Snowpiercer

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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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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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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7

imthenoobJul 7, 2015

Satisfying plot, Very well acted, and definitely makes you think. Snowpiercer is one of the best hidden gems of 2014 without a doubt and well worthy of a watch.

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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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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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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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

Compi24Nov 19, 2015

Excellent world-building collides with fantastically staged action sequences in "Snowpiercer," Bong Joon-Ho's thrillingly twisted sociopolitical sci-fi triumph.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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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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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

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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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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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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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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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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7

VaskallionApr 1, 2015

This movie has something great, something mediocre and something absurd.
I liked the idea. I enjoyed how they shot a movie.
There are major flaws in the movie which stopped me from giving it 8. What i found ridiculous is the actor choiceThis movie has something great, something mediocre and something absurd.
I liked the idea. I enjoyed how they shot a movie.
There are major flaws in the movie which stopped me from giving it 8.
What i found ridiculous is the actor choice for the main character. He just doesn't fit there!
Also movie kind of reminds me of hunger games; the Higher class (front of the train) are flamboyant, propaganda washed, crazy people... And the other half are beggars fighting for survival. At that point it's hunger games on train.
Now some good parts i enjoyed. Fighting scenes are not as good as in "Kingsman", but they are decent and i enjoyed them.
At some points at the movie i felt creeped out which i think is a good thing for a scary movie.
And some characters are really interesting and quite unique. Just not enough screen time to develop them.
So here is my advise; watch it! it will not be the movie of the year for you, but the time you'll spend watching it won't be wasted. The only thing you'll have to do is not pay too much attention at obvious mistakes :)… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

FairbottomMay 23, 2018

I am only half way in to this documentary about Americans aboard an Amtrak train but it seems to be a perfectly decent and informative film.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

TheRaggedFlygonFeb 12, 2020

Oftentimes science fiction movies have fantastic premises followed up by mediocre plot, acting, and direction. Snowpiercer, while not a perfect film or a modern masterpiece as some critics have called it, does a decent job of remedying theOftentimes science fiction movies have fantastic premises followed up by mediocre plot, acting, and direction. Snowpiercer, while not a perfect film or a modern masterpiece as some critics have called it, does a decent job of remedying the common errors made by scifi films. First the premise is most certainly unique and as a result, it is entertaining. While there are obvious questions about the entire premise of the film that aren't explained, if you allow yourself to suspend your disbelief you will have a much better time with this movie. Many other users on Metacritic have labelled these plotholes as the factors that led to this movie being ruined for them. I was personally able to suspend my disbelief, look past the plotholes, and enjoy this movie; however, I completely understand where such users are coming from with their opinions.

The acting in this film, regardless of your belief in the film's premise is, for the most part good. Ed Harris and Octavia Spencer feel wasted and their characters are quite forgettable, but Chris Evans and Tilda Swenson, in addition to really solid performances by Kang-Ho Sang and Go Ah-Sung result in a, for the most part, well acted movie.

The action and cinematography of several scenes are exciting, but the action does fall flat at times and the number of blurry action shots and quick cuts makes it hard to follow resulting in the end result of many of the fights feeling unconvincing. While at times the twists do excite in this film, many fall flat or are far too predictable. The ending also feels vague just for the sake of being vague and suffers from a lack of common sense. The lackluster plot and shaky action scenes are remedied (in addition to the good acting previously mentioned) by the impressive themes that exemplify history repeating itself. The themes of this film are able to be subvert enough to not feel forced, but they are present for those who are working. My final criticism of this film is that the CGI of the train is absolutely terrible and it looks like it was made in 2004, not 2014.

In total, I am very conflicted about Snowpiercer. While the film left a positive taste in my mouth and overall I found myself enjoying it a lot, there are gaping plot holes that threaten the integrity of the themes and thus the movie as a whole. For me, I was able to overlook this film's flaws and have a truly enjoyable experience; however, I completely understand if you cannot.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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7

zNeverSleepingOct 26, 2020

"You need to maintain a proper balance of anxiety and fear and chaos and horror in order to keep life going. And if we don't have that, we need to invent it"

Snowpiercer tem uma premissa interessante, uma direção singular, um universo bem"You need to maintain a proper balance of anxiety and fear and chaos and horror in order to keep life going. And if we don't have that, we need to invent it"

Snowpiercer tem uma premissa interessante, uma direção singular, um universo bem construído e criticas afiadíssimas.

