is the perfect way to make LITERALLY THE MOST LINEAR MOVIE EVER?

There are so many holes and inconsistencies in this movie, that the pseudo-intellectualism is brutally exposed to the icy winds of this **** metaphor. Why was a cannibal appalled at finding that he had been eating insects, which are a perfectly healthy and legitimate form of food, as opposed to **** CANNIBALISM? Who are these characters who we're expected to magically know and care about despite being told nothing about them? After the main characters suddenly found themselves cut off from the rebellion as a dozen heavily armed soldiers got behind them, why do they not seem to feel any sense of urgency? Why did the main character with a **** submachine gun stand there with no cover engaging an enemy who had a powerful assault rifle at a range of half a kilometer through a blizzard, and how the hell did he actually almost land a shot? Why does this Native American think he can survive in the frozen wastelands when the last people who tried didn't make it a mile, based on the fact that the snow has melted a little bit, yet it's still cold enough to freeze a man's arm off in seven minutes? How has this train come so close to derailing this many times in a few days, and yet it's kept on track for 18 years with no maintenance of the outside train, or the tracks it's traveling on? Why is a train superior to, say, an underground bunker? What the hell was that random scene near the end where a kid randomly disappeared into the engine with no explanation or consequences?

HOW THE **** DOES NOBODY SEE THE PROBLEM WITH AN ENDING THAT LEAVES LITERALLY EVERY SINGLE HUMAN BEING, SAVE FOR AN 18 YEAR OLD AND A 5 YEAR OLD, DEAD, AND THOSE TWO CHILDREN TOSSED INTO THE ARCTIC WILDERNESS, AND HOW THE **** IS THIS BETTER THAN THE ANTAGONIST'S ALTERNATIVE OF *NOT* COMMITTING GENOCIDE?

These are some of the many, many, questions you'll be asking during this movie. Instead, the question that it CHOOSES to answer is, "what do babies taste like?"… Expand

9 of 10 users found this helpful91

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8

Tss5078Nov 17, 2014

Comedian Daniel Tosh calls Snowpiercer, the worst movie he's ever seen. I however disagree, as it is both highly original and highly imaginative, but set in a very odd location. When global warming has become too much for the planet, topComedian Daniel Tosh calls Snowpiercer, the worst movie he's ever seen. I however disagree, as it is both highly original and highly imaginative, but set in a very odd location. When global warming has become too much for the planet, top scientist create a cure, a new chemical that will stabilize the planet, however there is a miscalculation leading to a global ice age, which kills off most of the planet. Earth's remaining inhabitants are left stranded on a single luxury train that is forced to continually circle the earth. I understand that this train was a billionaires dream and has this state of the art engine that will last for decades, but why a train? I'd think if the world was ending, these people would put their money into an underground civilization or some super generator for the worlds largest building, because too me, a train doesn't make a whole lot of sense. When the engine fails, you're dead and if the ice causes a derailment or an avalanche crushes the tracks? There are so many things that could go wrong with this idea, that it's virtually impossible, that for 18 years, nothing has gone wrong. Captain America, Chris Evans stars and he is really terrific. I can't believe I never heard of this guy until a couple of years ago. He leads as if he's been doing it for years and Evans is assisted by a unique cast of characters, one stranger than the next, but their goal is all the same, to leave the crowded, filthy, back of the train, for the luxurious front. Every car brings with it new challenges and they must fight for their lives, before they can even worry about their freedom. The fact that this whole movie takes place on a train is intriguing and makes from some pretty unique scenes. Snowpiercer is one of the most imaginative films to come along in a long time and it features a huge cast of talented actors, that span multiple generations and ethnicities. To even my surprise I really enjoyed the film and couldn't wait to see what lay ahead in the next boxcar, but for as much as I liked the film, a thought kept gnawing in the back of my mind, why a train?… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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6

Trev29Nov 15, 2014

The premise was innovative even though the actual story seemed pretty familiar. Tilda Swinton was clearly the most interesting part of the movie. It was decent, but I do not think it was that big of a deal.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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9

AwesomeReviewerNov 13, 2014

Just saw "Snowpiercer" today and I gotta say, it's a brilliant movie. The cast is wonderful. Chris Evans gives one of his best performances and Tilda Swinton is unrecognizable, but oh so good in the film, probably the highlight in terms ofJust saw "Snowpiercer" today and I gotta say, it's a brilliant movie. The cast is wonderful. Chris Evans gives one of his best performances and Tilda Swinton is unrecognizable, but oh so good in the film, probably the highlight in terms of performances (Oscar nom anyone). The direction is superb and filled with so many amazing shots, visual effects and choreographed action it's like watching poetry in motion. I like the social class story, it's relevant and quite possible. The ending is the only missteps in the film, but overall, I loved it. A strong 4.5/5… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

DCEdmondsNov 13, 2014

"Snowpiercer" 10 Scale Rating: 6.5 (Decent) ...

The Good: Great premise chock full of stunning visuals. Song Kang-ho (and eventually Ed Harris) turns in a great performance and in fact carries most of the film. Grim and dark, you don't"Snowpiercer" 10 Scale Rating: 6.5 (Decent) ...

The Good: Great premise chock full of stunning visuals. Song Kang-ho (and eventually Ed Harris) turns in a great performance and in fact carries most of the film. Grim and dark, you don't know who will still be standing in the end, which is very realistic given the setting. While somewhat preposterous, the twists near the end were well done ... even if you saw some aspects of them coming a mile away.

The Bad: The antagonists come across as cartoon characters and were hard to take seriously. They were just silly and absurd to the point of annoyance. Chris Evans himself was average at best as a man looked to for leadership. For a "leader" type, he was pretty boring and one dimensional. He was just sort of ... there. That's pretty bad considering that he is in 90% of the film's scenes. Lastly, the ending left something to be desired and seemed to put humanity in a worse place than when the film started. That wasn't the intent and it was supposed to be "hopeful" ... but it didn't feel that way. It mostly made me say to myself "Well, we're now extinct ...". While the film was decent enough, I just don't get what all the fuss was about.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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7

KilluaNov 12, 2014

A Definitive Review of why Snowpiercer is extremely overrated.

It's a good movie that had far too many plot twists than it cared to explain. Even though there are many good points to this movie, i'm going to spend most of the timeA Definitive Review of why Snowpiercer is extremely overrated.

It's a good movie that had far too many plot twists than it cared to explain. Even though there are many good points to this movie, i'm going to spend most of the time explaining the HUGE plotholes that apparently didn't bother the people giving this a 9 & 10/10.

Spoilers**

The entire reason that the prisoners were able to escape from the back car is that none of the guards had guns. The movie apparently forgets this rule 30 minutes by not only revealing that some bad guys have real guns, but that they have really powerful guns with an excessive amount of ammo. Two characters are shooting at each other from miles away with sub-machine guns. Clearly there is no shortage of bullets if the characters are willing to waste their ammo shooting @ people that will not be hit from that far away. Why would he keep the guns in the front if he needs them for prisoners in the back? He mentions multiple revolts from the back car and he still hasn't given his guards guns? They don't even have axes back there?? Sorry, not believable.

The prisoners are eating concentrated blocks of 1000's cockroaches yet no one explains how the train has this many cockroaches. Is there a car that is purely for raising cockroaches? It doesn't make sense.

It is not explained why there are people in the back of the car in the first place. Why wouldnt edgar just kill them? He mentions that Chris Evans is going to be his successor but never explains why he would have his successor live in concentration camp-like circumstances in the back of the car, and then suddenly say "okay you run this train now with it's engine you dont know how to use. I trust that you wont murder me and everyone who enslaved your friends.

Gilliam is revealed to be a covert big baddie who is working for Edgar but this is never hinted at all before Edgar bluntly states it. You're telling me that one of Edgar's most loyal main partners was also just cool with having his limbs amputated as a result of Edgar? That this still makes Gilliam, a person who seemingly has a strong conscious, has more loyalty to Edgar than Chris while simultaniously willing Chris Evans to break free from the back car and kill a **** ton of people?

At one point, all of the main characters have the option of having guns. Still many choose to use no gun at all. They would rather fight someone with barefists and be shot, which they are. Lame.

On a separate note, this movie has the potential to make a killer anime. It already is chalked with tons of symbolism… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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8

vikesh2206Nov 10, 2014

Dark, brutal and bereft from an excess of mind-numbing explosions , the well paced and acted Snowpiercer represents science fiction in its simplest yet finest form.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

SpangleNov 9, 2014

This one is a bit of a mixed bag for me. Why don't we start with the positives? The acting from Chris Evans, John Hurt, Jamie Bell, and Ed Harris, is marvelous. Evans is really commanding and you can see why he is the leader; he eminatesThis one is a bit of a mixed bag for me. Why don't we start with the positives? The acting from Chris Evans, John Hurt, Jamie Bell, and Ed Harris, is marvelous. Evans is really commanding and you can see why he is the leader; he eminates control and determination. Meanwhile, Harris has a certain aura about him that is perfect for his role. He seems to be a God-like figure and when you see him, there is this certain something, as if he walks on the clouds, which is perfect. The special effects are beyond impressive. Award-worthy, honestly. The shots outside the train of the train itself and the surrounding environment and brilliantly designed and brought to life. Truly mesmerizing, as is the cinematography. There is not much for the camera to find, but dammit if it doesn't find every inch of it and brings it to life. Beautiful camera work on this one. The choreography of the fighting scenes is also very good.

Now, moving onto the negative. Tilda Swinton is terrible. I saw a lot of praise for his performance, but I am left wondering what performance people watched. She ruined a large part of it for me. I couldn't tell if it was supposed to be funny or what. The added attempts of comedy in her character and in other moments (in particular one scene with Evans that if you see the movie, you can probably guess what scene I mean) are entirely dark, but too out there and unenjoyable. It messes with the flow of the film and comes off as tacky and, ultimately, as if they were reaching to try and lighten up the dark plot of the film. Another negative is the general premise, honestly. I hate films like this where the people are confined to a single location (or in this case a single train) typically (12 Angry Men being the major exception) and this one is no exception to that. It just feels so small and unusual that is sucks the fun right out of it for me. Finally, the violence is too much. Overly gratuitous violence appeals to a lot of people, but I am not one of those people. I could have lived with some of the entirely sadistic elements of this one being excluded.

As a whole, Snowpiercer is mixed. I would give it a 5, but the cinematography and special effects are too good to ignore and, for me, outweigh Tilda Swinton and the overly graphic elements here.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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4

sqrivenerNov 7, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Clearly, almost all of the critics have drunk the Kool-Aid. This is a poorly realized film that seemingly doesn't understand it's own characters, it's own setting, and it's own story. It wants to be too many things at once but it can't even decide whether it's serious, out-loud fun (i.e. the Matrix) or more ridiculously conceptual, intelligent satire (i.e. Brazil).

In one particularly incomprehensible example, slow-motion ultra-violence is juxtaposed with an inexplicable celebration that occurs mid-way through the very same scene. I guess that this is supposed to show how utterly incomprehensible humans are when they do things like honor times of religious/cultural significance amidst the horror of war -- a sort of charade that we are all duped into taking part while atrocities are committed. Maybe that's it.

Well, perhaps it wouldn't be so confusing if the messiah-on-a-mission protagonist, Curtis, wasn't played absolutely straight like he is by Chris Evans -- how are we supposed to react when he appears unfazed by this out-of-place celebration? It would have been better had he joined in the countdown himself. But even then there are so many missteps and pointless additions.

Another notable one is a clairvoyant addict whose only apparent purpose for being clairvoyant is to claw at the floor with a fork, thus revealing the children hiding therein. Of course, maybe she just heard something, but, at any rate, knowing what lay beyond each door proves totally useless even when she is right... or timely. She doesn't confirm nor deny her ability. So what's the point? That we humans are quick to ascribe magical powers to others, even if they are inconsistent, or unreliable? I don't know.

Then there are characters shooting nigh-"extinct" bullets at each other through the windows on a tight turn when they could more easily have just walked through the cars separating them -- is that really needed to show us just how mad all of the passengers have become?

It feels like the movie is trying to be an Animal Farm, giving us a microcosm that can't possibly exist in reality so that we might profit looking through it's distorted lens to see just how farcical the charade that we take part in on a global basis everyday is. Instead, we are given a totally redundant speech explaining everything right at the end about the natural order of society -- a lily that was already gilded over the course of the journey from the back to the front of the train. And the big reveal wasn't smart. It was a cop out. Wilford is a strange and poor allegorical figure if he just politely steps aside for no discernible reason (to altruistically keep the un-natural order notwithstanding), other than to prove that he has, in fact, masterminded the whole operation. He is a shabby, unfunny version of the Matrix's Architect.

However, the real proof of how poor an allegory it is, is in the sets themselves. I have no problems with any of the over-the-top set pieces except for maybe the sauna car... (really?!), and for one glaring omission: none of them appear to react like real train compartments while the characters are in them. The aquarium and pool aren't jostled once. There isn't a single clackety-clack or screech of wheel on steel -- this is not some futuristic mag-lev train whizzing around like a knee-high airliner. There is not a single indication that they are actually on a train aside from the interminably mountainous countryside whizzing by and exterior shots. Even the doors separating each car are single -- there is no point of articulation between them that allows a train to "bend" around a turn. There's no hint of the age-old train threat: obey or we release the clamp that connects your car to life-giving front (and we'll worry about slowing down to deal with your frozen remains however long from now it takes for us to swing back around).

This is a movie about a train as allegorical symbol for society, but it's not even a train. If there is one real threat to the have-nots in this world, it's the haves reminding them that they can be "allowed" to fall back and left to fend for themselves. What else do people think charities and beaming philanthropists holding oversized cheques at gala dinners are for? (I make this point in half-jest...) Even if the haves truly need the have-nots, they never admit it and instead remind them that they are nothing but a single clamp away from doom -- the have-nots are always dead-weight, holding the rest of the train back.

Ultimately, while each part might be taken as a point of biting satire in itself, they fail as a whole. The movie makes about as much sense as that mountain climbing polar bear... Amidst a harrowing bit of critically important exposition, I couldn't help but wonder how long it actually takes for an old man to saw his own arm off and offer it to someone who is about to kill a baby for food: it takes too long. The movie doesn't understand itself.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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1

jibbonNov 4, 2014

My goodness, how on earth does a movie of this poor calibre rate anything but in the red? I have rarely seen a more pathetic opening sequence. The characters are the worst sort of cardboard caricatures and the dialogue is unbelievably bad.My goodness, how on earth does a movie of this poor calibre rate anything but in the red? I have rarely seen a more pathetic opening sequence. The characters are the worst sort of cardboard caricatures and the dialogue is unbelievably bad. Worst of all, the social allegory that this film has been applauded for does nothing but conjure a sort of innate permanence with respect to social 'class' - precisely the sort of 'realism' that maintains the inequalities in this world. Tragic.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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4

eyoh_ajaxNov 3, 2014

Although entertaining to a reasonable degree , Snowpiercer fails to deliver anything substantial in the way of new or interesting creativity and is the equivalent of a CG haunted house that doesn’t change locations. All the while the greatAlthough entertaining to a reasonable degree , Snowpiercer fails to deliver anything substantial in the way of new or interesting creativity and is the equivalent of a CG haunted house that doesn’t change locations. All the while the great ensemble cast plays extremely type-cast roles as they desperately try to dig meaning from their 2-D characters while a director whose talent obviously exceeds this setting moulds together what he can.

You are sent into a Sci-Fi dystopian future where a scraggly group of refugees aboard the last train of humanity on earth scrape by to survive, while the Rich and powerful in the front of said train thrive. And that's about how far the film ever goes, as we move from the same re-dressed train compartment to the next for just a little over 2 hours of every dystopian trope available and some pretty impressive CG.

I think what the director was trying to do is admirable, and he executed it well. As you can see the film has received unanimous critical acclaim and almost no one seems to have too much bad criticism. But, in an era where the term re-hash is so prevalent, it really doesn’t add up to me that this film cost around $40million and has gotten so much praise for doing so little while directors all around the world using the same concepts go straight to video.

I would have enjoyed less known actors, and some interaction with the world and or other concepts surrounding them. Or, some other way to spend the budget that could have benefited the film more. I can't say I buy Chris Evan's painted on black beard, Ed Harris's final boss speeches, or Tilda Swinton's Hunger Games-esque monolouges.

Cheesy, and way over hyped/praised , but a fun watch if you can stand making it through all 2 hours without falling asleep.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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9

ToFewViewsNov 2, 2014

Snowpiercer follows a one of a kind train that circles the globe year round. The remainder of the world's population live on said train, The rest of the planet has fallen into an ice age for the past 17 years. The story follows the peopleSnowpiercer follows a one of a kind train that circles the globe year round. The remainder of the world's population live on said train, The rest of the planet has fallen into an ice age for the past 17 years. The story follows the people living at the end of the train known as "Freeloaders". There is a great mix of exciting action that blindsides you and deep story/Symbolism that makes you try to analyze every scene. Most of those great aspects come from the Director and the source material, I feel as if Director Bong Joon-ho represented the graphic novel very well.
This was a very refreshing movie, with a diverse cast as well. This is also probably one of the last rolls you'll see Chris Evens play other then Cpt America/His own work.
Some may not enjoy Snowpiercer, But if your looking for something a bit more original you can find it on DVD/Blu-ray....or you know piracy.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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9

TheFilmFanaticNov 2, 2014

Snowpiercer is a fantastic sci-fi film that blends a dystopian apocalypse setting with that of gritty action and a strong, charismatic protagonist. The concept goes above and beyond, delivering a non-stop thriller that ceases to amazeSnowpiercer is a fantastic sci-fi film that blends a dystopian apocalypse setting with that of gritty action and a strong, charismatic protagonist. The concept goes above and beyond, delivering a non-stop thriller that ceases to amaze bringing a fresh take to a rather repetitive post-apocalyptic genre, with action worthy of any summer blockbuster. The cast is great, especially Chris Evans who gives an award worthy performance. Nice to see that sci-fi films can be action-filled without the aid of effects-driven story.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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0

cptfoxOct 29, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Biggest let down since RZA's Man With the Iron Fists. CGI is a laugh for a 2014 film and the story line doesn't challenge the audience at all. A story with as much depth as a greeting card is painfully drawn out for 2 hours. This wannabe Willy Wonka tale is a sad excuse of a film with a lack of imagination.

The random Asian people, and random fish gutting was a testament that this film was begging to add depth to the film but only showed the lack of confidence the director had during the making of this film in hopes of hypnotizing a braindead audience. I cannot think of a worse film to compare this to and I've seen 300: Rise of an empire...… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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0

yogesh487Oct 28, 2014

I downloaded this movie after reading reviews of the critics (84 rating)
and this movie was a huge disappointment .