Bong Joon-ho não entrega as respostas com facilidade. Nos intriga e utiliza da cenografia para nos deixar incomodados. O filme é muito escuto, e se isso é ruim pra nós, imagina pra quem passou 18 anos ali?
Premissas pós-apocalípticas quase sempre são legais, mas desenvolve-las bem... ai já é outra historia. Cada elemento induzido e apresentado sobre o trêm e o próprio planeta em seu proposito narrativo, seja para tapar "furos" a servir como alicerce de um plot futuro.

O elenco té muito bem. Minha preferida é Tilda Swinton, claro. Existem papeis que parecem ser feitos com a mesma em mente. Song Kang-ho interpreta seu personagem muito bem, convencendo quando foi mais necessário. Senti que o Chris Evans não foi capaz de entregar cenas muito dramáticas, mas de forma geral ele tá bem sim no filme.

As cenas de ação não me agradaram muito. O tremor da câmera me incomodou bastante, mas na maior parte do tempo não me deixou perdido. O filme tem plots excelentes, mas eu tenho a sensação de que a tensão deveria estar maior para que eles tivessem o impacto que o diretor almejava. As criticas relacionadas a falta de humanidade, controle, situações extremas onde seres humanos são expostos e desigualdade social dão uma profundidade imensa a obra. Te fazem refletir, ficar em duvida, pensar...

Super recomendado.

Audio: English, with portuguese subtitles. Q60T TV Speakers
Quality: 1080p SDR [PrimeVideo]… Expand

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

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7

Bradh6886Jan 6, 2021

A commendable blend of entertaining action blockbuster and biting social commentary. At times leans too far toward the former, other times the class divide allegory is heavy handed. Some story elements in the end felt odd, but overall solid film.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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7

AWESOM-0Jan 21, 2020

I’m rounding up, it’s like a 6.5 for me. It was very good and if you suspend your disbelief for a bit, the story really pulls together.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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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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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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6

TyranianAug 11, 2019

Reasonably clever dystopian SciFi with elements of The Island, The Matrix and BioShock but the plot goes a bit off the rails at the end, no pun intended.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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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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6

VonSeuxJun 27, 2014

This movie is so bad that you can't turn it off!!! I've watched this with guilty pleasure because everything is so loosely put together it's almost laughable. Still the acting was fair and the lore was interesting. I advice watching this withThis movie is so bad that you can't turn it off!!! I've watched this with guilty pleasure because everything is so loosely put together it's almost laughable. Still the acting was fair and the lore was interesting. I advice watching this with a big sack of popcorn.… Expand

5 of 18 users found this helpful513

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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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6

GoombaJMRAug 31, 2016

Good movie with some funny laughs and unrealistic characters. I mean, one particular character takes a whole lot of damage/injuries but still manages to do what they planned on doing. I know that in movies the characters get stronger and all,Good movie with some funny laughs and unrealistic characters. I mean, one particular character takes a whole lot of damage/injuries but still manages to do what they planned on doing. I know that in movies the characters get stronger and all, but this one example was quite unrealistic (you would know why if you watched it). The two korean actors did well and were pretty funny, and the CG effects were not bad at all.

The ending was poor in my opinion, but the travel through the train and interaction between characters was mildly to very entertaining. Although the train rooms designed were highly unrealistic, I thought they were really cool and showed some great contrast between society as we know it today. Interesting plot twists present too.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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6

EisboerAug 15, 2021

I love the idea, but the presentation is boring. The story has so much depth and possibilities that it's a shame this is just another action movie. I didn't watch this to see people fighting, I was intrigued by the display of this freshI love the idea, but the presentation is boring. The story has so much depth and possibilities that it's a shame this is just another action movie. I didn't watch this to see people fighting, I was intrigued by the display of this fresh dystopian scenario. In the end I'm not even sure what this movie is trying to tell me. It seems someone had this interesting background story idea and others filled the space with random stuff happening only so we can see the whole train before the end credits are rolling.

In short: for anyone who is interested in the story part, you will be disappointed.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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6

McGillotineJan 16, 2016

I can say without a doubt the film Snowpiecer is the hardest film i have ever had to review to date. Where on one hand the film can be argued as a masterpiece, it can be put forward as a equally valid argument that the film is a complete andI can say without a doubt the film Snowpiecer is the hardest film i have ever had to review to date. Where on one hand the film can be argued as a masterpiece, it can be put forward as a equally valid argument that the film is a complete and utter catastrophe and i find myself somewhere down the middle in my opinion of the dystopian sci-fi flick

Based on a french graphic novel, Bong Joon-ho, the films director presents a grim view of the earths future one in which a preventative against global warming results in entirely new ice age in which humanity's numbers have become limited and the lines of social hierarchy have become ever so clear demonstrated by the living standards of each section of the train with the compartments closest to the front of the train being dedicated to the rich while the compartments closest to the back represent the poor junctions of this almost monarchical society.