DON"T WATCH THIS MOVIE.
seriously 84 rating meta critic??

7 of 9 users found this helpful72

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0

metamomOct 27, 2014

Snowpiercer was slow, boring and brutal. Most of the "action" consisted of knife and hatchet battles as the protagonists fought their way car by car through an interminably long train, only to reach an end that was both trite and pedantic.

5 of 13 users found this helpful58

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10

richtofin819Oct 27, 2014

Snowpiercer is one of those movies you hear described and you just think based on that it will be terrible but when i went to see snowpiercer i encountered a remarkably well developed and grounded film that really immersed me in the plot andSnowpiercer is one of those movies you hear described and you just think based on that it will be terrible but when i went to see snowpiercer i encountered a remarkably well developed and grounded film that really immersed me in the plot and the characters predicament. i would recommend this to anyone.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

BrianMcCriticOct 21, 2014

This film gets better and better with every new door that is opened. The acting and directing are both strong and you are really along for the ride with Chris Evans and his characters moral turmoil. B+

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

SithbotOct 21, 2014

"Snowpiercer" stands out as the sleeper hit that almost no one got around to watching in theaters. This could be due to the fact that it had pretty horrible (read: ZERO) marketing and that it only had a limited release, which is a shame"Snowpiercer" stands out as the sleeper hit that almost no one got around to watching in theaters. This could be due to the fact that it had pretty horrible (read: ZERO) marketing and that it only had a limited release, which is a shame because it could have been one of the biggest hits of the year. It is definitely one of my favorites, and would probably have taken the top spot had it not been for its contrived ending that knocked it down a few pegs.

It's hard to express just how great this movie is, as nearly everything fits together so perfectly that it's nearly flawless in its presentation. We've seen dystopian futures countless times, but the way it is presented here is both horrific and endlessly fascinating. What's unique is that there is absolutely no escape from the predicament the characters are stuck in. Sure Katniss probably would have been found and killed had she escaped and ran from her district in "The Hunger Games", but there was always that chance she could survive. Not here. As proven very clearly in the opening minutes of the movie, humans can not survive the outside elements so the thought of escape is immediately quashed. The grimy and horrible conditions of squalor are perfectly represented here via set design and costumes, and it doesn't take much suspension of disbelief to buy in to the fact that these people were born and grew up in this hellhole.

As the rebellion makes its way forward into the nicer parts of the train, though, each cabin car is its own, unique world in which they discover animals, fish and even a school where children are brainwashed into hero-worship of Wilford who is not only their savior, but also lord and god.

Each set piece is important and tells a story, which makes the Snowpiercer itself almost as important a character as the people who reside within.

Of course, even the best setting will fall flat if the actors aren't up to the challenge presented to them, but everyone succeeds here magnificently. Chris Evans has grown and matured as an actor and easily holds his own against seasoned vets like John Hurt and Tilda Swinton. If anyone ever worried that Evans couldn't carry a film and "Winter Soldier" didn't convince, then this is the movie that will make you a believer. Tilda Swinton chews up her scenes as the main bad guy, and Jamie Bell has definitely grown up into a mature actor who I didn't even recognize at first as compared to his early days in "Billy Elliot" and other movies. A surprise appearance by an actor in a role I won't spoil due to its relevance to the plot had nearly the same impact as Kevin Spacey in "Se7en."

My only problem takes place in the last fifteen minutes or so when it feels the need to stop and casually spoon-feed exposition to the audience. Not only does this totally break the tempo and theme, it also almost completely steals a scene from a movie that came out over a decade ago that has been endlessly parodied and made fun of since. It was annoying and derivative, and made it nearly impossible to take seriously. To be fair, it ends on a high note, but the writers should have found a better way to "explain" everything that was going on.

Aside from that, though, this is a must-see film that I can't recommend enough. It has all the trappings of a great summer film (action, special effects, great storytelling), and it's a shame that so few people had the chance to see it while it was in theaters.… Expand

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4

dragon171jamesOct 20, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The movies start seemed great, though lacking detail and rushed for a beginning. The offset for the movie was just all the randomness of each compartment. Seriously a sauna, kinder garden and a club...
Not to mention, the order was just not logical. Some scenes were great detail and really made me feel in tune with the Tail passengers, to the point where I really wanted the lady's giving instructions dead. Then you met by a random compartment just filled with axe and sword fighters...really...
Overall I have to say they could have done a lot better.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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7

csw12Sep 13, 2014

One of the most interesting films of the year no doubt with a great cast but doesn't ever get to the point were you feel something seriously is at stake. Interesting concept that was a little rough around the edges.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

PrestonISSep 3, 2014

Overall, this movie was great! A few of the actors could have done better with their roles (which is the primary reason why I give this film an 8/10). However, the story was very creative; it is yet another dystopian plot without all theOverall, this movie was great! A few of the actors could have done better with their roles (which is the primary reason why I give this film an 8/10). However, the story was very creative; it is yet another dystopian plot without all the young adult cliches that infest novels/movies such as Hunger Games, Divergent, etc. The dark humor knitted throughout scenes of bloodshed and seriousness also helped keep me entertained and engaged. The political and social issues brought to light by the metaphor of the train are problematic of today's society, which is why I believe this film did such a great job! Again, my primary criticism is the acting during some scenes. Highly recommend.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

Butters1104Sep 1, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I saw this movie in theatres while on a business trip and, from what I heard from my fellow audience members afterwards, very few of them understood it. And, upon reading the negative user reviews here, I can see that all of the negative reviewers did not understand this film either.
So, here is a clarification: This movie is very good IF you are willing to actually spend your viewing time 'thinking about it!' No, it is not a straight action film. No, it is not about Global Warming. ?Spoiler Alert? It is about the train conductor being their metaphorical "God" and, therefore, the question as to why some people have to suffer and others have a care-free life. And, that is only ONE interpretation. It could ALSO represent certain people purposely placing themselves above others; OR, whether (as the debate goes), there MUST be a lower class in order for an Upper class to thrive.
The point could also be to show the progression of Man throughout human existence. Remember the fire scene and how that turned the tables in the war? Like Sisyphus. And why did God put Man up against such terrible beasts and obstacles and make him indefensible?
There is a LOT to this film. In my opinion, the people who reviewed it negatively just weren't up to the intellectual challenge of film as art and metaphor.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

ciorgaAug 28, 2014

One of the best and smartest movies ever made.Great acting and visuals. Don't even try putting this movie into any category. It's just that unique and original.

6 of 10 users found this helpful64

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10

kimmAug 26, 2014

A classic. A priceless allegory of humanity, with a great ending. It will be a landmark of east-west filmmaking. Surrealistic, complex, violent, references to many iconic films, contradictory, not a star vehicle: so it's not easy at all. ItA classic. A priceless allegory of humanity, with a great ending. It will be a landmark of east-west filmmaking. Surrealistic, complex, violent, references to many iconic films, contradictory, not a star vehicle: so it's not easy at all. It is magnificent.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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9

moviemitch96Aug 23, 2014

I just finished watching this on demand and I must say it's one of the most exciting and entertaining films I've seen all year! While some of the plot elements feel a little too familiar and reused, such as the "post-apocalyptic" element andI just finished watching this on demand and I must say it's one of the most exciting and entertaining films I've seen all year! While some of the plot elements feel a little too familiar and reused, such as the "post-apocalyptic" element and "only a small handful of people survived" element, it's still easily made up for through its smart and masterful storytelling and acting, as well as the impressive visuals considering its semi-low budget. Chris Evans gives a strong lead performance. Tilda Swinton finds herself in yet another strict and intimidating role. The rest of the supporting cast, such as Jamie Bell, John Hurt, Octavia Spencer, Ed Harris, etc also did really well. Overall, it's one of the best sci-fi films this year and one of my favorite films of the year thus far!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

shark013Aug 21, 2014

Very gory, but very suspenseful and entertaining. I like the acting of Chris Evans, and Ed Harris. John
Hurt as the old man was great also. Very futuristic.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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3

igorviegasAug 13, 2014

You can call me crazy but the truth is that I hated every second of this movie. The idea was well though, but I don't think that the film is well enough to give, at least, four points. For me was just a waste of time.

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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10

MovieFan123Aug 12, 2014

Snowpiercer is both interesting and compelling with many levels of complexity. It is filled with a wonderful performance from Chris Evans and incredible special effects. In conclusion, Snowpiercer is an incredible experience and is one thatSnowpiercer is both interesting and compelling with many levels of complexity. It is filled with a wonderful performance from Chris Evans and incredible special effects. In conclusion, Snowpiercer is an incredible experience and is one that everyone should watch.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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9

eagleeyevikingAug 9, 2014

Dark, brutal and bereft from an excess of mind-numbing explosions , the well paced and acted Snowpiercer represents science fiction in its simplest yet finest form.

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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0

JanSoloAug 6, 2014

Why do I feel like the director of this movie watched the Hunger Games followed by Under Siege 2 (or any other train movie) and then decided to make a really bad combination of the two? It saddens me to think that people are giving this movieWhy do I feel like the director of this movie watched the Hunger Games followed by Under Siege 2 (or any other train movie) and then decided to make a really bad combination of the two? It saddens me to think that people are giving this movie any kind of positive review since it is so generic and has dialog that doesn't seem to translate over to an American audience very well. Skip this movie. Your time is worth something.… Expand

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

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1

SleepytimeTeaAug 4, 2014

This movie was dead on arrival. There is a palpable sense of flatness to the acting, which comes from actors not believing in the lines they are saying. Can't blame them, the dialogue was inane and the whole concept is a reheated mishmashThis movie was dead on arrival. There is a palpable sense of flatness to the acting, which comes from actors not believing in the lines they are saying. Can't blame them, the dialogue was inane and the whole concept is a reheated mishmash of dystopian tropes. Even the normally interesting Tilda Swinton is just walking through this flick. I'm guessing the only reason this movie got made was because Hunger Games has created a sub genre of "old timey people in rags vs the pompous über class" and filmmakers think audiences will just gobble up anything in this vein. Walked out, got our money back. And this is from people who enjoyed Edge of Tomorrow, Apes movies and GoT, heck we even thought Hunger Games wasn't too bad. This movie just didn't have the stuff.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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10

TheWaffleAug 3, 2014

Director Joon-ho Bong has taken an outlandish premise and crafted a film that is beautiful and unforgettable. The themes are very thinly veiled and it's not difficult to see the convenient lies that we will tell ourselves to justify theDirector Joon-ho Bong has taken an outlandish premise and crafted a film that is beautiful and unforgettable. The themes are very thinly veiled and it's not difficult to see the convenient lies that we will tell ourselves to justify the status quo. We just rarely see them so close at hand as we do in Snowpiercer. The privileged chosen by birth, convinced that they belong and that those born into crippling poverty belong in the slums. Snowpiercer is the story of society, including the inhuman suffering that society is often built upon.… Expand

3 of 9 users found this helpful36

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10

metareviewer3Aug 1, 2014

Chris Evans is on a roll with the Captain America franchise, and he's still a little too pretty for this movie, but overall the movie works, and Tilda Swinton is worth the price of admission. A great thing about this movie is that it'sChris Evans is on a roll with the Captain America franchise, and he's still a little too pretty for this movie, but overall the movie works, and Tilda Swinton is worth the price of admission. A great thing about this movie is that it's highly unpredictable, and very original.… Expand

3 of 9 users found this helpful36

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1

DemoraseAug 1, 2014

Snowpiercer is a very pretentious and dumb movie trying to pass itself for social commentary on class warfare but utterly fails at it.

What the writers and director forgot when making the movie is that at its core class warfare is aboutSnowpiercer is a very pretentious and dumb movie trying to pass itself for social commentary on class warfare but utterly fails at it.

What the writers and director forgot when making the movie is that at its core class warfare is about resources: you got a small minority controlling most of the resources and a huge majority fighting for the scraps. It's a powerful topic because it's as old as humanity and echoes to one of our core flaws as human beings: greed.

But this whole concept goes out the window when there isn't any resource left to fight over anyway. Indeed the movie is about a bunch of people living in a small train in a post-apocalyptic world where there's nothing else left in the world! So what exactly is the point of having a bunch of people in that train starving to death for no reason when:

a) they have enough food for everyone. It's clearly shown when you see how well the other passengers are living.

b) those people aren't even working for the leisure of the "upper class", they aren't producing anything or working, they're literally just there to starve for no reason, simply as a plot device.

c) they all live in a freaking small train, they're all miserable anyway. There's no "good life" to be had at the expense of others, unlike in the real world.

The movie doesn't provide any answer, it's all form over substance, pure shock value with no understanding of the underlying issues that create those very real problems.

But even with that aside it's just an all-around bad movie in general, with next to no character development, bad pacing, bad dialog. The stupidity of the whole story is what pushes it into unbearable territory. A shame because Chris Evans does give a very good performance all throughout.… Expand

9 of 12 users found this helpful93

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9

kmyashJul 29, 2014

I'll admit, I saw this because I'm a fan of Chris Evans' and want to see the movies he's in. But I have to say that no matter the reason I went to see it I'm glad I did. This isn't the type of movie that I ever really seek out, I'm generallyI'll admit, I saw this because I'm a fan of Chris Evans' and want to see the movies he's in. But I have to say that no matter the reason I went to see it I'm glad I did. This isn't the type of movie that I ever really seek out, I'm generally watching movies for 'fun and adventure'. I won't talk much about the plot because I don't want to spoil it but I will say that the movie made me uncomfortable in the best way. I sat in the theater actually uncomfortable with the society in the train. In movies like Hunger Games I look at the Capital and say 'yeah those guys are bad' but never do I look at them and think that could be our society, that could be us. It might not be a movie I pick up to watch when I need something on the screen but it is an interesting movie to watch at least once.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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0

YonkimanJul 29, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I honestly don't understand all the positive reviews of this movie. (Mild spoilers ahead.) From a believability point of view, it's a failure wherever you look. The entire premise of the train is absurd. Apparently this rich evil villain built this train/track in the ~1 year between when this global warming cure was discovered/launched and when that cure backfired into a catastrophe? A bunch of rebels armed with sticks defeat enemies with automatic weapons and night vision goggles IN THE DARK (with the rebels trapped on one end of a narrow car with a narrower passageway behind them) and over and over win other similar battles against similar odds? The villain is an all-but-mustache-twirling/cat stroking condescending cliché. This train is packed to the brim with unbelievability. My suspension of disbelief muscles wore out in the first 15 minutes. It also felt like the writer/director had just read Hugh Howey's Wool and reduced it to one dimension.

So that leaves the allegory. I suppose that worked if you don't mind being repeatedly hit over the head with 500lb allegories, including the inevitable villain explaining the allegory at the end in case you missed it the first 37 times.

I suppose I'm giving this a zero in part because I'm angry about being so misled by all the high scores. On it's own, this film merits a 2 or a 3. But I feel something has to be done to counteract all the absurdly high positive reviews. I want my money back. Everyone that gave this film more than a 5 owes me a penny.… Expand

13 of 16 users found this helpful133

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2

reelsightJul 28, 2014

Totally improbable dystopian fable. Good scifi must contain probable or at least possible technology. This one never explains what powers the engine or how the tracks survive decades of high speed use in artic conditions with noTotally improbable dystopian fable. Good scifi must contain probable or at least possible technology. This one never explains what powers the engine or how the tracks survive decades of high speed use in artic conditions with no maintenance. Of course a really good story would allow me to forgive "magical" technology. But this one is a heavy-handed, plodding allegory of class warfare. The predictable progress from one end of the train to the other is achingly tedious. The ending of this scientifically ignorant production is perfect. It shows the majestic maritime polar bear roaming an alpine landscape.… Expand

8 of 10 users found this helpful82

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8

sanyrubJul 27, 2014

Interesting, different enough and very entertaining. The film uses beautiful metaphors which makes it emotive especially towards the end. It also helps that there are several twists along the way and that the performances are very good. FistInteresting, different enough and very entertaining. The film uses beautiful metaphors which makes it emotive especially towards the end. It also helps that there are several twists along the way and that the performances are very good. Fist time I´ve seen Chris Evans giving a real performance (Marvel movies don´t allow that since they usually go for the basics, so I´m glad I discovered him in this other film). Ed Harris is always on point and the rest of the cast did their thing too. A recommendable watch.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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5

TrevAtTheMoviesJul 23, 2014

Snowpiercer feels like the train its title refers to - heavily segmented in style, tone, and theme. Though there are some cinematographic high moments and wonderfully choreographed and intriguingly conceptual fight sequences, most of the filmSnowpiercer feels like the train its title refers to - heavily segmented in style, tone, and theme. Though there are some cinematographic high moments and wonderfully choreographed and intriguingly conceptual fight sequences, most of the film felt flat to me. The steampunk dystopia has become a very tired trend in blockbuster cinema (The Hunger Games, select bits of The Purge 2), and director-screenwriter Joon-ho Bong, instead of offering a new take on the genre, instead chooses to belabor the traditional tropes we have come to expect. Coal-miner chic clothing from the poor? Check. Great Gatsby hedonism and big hair from the rich? Check. And for all the emphasis given to the CGI panoramas of the bleak world of 2032, I would have hoped the effects would not have come off looking quite so...fake.

I have yet to be impressed with a Chris Evans character, and Snowpiercer did not change my mind about him. I have to cut him some slack, though, because the script definitely did not give him many chances to step outside his Captain America comfort zone of grim tension. Ed Harris makes a serviceable mad scientist villain, and Tilda Swinton is satisfactorily Tilda Swinton-y, but no one has much to do in terms of depth and development.

Finally, the plot simply tries to accomplish too much. It's as if Joon made a checklist of all the good trappings of a dystopian/apocalyptic thriller and tried to mash them into a diamond, when it really ends up an underdeveloped, confusing amalgam of climate catastrophe and Elysium social disorder, with a Matrix-style telekinetic savant thrown in for good measure. I can't say I enjoyed Snowpiercer. I can say that it was very exciting: my heart was pounding, my fists were as clenched as Chris Evan's jaw in any given scene. I was thrilled. And I think that's all that Snowpiercer was trying to accomplish.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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8

horusmaximusJul 21, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Overall it is a pretty interesting movie as long as you don't take it literally. There are a number of interesting scenes. It's quite allegorical and the ending pretty much spells out the dilemma those on the train face vis a vis morality & survival.