Where this film carries strong performances by Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton and Ed Harris in this cold and cruel makeshift world with stunning imagery, it is the moral agenda of the film that is its main fall, when it decides to introduce the questions is mankind worth saving? and what is the value of a human soul? all culminating towards an ending that is bleak and most of all frustrating, justified by the fact that it was a deserved ending. The problem with this question, its repetitive nature in which i am left sick and tired of it being asked in the first place as i find myself wanting an ending in which is more so logical than it is ethical which this film fails to presents… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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6

MaxPayneIsGodApr 15, 2018

Slightly above average post-apocalyptic sci-fi. The whole movie is telegraphed and highly predictable if you are familiar with the video game BioShock.
The acting is sub-par especially after taking into consideration who some of the castSlightly above average post-apocalyptic sci-fi. The whole movie is telegraphed and highly predictable if you are familiar with the video game BioShock.
The acting is sub-par especially after taking into consideration who some of the cast members are and what they are capable of. Chris Evans, well, I bet he's glad he got the Cap role.
The fight scenes are campy as hell and appear to be shot on a tiny budget.
Overall its not as smart as it thinks it is and I simply cannot recommend this to anyone.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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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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6

HotelCentralApr 9, 2019

I give this film a 6 because I watched it through to the end and I can't tell you why I devoted the time. I guess because it was there.

The film is basically preposterous. If the "train" had been built on the scale of a cruise ship itI give this film a 6 because I watched it through to the end and I can't tell you why I devoted the time. I guess because it was there.

The film is basically preposterous. If the "train" had been built on the scale of a cruise ship it might've had enough "wow" to gain some credibility. If the whole affair had been scripted by Orson Welles it might've had verisimilitude and certainly a sled named Rosebud might've come in handy. As it is the thing comes off as another half-baked Ridley Scott fx production that's eminently forgettable, and I only mention Scott because he has become my own personal standard for half-baked ideas.

There's some real acting talent here, not the least of whom is John Hurt, but it's not enough to rescue a production that belongs on a shelf somewhere between The Cannonball Run and Mad Max: Death to a Furious Franchise.

Give it a 6.5 if you like things dark and gloomy. Give it a 7 if you like lots of blood.… Expand

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6

MariaKoDec 28, 2015

''Snowpiercer'': a movie that covers the specifications of what we call a ''Sci-Fi'' movie. A film, which undoubtedly reminds us ''The Day after Tomorrow''. It is understandable since the very beginning that the film covers the environmental''Snowpiercer'': a movie that covers the specifications of what we call a ''Sci-Fi'' movie. A film, which undoubtedly reminds us ''The Day after Tomorrow''. It is understandable since the very beginning that the film covers the environmental realm, as well as the political, too. All these combined with the struggle of survival, which battle of survival has definitely ''borrowed'' fighting elements from the ''Hunger Games''.

Moving on, the direction is such that directly emphasizes an otherworldly feeling. ''Snowpiercer'' is another film that strikes the audience with its ''bizzare'' cast, referring to the supporting roles. A cast that reminds the cast of ''Cloud Atlas''.

Regarding the plot, it is unique in the fact that while the central axis remains the same, the wagons in which the action unfolds, in reality ''cuts'' the plot in pieces; in different pieces. The plot can be considered as a puzzle. As the wagons have a different and unpredictable content, and due to the fact that they can be connected or disconnected each other, the plot is written in exact the same way.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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6

hugoferreiraOct 31, 2019

Any good director has a less accomplished film that it's still good and above average. Scorsese with Gangs of New York, Spielberg with the last Indiana Jones, Nolan with Insomnia and for Bong's case is this one. It's still a pretty good filmAny good director has a less accomplished film that it's still good and above average. Scorsese with Gangs of New York, Spielberg with the last Indiana Jones, Nolan with Insomnia and for Bong's case is this one. It's still a pretty good film but when the bar is so high you fell the difference. It tries really hard but in my opinion it falls short and you're left in the end with a little mess of a film. Still as I said, pretty good one.… Expand

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6

DawdlingPoetNov 22, 2021

May I start off by saying that Tilda Swintons character, Mason, is creepy as all heck. This is a bleak and grim dystopian thriller with very much a them vs us feel to it - the well-off (i.e. upper class people) and the 'regular joe's' (i.e.May I start off by saying that Tilda Swintons character, Mason, is creepy as all heck. This is a bleak and grim dystopian thriller with very much a them vs us feel to it - the well-off (i.e. upper class people) and the 'regular joe's' (i.e. working class people) - that would be a simplified description. The main plot concept is a little 'out there' its safe to say - im not sure its especially credible but then I don't suppose its meant to be. Some scenes are darkly lit and others feature many vibrant, almost neon colours, with the contrast between dark and light very clearly put across. Of course its a somewhat symbolic film - quite an arty film at that, I guess. Its a relatively good watch, with some interesting characters and a good cast but the plot concept is a bit hard to get your head around. I would recommend this film to fans of dystopian sci-fi films.… Expand