Global warming alarmists should be happy that even though everything else on Earth freezes to death, the polar bears still are around.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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8

mwass26Jul 21, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An absolutely thrilling movie. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. To think that they actually built and filmed in all of the train cars used in the movie is amazing. However the one thing that was not entirely satisfying was the ending. But if you are into thrilling action and an amazing story and acting then this is the movie for you… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

JUIKERJul 20, 2014

If you think Snowpiercer is great there's a Canadian sci-fi series from the 1970's called Starlost that will (apparently) blow your mind. It had a similar premise to Snowpiercer only set in space, and it was about the same quality (okay, aIf you think Snowpiercer is great there's a Canadian sci-fi series from the 1970's called Starlost that will (apparently) blow your mind. It had a similar premise to Snowpiercer only set in space, and it was about the same quality (okay, a bit lower. Starlost was horrible.) This is merely a step above bad... very much a B-movie, with some digital effects and some decent acting.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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8

Movie1997Jul 19, 2014

Interesting and engaging from a political stand point, "Snowpiercer" provides a well-meshed combination of action, political structures and even ways we view society. The premise is such a unique gem in that it throws in quite a bit of twistInteresting and engaging from a political stand point, "Snowpiercer" provides a well-meshed combination of action, political structures and even ways we view society. The premise is such a unique gem in that it throws in quite a bit of twist and turns. That's what makes the movie so interesting and even elevates the film to a bigger standard. I will say that some of the characters serve more of a purpose than others, especially Curtis (Chris Evans). His performance was probably the most real and awkwardly enough true to the American dream (if I may use that term properly). It does however suffer from a not so great pace at first, but once the action picks up, you're completely invested in this movie. Overall, it's a great action film with a very engaging premise. I give it an A-!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

thelastvJul 19, 2014

Many bad reviews are stating the obvious plot holes and logic of the premise of the film. The film is far more allegorical, and a metaphor for our society today. I enjoyed the scenes of entering each different train cart. It sure feels like aMany bad reviews are stating the obvious plot holes and logic of the premise of the film. The film is far more allegorical, and a metaphor for our society today. I enjoyed the scenes of entering each different train cart. It sure feels like a video game, and a twisting and turning wild ride. It is sure to be provocative, and violent for the light-hearted.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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10

GantugsJul 19, 2014

I don't understand some people who rate negative. This movie is one of the best movies of 2014. Korean director adopts that better than other ones. Lastly US movies' stories were being not good. So other countries story can be better...

4 of 12 users found this helpful48

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10

GuyWhoReviewsJul 17, 2014

Snowpiercer, may not be perfect, but it is a very exciting film. The movie takes place on the Snowpiercer, a train that holds the rest of humanity after the entire world is frozen. The wealthy live in the front of the train while the poorSnowpiercer, may not be perfect, but it is a very exciting film. The movie takes place on the Snowpiercer, a train that holds the rest of humanity after the entire world is frozen. The wealthy live in the front of the train while the poor live in the last cars. The train circles around the entire globe with an engine that is able to run forever. The train sustains itself with a garden and numerous animals, while it uses the ice along its path for water. The main character of the movie, Curtis, is a man who lives in the back of the train. He and his fellow passengers in the back are treated poorly and forced to live in a small area with many people. Sick of living in forced poverty, Curtis and the rest of the passengers revolt against those keeping them in the back. Snowpiercer focuses on the corrupt society of the train and how Curtis and the others decide to change the way they live. The movie is fast paced and interesting while going through the various types of cars. For those who don't like gory movies I suggest to either avoid this movie or to be cautious. Numerous fight scenes include knifes and swords going straight into the chests of people. Although there are a few holes in the story it holds up well and is easily one of the best movies of the summer.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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2

VT1971Jul 15, 2014

Oh my here we go again-an awful mindless movie almost completely without qualities except for having nice visuals and few serious actors involved gets insanely positive reviews from the world most eminent film critics.Those guys are obviouslyOh my here we go again-an awful mindless movie almost completely without qualities except for having nice visuals and few serious actors involved gets insanely positive reviews from the world most eminent film critics.Those guys are obviously paid by studios and producers to write good things about bad movies-no other logical explanation-while some great pieces of cinema art passes almost totally unnoticed because there's no one to care about.So my question is:do we really need movie critics like this anymore?… Expand

7 of 12 users found this helpful75

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0

RogerAngleJul 14, 2014

Plodding, linear, predictable, stupid. One of the worst movies I have ever seen. Lacks story and character development, logic, and common sense. My friend picked it, and we were both sorry. I don't understand why anyone would make this movie.Plodding, linear, predictable, stupid. One of the worst movies I have ever seen. Lacks story and character development, logic, and common sense. My friend picked it, and we were both sorry. I don't understand why anyone would make this movie. As she pointed out, the analogy between the train and planet earth makes no sense.
In a lot of the scenes, the train does not seem to be moving. They forgot to jiggle the set or wiggle the camera. Very distracting. Often the reveals are told, not shown. The last scene, with Ed Harris, is especially bad. He lectures us about the way thing are—everyone in his place, we have to kill a certain number of people, blah-blah-blah. Terrible. This movie offers nothing to recommend it: no insight into human nature or the human condition. Avoid at all costs.… Expand

19 of 27 users found this helpful198

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9

NotoriousFraudJul 14, 2014

Bong Joon-Ho's "Snowpiercer" is one of the most ambitious and grisly movies of the year. Chris Evans is really good as is the rest of the cast, but the movie also has it's fair share of action.

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

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8

hopstarJul 14, 2014

Original and great charecters, just enough back story without boring you. Plenty of action scenes. Totally unbelievable, but that also adds to the greatness of this movie!

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

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7

sammurphy66Jul 14, 2014

An intriguing premise, committed performance from Evans, and surprisingly good special effects, Snowpiercer is one of the better recent post-apocalyptic films.

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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7

MistboosterJul 14, 2014

The movie and story itself are somewhat mediocre, but the visuals, and the soundscape of the movie nailed it, and the overall atmosphere and society portrayed in the movie, lift the movie barely above the muck of mediocre, It is also aThe movie and story itself are somewhat mediocre, but the visuals, and the soundscape of the movie nailed it, and the overall atmosphere and society portrayed in the movie, lift the movie barely above the muck of mediocre, It is also a refreshing movie in the sense it does not try to paint the people struggling for survival as saints, rather it shows people as grim as possible, caged animals struggling to survive, no matter what.

Pros:
-Despite showing little of the scenery outside the train, the visual are Gorgeous.
-Soundscape has been well designed and executed, many sci-fi films today do not pay that much attention to this part of the movie.
-The main protagonist delivers one of the best one liners i have encountered in the last 10 years, towards the end of the movie, while talking with a presumed addict(will not go into details, you have to see it yourself)
-The cast, well most of it, did an excellent job. Especially Tilda Swinton.

Cons:
-The backstory, and story itself, apart from the immediate things going on in the movie, are rather shallow, and they leave you begging for more info.
-The movie ends in an awkward cliffhanger, leaving the viewer to ask countless questions of what happened to who, who survived, and how long...
-Also the movies premise, a train that goes through all continents, in a year, is rather... not well thought out, that train must be travelling awfully slow, considering it takes a local Finnish train, stops and all, 13 hours to travel 800+ kilometers...… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

LiberallyGuiltyJul 13, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Snowpiercer shouldn't work as a film, but somehow it does. The whole premise is so unlikely that most viewers would have to suspend disbelief just to watch it in the first place.

The themes of survival, class warfare, and sustainability are all covered in the microcosm of a dystopian "rattling ark." The storyline gives the viewers just enough information to draw conclusions about the world that they're witnessing and the cryptic symbolism gives audiences something to mull over (for example, what was the meaning of the fish blood ritual prior to the meelee sequence between the rebels and the train security forces? I'm assuming it correlates to Mason's later explanation of the aquarium later on and the idea of "culling" the population to keep things in balance).

While the cast performances overall were outstanding, I found Tilda Swinton to be particularly brilliant here as the comically draconian Mason; as was Kang-ho Song as Nam, who is arguably the true protagonist of the film.

Interestingly, I rented this on iTunes and watched it at home without realizing that it is a current release in theaters. I guess I like the trend of current releases being available on home video, but I also enjoy seeing movies on the big screen in a theater setting, so I hope the instant gratification of digital downloads doesn't make the theatre experience go completely "extinct."… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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1

judahjsnJul 13, 2014

This was a silly movie and frustrating to sit through. I felt like I was sold a thoughtful sci-fi movie in the style of great dystopian classics like Bladerunner or The Matrix but instead got a comic book story for gamers. Snowpiercer is of aThis was a silly movie and frustrating to sit through. I felt like I was sold a thoughtful sci-fi movie in the style of great dystopian classics like Bladerunner or The Matrix but instead got a comic book story for gamers. Snowpiercer is of a dreary, cartoony martial arts film with bad cgi and an embarrassing, behind-the-curtain climax that just kept getting dumber and dumber. I can understand appreciating this as a Luc Besson/John Woo kind of splat-tastic, opera-of-violence thing, but even in those terms it doesn't leave an impression.… Expand

6 of 12 users found this helpful66

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5

LowbrowCinemaJul 13, 2014

Bong Joon Ho's SNOWPIERCER is a bit of a conundrum. The filmmaking is sloppy, it's way too long without an original bone in it's body, but I was also totally delighted until the pompous last scene. Ho has the guts to kill off much of his castBong Joon Ho's SNOWPIERCER is a bit of a conundrum. The filmmaking is sloppy, it's way too long without an original bone in it's body, but I was also totally delighted until the pompous last scene. Ho has the guts to kill off much of his cast and leave open doors with little explanations. That's why I was so confused. It's not a good movie but it looks great, has superb action sequences but it's plot and theme are simplistic and banal at best. Good things, bad things, could be the core of this film that feels both ambitious and a slack off at the same time. Again, I'm perplexed!… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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2

ariel84Jul 12, 2014

i'm giving this a 2 because of tilda swinton. she is a wonderfully fiendish bad guy. the bad teeth and great costuming are the icing on the cake. ed harris, too, is fantastic. oh, and i liked the idea of a giant train, hurtling through thei'm giving this a 2 because of tilda swinton. she is a wonderfully fiendish bad guy. the bad teeth and great costuming are the icing on the cake. ed harris, too, is fantastic. oh, and i liked the idea of a giant train, hurtling through the frozen world. the rest of the movie is high budget crap. it careens from gorefest to quasi-surrealistic and back again. should've picked one theme and stuck with it. when i see dystopian films with the same old tropes--everyone in matching rags, starving, but not thin enough, all wearing fingerless gloves--i curse "mad max". that great film spawned so many wannabes.… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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6

shpreaJul 12, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This could have been one of the best movies of the year. But there are so many little stupid issues throughout the movie that it takes the whole film down a notch. I'll enumerate them:
1. The fish- why the hell did the army use a fish in battle? Also, why the hell did that guy trip on it? Was that supposed to be funny? All it did was make me question the director's capabilities.
2. The psychic- why was the girl psychic? It didn't add anything to the movie and was only really utilized once or twice. It was unnecessary and took away realism from the movie.
3. Dentures- why did that woman just randomly take out her dentures? Why? That didn't do anything. It was just dumb.
4. Sushi bar- what kind of train has a sushi bar that's only used twice a year? This isn't a huge complaint. Just a minor issue.
5. Invincible dude- one of the enemies was some guy that was more or less invincible. Why? What purpose did that serve? Did he have to be? It just made the movie less realistic.
6. Dialogue- at times the conversations between characters are ridiculous. There is a point where the lead character talks about cannibalism. Rather than being a serious moment, the poor dialogue makes it laughable.
7. Japanese people- why were there so many Japanese people on the train? That makes no sense if they all boarded in one location. Also it doesn't add anything to the movie. It just makes conversation harder.

Those are some of my complaints. There are a lot of really annoying issues that could have easily been taken out. Had they been, I would have given this movie a 9/10. It poses some very interesting moral and philosophical questions about what it means to live. I really enjoyed a lot of it. But its faults were too many and too annoying to give it anything other than a 6.
It's still worth seeing. Just expect a bumpy ride.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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3

CountryPetInnJul 11, 2014

First off, I love scifi and I love apocalyptic, but this is almost unwatchable. I was looking forward to seeing this since my satellite provider made it available on the same day as theaters. Fortunately I was out only $8 instead of $20. IFirst off, I love scifi and I love apocalyptic, but this is almost unwatchable. I was looking forward to seeing this since my satellite provider made it available on the same day as theaters. Fortunately I was out only $8 instead of $20. I give the acting an A, the set design is an A, the cinematography a B+, the script a C+, the story itself is only a C- and the directing a D. Overall, it was the A list actors that carries this garbage through. Those that gave it 10s were either paid to do it or have absolutely no concept of a good film.… Expand

6 of 13 users found this helpful67

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9

AliasAndrewJul 11, 2014

This is sci-fi at its best. A good central idea uplifted by a great international cast , interesting overtones, inspired social commentary, tense action scenes and great directing (the scene on the bridge will stay with you for a long time).This is sci-fi at its best. A good central idea uplifted by a great international cast , interesting overtones, inspired social commentary, tense action scenes and great directing (the scene on the bridge will stay with you for a long time). This movie has something to say to everybody, from the Bergman fan to the guy who just wants to see a good action film. Easily the best movie I've seen this year… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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10

MikeBaldelliJul 11, 2014

For the fourth time in seven years, alien robots have descended on movie theaters across America, filling up three, sometimes four theaters at your local multiplex. The 200 million dollar behemoth is accompanied by an extravagant add campaignFor the fourth time in seven years, alien robots have descended on movie theaters across America, filling up three, sometimes four theaters at your local multiplex. The 200 million dollar behemoth is accompanied by an extravagant add campaign and numerous merchandise tie-ins.

As audiences flocked to the new Transformers movie, a much smaller, more unknown film rolled into theaters. Well, only a few theaters. In fact, you’d be lucky to find this Little Engine That Could of a film near you. That film is Snowpiercer. Its journey to American shores is as epic and filled with drama as the actual train in the film, but more on that later.

Snowpiercer tells the story of a near future Earth that has been ravaged by climate change. In an effort to counteract global warming, humans experiment with releasing various chemicals into the environment. The experiment backfires and a new ice age freezes the Earth, killing most of humanity. The few remaining survivors board a high-speed train where they endlessly circle the Earth. As we board the train at the start of the film, it has been circling the Earth continuously for the last 17 years.

The entire train is a small ecosystem of humanity. People of all nationalities and social standing co-exist together. It’s somewhat like a modern day Noah’s Ark. Like with our own society, there are the halves and the have nots. The people in the back of the train live in filth, cramped on top of one another. Their main food source are mysterious black gelatin bricks. All this while the people in the front of the train live the life of luxury. Eating gourmet meals and indulging in all the luxuries that a life on Earth would have to offer.

One can’t help but make the parallel to Rosa Parks and her struggle during the civil rights movement. In Snowpiercer, the passengers at the back of the train are treated like second class citizens and are essentially prisoners in their own home.

Soon we are introduced to Curtis, played by Chris Evans. That’s right, everybody’s favorite shield wielding Avenger, Captain America. Curtis is tired of eating black goo every day and he’s tired of his people being treated like rats who have stowed away. His objective? To get to the front of the train. A task that could prove quite difficult when confronted by ax-wielding ninjas and other various obstacles.

Snowpiercer is easily one of the most unique action films you will see (if you're lucky) all summer. The film is based on a French graphic novel, directed by a Korean director and comprised of a predominantly Western cast. The director is not just any director either, his name is Bong Joon-ho and he’s one of the best directors in South Korea. His films Memories of Murder, The Host, and Mother are some of the best films of the last decade.

If it wasn’t for Bong Joon-ho, Snowpiercer might not have even made it to American shores, at least not in the form that the director intended. Harvey Weinstein of The Weinstein Co., who was set to distribute the film, wanted the director to cut over 20 minutes from the film because he felt American audiences “wouldn’t understand it.” Bong Joon-ho was having none of it and the US release was delayed for almost a year.

Ultimately, the director and Weinstein came to a compromise. Weinstein wouldn’t force Bong Joon-ho to cut anything from the film, but instead of releasing it in 1,000 theaters across the country, it would only get distributed to about 100 art house cinemas and out-of-the-way multiplexes, all but assuring that Snowpiercer would go unseen by most of America.

The ironic thing about Snowpiercer is that it’s not some subtitled black and white French film or something. It’s a fast-paced action film led by Captain America himself. You would think Evans’ face alone would guarantee that audiences would come out to see the film. I guess Harvey Weinstein disagrees. The rest of the film is rounded out by two Oscar winners, Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton) and Octavia Spencer (The Help). As well as Oscar nominee John Hurt.

The fact that most people will never see Snowpiercer is a shame because it’s an amazing film, filled with interesting themes about freedom and class distinction. The film really makes you think about what it means to be truly free. The people aboard the train have the illusion of freedom and free will. In reality, The Snowpiercer is a prison and not just for the people struggling in the back, but for everybody that calls it home.

Snowpiercer also has great atmosphere and Bong Joon-ho fills every frame of the cramped confines with fine detail. The film also features a menacing soundtrack that amps up the excitement as the train comes barreling around curves.

As Curtis and his ragtag group of freedom fighters make their way towards the front of the train, each train car has its own unique feel. Some almost feel like the passengers are stepping into another world as they enter each car. They get weirder and wackier and more interesting as the j… Expand

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

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5

Tyray23CenaSuckJul 11, 2014

Its a solid movie but very overrated by the critics that made my exceptions a little to high for this movie. It delivers with good action but not much else.

7 of 14 users found this helpful77

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9

NeekReviewsJul 11, 2014

Why wasn't this film brought to the attention of more people?!

With that out of the way, this movie is one of those rare gems that make you understand why we go to the theater. On almost all points, this film was flawless. This film wasWhy wasn't this film brought to the attention of more people?!

With that out of the way, this movie is one of those rare gems that make you understand why we go to the theater. On almost all points, this film was flawless. This film was methodically pieced together actor by actor, car by car.

The cast for this film was top to bottom flawless. Whether the general consensus is in agreement with me or not, Chris Evans is an amazing actor. His supporting cast of Jamie Bell, John Hurt and Tilda Swinton could not have been better picked. They each filled their roles extremely well.

The film's setting and backdrop were beautifully crafted. It was awesome to see how the cars gradually got better and better as they moved towards the engine. I was happy to see it wasn't just yuk and then all of the sudden lovely.

The reason why I could not give this a 10 is there are certain parts in the film that make you scratch your head, be it an unkillable man or letting someone you don't know deliver eggs to the back of the train. But when this movie is done you are happy you saw it. From the amazing characters to the jaw dropping monologue from Chris Evans, this movie is every bit a 9 out of 10!