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6

JordanLaytonApr 28, 2020

This film is a bit of a mess, but its a east an interesting mess. Snowpiercer is the movie about the remnants of humanity living on a nonstop train, separated by class level from the back to the front. Right off the bat, you have a KoreanThis film is a bit of a mess, but its a east an interesting mess. Snowpiercer is the movie about the remnants of humanity living on a nonstop train, separated by class level from the back to the front. Right off the bat, you have a Korean filmmaker writing dialogue for English-speaking actors. Having watched Parasite so recently, you can tell wasn't much effort put into culturally translating the feel of the dialogue. Korean speech when directly translated to English comes off quite a bit more matter of fact and to the point than spoken English and I think this is the cause for some of the clunky dialogue. Of course, dialogue is a two-way street between the page the performer; and I found most of the performances in this film to be lacking. Putting aside dialogue, there are a whole bunch of holes and inconsistencies in this script. Unexplainable and illogical character actions abound in the name of moving the plot forward and in some cases, in the name of enhancing the production design. However, incredible production design IS probably the best reason I can give to watch this movie. Every train car the characters move through is completely, purposefully, beautifully crafted.
Shaky cam, over-editing, and a sloppily applied score are some other surface-level issues I have. You can see pieces of Bong Joon Ho's direction in this, but I think a lot of it was lost in translation. Still worth a watch and its on Netflix rn if you need some more Captain America welding an ax in your life.… Expand

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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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5

drlowdonMay 19, 2022

After a failed attempt to stop global warming, the Earth freezes and the only survivors live aboard a high-tech train that continually orbits the planet. Within the train a strict class system exists, and the passengers in the lower-classAfter a failed attempt to stop global warming, the Earth freezes and the only survivors live aboard a high-tech train that continually orbits the planet. Within the train a strict class system exists, and the passengers in the lower-class tail-section have decided it’s time they start to fight back against those keeping them oppressed. In all honesty I found Snowpiercer to be a bit of a mess. If you stop for even a second to think about what is going on, it pretty quickly becomes clear that it makes very little sense. The script, that takes aim at the class systems that exist within our society, is also so incredibly heavy handed that not even talented actors like John Hurt or Chris Evans can really sell it. Despite all this Snowpiercer does briefly entertain on occasions, and if you can switch off your brain for a couple of hours you may find something to enjoy.… Expand

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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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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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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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5

jcasetnlJan 17, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Wow, did y'all see the same movie I did? How does a train run for 17 years without any track maintenance? How is Ed Harris eating a steak? I didn't see any cows on the train. Beyond these holes so big you could drive a train through them (HAHA), what's leftover is teenage-level social commentary about how "Everyone has their place" and the train is a big metaphor for society. So clever. So subtle. Unfortunately, in the end, the train is destroyed and almost everyone dies. The two loan survivors are a kid and a drug addict. They see a polar bear, roll credits. Seriously, that's the ending. So, I guess the ending actually validates that the social structure of the train, despite all its evils, was necessary to maintain a stable society and keep it from going off the tracks, literally.

Going in I knew nothing about this film. I honestly thought while watching that it was a high-grade B movie and talent like Ed Harris deigned to do some indie studio a favor. Then I come to Metacritic and see it got an 84! Seriously, what movie were you people watching and/or what drugs were you smoking?… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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5

SchnitzelPoofNov 25, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. So, what did I just watch? I guess that if the movie tried to make the point that you shouldn't try to mess with the climate, because you'd destroy the planet, and then the polar bears would eat the remaining few survivors, then yes, it has a good message.
The woman that looked just liked a top EU bureaucrat, and told folks to know their place, really did remind me of the actual EU and how it treats common Europeans that dare to question its elitist decisions.
Now, I know the director thought he was creating yet another socialist-environmentalist preaching, but like all socialists, his understanding of the world is that of a child, so I can only value his art as unintentionally comedic. Other than that, I guess the people with socks over their eyes and night-vision gear looked pretty menacing, and Ed Harris seems to be the same character everywhere now, but he's Ed Harris, so it evens out.
I hope there would be a sequel, though, with the suited mid-life man who looks like another EU bureaucrat returning from the dead again, and murdering everyone with his hands. He was a riot.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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5