-James Von Doom… Expand

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

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8

ahnehnoisJul 10, 2014

A whimsical dystopia with a (gasp) perchant for class warfare. Like the train on which it is set, the plot follows a number of twists and turns but was always going where it ended up. Unlike many films of this sort; the climax is engaging,A whimsical dystopia with a (gasp) perchant for class warfare. Like the train on which it is set, the plot follows a number of twists and turns but was always going where it ended up. Unlike many films of this sort; the climax is engaging, appropriate, and not a let-down or a cop-out.

Don't ask why moving around the train requires one to pass through saunas, kitchens, and schools in a way that defies practicality, or how the perpetual motion machine at the front works, or what the stuff is that somehow sent the entire world into winter faster than a nuclear war ever could. And don't question the caricatures that populate this train (Tilda Swinton in particular seemed to be having a blast). The movie has fun action, and is just cerebral enough to hold a viewer's interest, and is slickly produced.

An odd note was the idea of casting Captain America as a grizzled antihero, but Chris Evans is a good enough actor to sell it. CGI pops up occasionally, and isn't quite up with the best films but it holds up enough.

It's a tough movie to find in theaters, but worth the search.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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9

AlekswhitestalkJul 10, 2014

Фильм потрясающий, вот совсем ничего не ждал, а получил море удовольствия. Для РФ фильм можно сказать является очень качественной пародией на РЖД, кто ездил на поезде в России поймёт испытает почти то же самое чувство, что в этом фильме.Фильм потрясающий, вот совсем ничего не ждал, а получил море удовольствия. Для РФ фильм можно сказать является очень качественной пародией на РЖД, кто ездил на поезде в России поймёт испытает почти то же самое чувство, что в этом фильме. Порадовал Крис Эванс в главной роли. Такое прям путешествие длиною в поезд. Вагон за вагоном и нужно добраться до цели чтобы его остановить. Короче, очень затягивающий фильмец, рекомендую!
Моя оценка за сюжет 8 из 10, стереоэффекты 10 из 10, "градус неадеквата" 9 из 10. Итого разделим на три, получится ИТОГОВАЯ ОЦЕНКА "9 из 10"
Приятного просмотра!!!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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0

jetgraphicsJul 10, 2014

+ CGI
- Audio
- Shaky Cam (unwatchable action scenes)
- Plot
Lacking a time machine to go back and restore hours lost watching this dreck compels me to warn others.

12 of 17 users found this helpful125

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7

RoachramirezJul 10, 2014

Una buena pelicula donde te muestra la gente como batalla para sobre vivir cuando en el poder solo hay gente que quiere todo para ellos. buenas imagenes, peleas, solo creo que un poco lenta en la mitad pero todo bien

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

cFreshFilmsJul 9, 2014

With perfect action sequences, great acting, and a compelling story, Snowpiercer races to the top of the list of the very best action films ever made. Chris Pines gives his best performance to date along with a comically fierce Tilda Swinton.With perfect action sequences, great acting, and a compelling story, Snowpiercer races to the top of the list of the very best action films ever made. Chris Pines gives his best performance to date along with a comically fierce Tilda Swinton. Joon-ho Bong manages to hold the action every minute of the 2 hour runtime. It's a hell of a fun ride.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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9

jeonnyJul 9, 2014

Snowpiercer is, if nothing else, entertaining, thought-provoking and original. It shifts gears almost from moment to moment; somber to silly to serious to savage, but it's a fun ride throughout. The sticklers will find plenty of absurditiesSnowpiercer is, if nothing else, entertaining, thought-provoking and original. It shifts gears almost from moment to moment; somber to silly to serious to savage, but it's a fun ride throughout. The sticklers will find plenty of absurdities to nitpick, but to take it literally from start to finish would miss the forest for the trees. It speaks more of the unsustainability of our world economic structure than you get in the typical roundtable news show. This is the type of movie that becomes a cult favorite, then gets a remake years down the line with a bigger budget and watered down script, sacrificing soul for spectacle.… Expand

5 of 12 users found this helpful57

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6

HeadcrusherJul 8, 2014

This film was interesting and had some moments both tension and humor - but I felt that overall it's lacking something, or maybe it just wasn't that consistent? It's a sci-fi film because it takes place in the future on an perpetual motionThis film was interesting and had some moments both tension and humor - but I felt that overall it's lacking something, or maybe it just wasn't that consistent? It's a sci-fi film because it takes place in the future on an perpetual motion train, upon which the entire surviving human race is imprisoned. Its an action film because it involves armed prisoners trying to escape - it's a drama/thriller because some peoples children are being taken hostage for mysterious reasons - etc etc. I saw this at the theater for $5 (Sundance Cinemas - Student of Life Tuesdays) and it was worth it - I might not have felt that way if it was $20 ticket. Interesting yes, but NOT the best film I've seen this year! I gave it 6 stars for some originality - but the acting, score, and action scenes still needed a little polish - it's worth watching if you don't have to pay much, don't mind violence, and you are a fan of independent martial arts and action films. There's something in it for everyone - but not everyone will like it.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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9

antenaJul 8, 2014

Very solid thriller with lots of crazy, inventive turns every few minutes. Swinton and Evans are very good; this is the kind of sci-fi that rarely gets made these days. Character development and action set pieces can exist side by side, butVery solid thriller with lots of crazy, inventive turns every few minutes. Swinton and Evans are very good; this is the kind of sci-fi that rarely gets made these days. Character development and action set pieces can exist side by side, but apparently as there were no toys for sale here mainstream Hollywood isn't interested.

Sure, the CGI isn't the best, but ILM and Weta can't work on every movie. If the CGI is taking you out of the movie, then you need to reevaluate what's most important in a film.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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1

ssbouJul 8, 2014

I am a bit shocked by all the great reviews for this movie. The movie promises way more than it actually delivers. Here is the good: fantastic set design and Tilda Swinton ('nuff said). And the bad: paint-by-numbers recycled premise with plotI am a bit shocked by all the great reviews for this movie. The movie promises way more than it actually delivers. Here is the good: fantastic set design and Tilda Swinton ('nuff said). And the bad: paint-by-numbers recycled premise with plot holes so big you could drive a train through them, a plethora a stereotypical characters that I could not care any less about, and dialogue so forgettable that I don't remember a single line from the movie. Probably the worst thing about the movie is the suspension of disbelief or lack thereof. I've watched a lot of sci-fi and fantasy movies, but the absurdity of a perpetually moving biosphere train (not to mention all its inhabitants and the variety of "ecospheres") was difficult even for me to swallow. And the movie's attempt at social commentary was equally lame and cliched. I think the people who gave this movie a glowing review were maybe snorting some of the same drugs that also conveniently double as C4 explosives! Give this train a miss!!… Expand

10 of 15 users found this helpful105

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2

LuckyYouJul 8, 2014

Quick and dirty review. The acting is noticeably odd. Possibly due to a language / culture difference between Boon Joon-ho and the English speaking cast. The dialogue is dull and forced. The story is predictable with action obstaclesQuick and dirty review. The acting is noticeably odd. Possibly due to a language / culture difference between Boon Joon-ho and the English speaking cast. The dialogue is dull and forced. The story is predictable with action obstacles dressed in weirdness for the sake of weirdness (see: fish-axe). The lighting, camera, set production, and costume design are actually solid in my opinion, which is why the trailer makes you think it's watchable. I'm actually quite confused by the positive scores. I watched this with a group of friends of which some were irritated to the point of anger. Overall, this is a complete waste of time.… Expand

10 of 15 users found this helpful105

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7

ScrawnyPunkJul 8, 2014

This is pure science fiction - an idea supported by a story taking place in an imaginative setting. And when pure scifi works, it really works well - that is exactly what happens here. As with most science fiction, you will need to let theThis is pure science fiction - an idea supported by a story taking place in an imaginative setting. And when pure scifi works, it really works well - that is exactly what happens here. As with most science fiction, you will need to let the "science" take a back seat to the "fiction," but if you do you will have a great time.

A welcome break from blockbusters, Snowpiercer is a fairly unique take on both the apocalyptic and the totalitarian. Although it has many elements stitched from prior movies (hints of everything from Old Boy to Soylent Green, to Brazil and everywhere in-between are cribbed here), the overall effect comes off as fresh and more than a little exciting. It is definitely a departure from the standard CGI-Blow-Stuff-Up-Aliens-Robots-and-Stuff-and-Such fair that is served weekly in US cinemas. We are treated to literally-straightforward story line (get to the front of the train), creative battle sequences, tension, humor, social commentary sufficiently removed from the present so as to be bearable, a dash of zaniness, and a satisfying (but not obvious) ending. Overall, a great experience.

More of this, less Transformers 4, please. Unless you want to keep eating your protein blocks...… Expand

4 of 11 users found this helpful47

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1

princepkJul 8, 2014

This movie is so bad, I left the cinema after about 60% because I've had enough. Every movie with Chris Evans doesn't mean its a Captain America movie.

8 of 14 users found this helpful86

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7

TVJerryJul 8, 2014

This film offers an unusual take on the future: the world is a frozen wasteland and the only survivors exist on a long train that continuously travels around the globe. The poor huddled masses at the back (led by Chris Evans) decide to pleadThis film offers an unusual take on the future: the world is a frozen wasteland and the only survivors exist on a long train that continuously travels around the globe. The poor huddled masses at the back (led by Chris Evans) decide to plead their case to the leader, so they undertake a mission to get to the front. At times it seems like an action film, but the fight scenes are often full of splashed blood and blurred action. At other times, it's an apocalyptic drama with bold statements about class and society. If you're willing to overlook the giant lapses in logic, you may find this movie to be an absorbing and original experience. BTW, Tilda Swinton is having great fun with her bespeckled, toothy character.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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3

DuvallJul 7, 2014

I am befuddled by the generous scores given by all the professional critics. This was a boring film with poor dialog, and a preposterous plot with enough holes to rival Looper, and Lake House. At no point did I find it even remotelyI am befuddled by the generous scores given by all the professional critics. This was a boring film with poor dialog, and a preposterous plot with enough holes to rival Looper, and Lake House. At no point did I find it even remotely plausible, and the 'twists' at the end were just ridiculous. Chris Evans was completely forgettable.… Expand

31 of 43 users found this helpful3112

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5

CRSVeberJul 7, 2014

Movie is generally OK, but ending (and the last part of the movie) is severally lacking. They definitely should have handled it better than they actually did

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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0

xjun1or3Jul 7, 2014

I really don't understand the critic and users high scores... this is a awful sci-fi movie, the clime is so extreme but the rails are pretty intact for 10 years and there is lots of snow in every place unless on the rails considering theI really don't understand the critic and users high scores... this is a awful sci-fi movie, the clime is so extreme but the rails are pretty intact for 10 years and there is lots of snow in every place unless on the rails considering the train only pass for the same place after 1 year. And a train would be the worst thing to survive in these glacial era conditions it's impossible they are the last humans.… Expand

10 of 20 users found this helpful1010

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3

VercodaJul 7, 2014

Without doubt, one of the worst films of 2014, as well as of recent years, Snowpiercer was a massive disappointment. Collectively, I'm a fan of several of the actors and behind-the-scenes talent involved with this film, as well as its kind ofWithout doubt, one of the worst films of 2014, as well as of recent years, Snowpiercer was a massive disappointment. Collectively, I'm a fan of several of the actors and behind-the-scenes talent involved with this film, as well as its kind of dystopian setting, so although I knew little about the film I had high hopesfor it - sadly, they were soon dashed. Where to begin?

There were just too many things wrong with it - for a train that's perpetually rocketing around the world, half the film featured zero sense of inertia or speed (even Star Trek's hams could wobble in their seats sometimes), as utterly stationary cast and equipment appeared stage-bound - apart from a few token sequences. We had a rocketing train that conveniently slowed wayyyy down at key expositional points (the Plane Below, the Frozen Exiles), as well as utterly bizarre casting decisions that were never explained (Jamie Bell's bizarre and somewhat patronising "Shoite!" 'Oirish' accent - why?!), while Hurt and Evans regularly over-emoted as though they going for an Academy award. (Just wait til the seemingly endless speech about what Evans used to eat...)

Then, once the story started rolling along into the front, better-off section of the train, it absolutely rocketed into utter silliness. Yes, we get that they're all decadent, parasitic snobs living it up at the front - but did we need slo-mo Eurodisco shots to underline this? (Send in the gimps!) Derivative and dull to sit through, ticking one clichéd box after another, this was the point where I started considering what I could be doing instead of staying on board to the ending.

The film's one - and only - saving grace is Tilda Swinton, who stole every scene with her perfidious Mason character. Half Gollum, half Northern English trade unionist, and half vintage Deirdre Barlow (Irish/British TV audiences will get that reference), her cowardly, sniping, mocking and treacherous ways were an absolute hoot to watch, with her hateful character proving unexpectedly entertaining in each and every scene she was in, while John Hurt was also a reliably engaging presence on screen.

Unfortunately, one brilliant character and an okay-ish set-up do not an entertaining film make, and the initially interesting dystopian set-up soon derails into a cheap - and dare one say, almost grubby-feeling - Eurofilmesque tale, populated with flashes of jarring, stylised uber-violence, an inconsistent narrative, lazy editing, generally cheap-looking CGI/effects and a crashing bore of an ending.

As such, it's 3 points for Tildy's turn, but a big, fat Zero for anything else...… Expand

29 of 39 users found this helpful2910

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2

listenerJul 7, 2014

I'm quite shocked seeing this movie receives such a good response from film critics-it's insanely bad, unbelievable illogical with plot holes appearing in almost every scene. For example main character, our hero is having some difficult timeI'm quite shocked seeing this movie receives such a good response from film critics-it's insanely bad, unbelievable illogical with plot holes appearing in almost every scene. For example main character, our hero is having some difficult time eating protein blocks made of roach (we never see growing roach department however) but later in the movie we discover that his former eating habits include cannibalism and eating little babies?! Yes the guy who once ate babies now cries like a baby because he has to eat roach and start whole revolution because of it..that's how ridiculously dumb this movie is.There is one Terminator guy that can't get killed no matter what they do to him,Tilda Swinton get stabbed in her leg just to continue walking in the next scene like nothing happened- list of errors and stupidities could go on forever.Screenwriters couldn't even decide how cold is outside:very cold at the beginning (remember how the rebel guy lost his arm?),not so cold at the end...and where on Earth little kid finds suitable fur for him? I don't give it 0 because of some fine actors work and production values but this is complete rubbish.… Expand

31 of 55 users found this helpful3124

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3

dave89791Jul 6, 2014

-Really predictable
-Scientifically silly - why would anyone have a train constantly in motion in a post-apocalyptic society let alone somehow maintain the ecosystem as described...on a train...
-mediocre special effects -very-Really predictable
-Scientifically silly - why would anyone have a train constantly in motion in a post-apocalyptic society let alone somehow maintain the ecosystem as described...on a train...
-mediocre special effects
-very unimaginative plot
-the train concept is really absurd
-this was more of a phantasy movie than sci-fi, really...

+good acting especially by Chris Evans
+good action scenes

overall, i don't get what people see in this - it's certainly an allegory of modern/western/wealthy/wasteful life in a sense which is admirable but it doesn't need to be framed in such an inaccessible awkward way that this "sci-fi" attempts to do it… Expand

8 of 15 users found this helpful87

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8

Brent_MarchantJul 6, 2014

An exhilarating science fiction thrill ride unlike probably any other movie I've ever seen (but with familiar elements included that reminded me of everything from "Battlestar Gallactica" to the "Mad Max" movies to "The Hunger Games" and evenAn exhilarating science fiction thrill ride unlike probably any other movie I've ever seen (but with familiar elements included that reminded me of everything from "Battlestar Gallactica" to the "Mad Max" movies to "The Hunger Games" and even "The Truman Show"). Suspension of belief is essential in watching this one, but, given its metaphorical narrative, that shouldn't be too difficult except the most unimaginative and curmudgeonly. With a terrific mix of action and humor, violence that never gets overly gratuitous and terrific performances from the likes of Tilda Swinton, Ed Harris and Alison Pill, this is a movie one soon won't forget.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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7

netflicJul 6, 2014

Post-apocaliptic dystopia. Our planet gets frozen after failed attempts to stop global warming. Everything dies. The only living people, flora and fauna are contained inside a very long super-fast train which is an engineering marvel. It goesPost-apocaliptic dystopia. Our planet gets frozen after failed attempts to stop global warming. Everything dies. The only living people, flora and fauna are contained inside a very long super-fast train which is an engineering marvel. It goes around the world in a loop which takes one year. People are divided into classes, poor in the tail, privileged in the front. Inevitable conflict takes most of the film. There is a big amount of blood and gore. Fighting takes a significant part of the movie. It seems to be real even though there are too many holes and obvious oops-es. But a script in an action movie like this one cannot be taken seriously. Stunning cinematography and good acting. An intense piece of entertainment.… Expand

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

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10

wisdom11Jul 6, 2014

Snowpiercer is an interesting, thought-provoking movie, and one of the better movies currently in theaters n now. The strong aspect of the movie is the idea it asks about what it means to be human. I highly recommend it.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

GinaKJul 6, 2014

As usual, an original, engrossing film from Joon-Ho Bong. It deserves an award just for tricking the audience so completely into believing that they are actually on a train during the entire film. Bong successfully mixes action and philosophyAs usual, an original, engrossing film from Joon-Ho Bong. It deserves an award just for tricking the audience so completely into believing that they are actually on a train during the entire film. Bong successfully mixes action and philosophy as he creates a possible future world where a global-warming cure has gone terribly wrong and the terrible price paid to save the human race. All the actors were excellent, and you could just enjoy the action – or be constantly surprised by the twists and turns of the ideas in the plot. Wonderful way to spend a hot summer afternoon. PS: Yes, Tilda Swinton can be funny!… Expand

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

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6

podunk411Jul 6, 2014

Well shot movie, fast paced, visually great to look at. The story is sophomoric, to say the least, but that doesn't bother me as much as the lack of character development. I wanted to care more about the characters, it just wasn't there. TheWell shot movie, fast paced, visually great to look at. The story is sophomoric, to say the least, but that doesn't bother me as much as the lack of character development. I wanted to care more about the characters, it just wasn't there. The slow-mo/campy "big" moments also detracted from the story rather than adding to it, that aside, technically the visuals/shots are really great. Acting is solid, and Swinton's over-the-top character was strangely fun to enjoy,( though I'm sure many will cringe at her performance).… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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7

jbravoJul 6, 2014

I don't know....this was a pretty weird movie. lol. It's a one of a kind, I'll say that much. The characters were portrayed very well by the actors. There was a lot of dying all over the place, so it kinda got annoying. However, it was an okI don't know....this was a pretty weird movie. lol. It's a one of a kind, I'll say that much. The characters were portrayed very well by the actors. There was a lot of dying all over the place, so it kinda got annoying. However, it was an ok movie overall.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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Snowpiercer

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