FranzHcriticJan 31, 2015

The film was smart, suspenseful, and cunning, boasting surprising dramatic acting from its lead and the supporting cast. However, though I won't spoil it, the ending was like the middle finger was shoved down my throat through my gapingThe film was smart, suspenseful, and cunning, boasting surprising dramatic acting from its lead and the supporting cast. However, though I won't spoil it, the ending was like the middle finger was shoved down my throat through my gaping shocked mouth. The ending ruins the film, for me, at least. And there was a lack on continuity, the plot holes, that basically stifled the acting. Script needed so much more work. This film was underdeveloped.… Expand

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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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5

JohnnyV2Jun 30, 2014

I really didn't like this movie. With all the critical acclaim and knowing the director and many of the actors, I was really excited to see it. I can't remember the last time I was this disappointed. I normally despise the critics who justI really didn't like this movie. With all the critical acclaim and knowing the director and many of the actors, I was really excited to see it. I can't remember the last time I was this disappointed. I normally despise the critics who just seem like they want to disagree with the masses, but I really don't see what was so great about this movie.

The idea was good, the acting was good, the fight scenes were great. Sounds like a good recipe for Sci-Fi action. However, I could never decide if the movie was taking itself seriously or not, which I think is a very bad thing for a film. It switched between being part of a Willy Wonka musical number to a gritty fight from Gangs of New York in an instant, and I just couldn't settle in to a feeling. It didn't seem like anyone in the movie was all that concerned about what was going on. I found the plot entirely predictable as well.… Expand

3 of 10 users found this helpful37

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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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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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5

lazoomusicJan 20, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I heard this movie got five stars, etc., and my wife and I love sci-fi and Chris Evans -- but we were disappointed. Great premise, but the gulf between the rich and poor classes was portrayed much better and in a less preachy manner in 2013's sci-fi masterpiece, "Elysium." Way too much violence, in my opinion. It was not all necessary. Curtis being "chosen" as the leader by Wilfred (and the so-called "twist" near the end when this is revealed) was not at all believable: Wilfred would have chosen someone from the "elite" class as his replacement -- not someone from the lower class. Didn't buy it. And... what happened at the end? We are left hanging. Were there any other survivors of the train wreck? Are those teen/child characters supposed to represent "Adam and Eve" and the future of humanity? We as an audience, who have been so wrapped up in Curtis' story and his triumph in finally reaching the engine want to know: what happened to him?? Can we at least see him lying dead in the snow for closure? Final grade for this movie: C+… Expand

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5

aurora1Jun 5, 2015

Overrated, boring, appealing only to those who are not familiar with other dystopic and better films - even too easy to quote Soylent Green. The idea of a train as a generation vehicle finds a more interesting predecessor in the short storyOverrated, boring, appealing only to those who are not familiar with other dystopic and better films - even too easy to quote Soylent Green. The idea of a train as a generation vehicle finds a more interesting predecessor in the short story "Universe" by Robert Heinlein, where "home" was a starship. I just liked the idea of carriages as a metaphor of social classes (first class, second class...) and played as the next level of a videogame.… Expand

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5

JeanDuchampJan 10, 2018

Another highly overrated bungled flick. I think, even Charles Chaplin in "Modern Times" depicted machines more accurately! You say, "piercing the snow"? But after 18 years of snowfall, the snow would be dozens meters deep, not a couple ofAnother highly overrated bungled flick. I think, even Charles Chaplin in "Modern Times" depicted machines more accurately! You say, "piercing the snow"? But after 18 years of snowfall, the snow would be dozens meters deep, not a couple of inches! You say it's an allegory for society? Then what society exactly? There is no such society and never was and never could be, because such society would be absolutely unsustainable and counter-productive! It doesn't make any sense at all! What are all these people on the train doing - I mean, usually, when not rebelling and not taking rebels down? What are they eating - I mean, where do all this stuff come from, including insects? Why there are no windows in unprivileged cars? Why no reading, no gaming, no singing? Is it banned? Why? The train never stops, as far as I understand, why so? Why it's always sunny outdoor? It's sunny and it's still bitterly cold winter! Just something exploded eighteen years ago and now we have a beautiful lovely sunny winter! Brilliant! There is not a single touch with the reality! No knowledge, no science, no plausibility, no realism, only thousands of "why" and not a single sustainable "because"! But yes, the beginning was rather promising plus a couple of tense moments... Tilda Swinton was maybe funny, the polar bear wasn't so bad (a single plausible creature in the whole movie, by the way)... So, to sum this up, I think 05/10 would be generous enough, it's not a "must-watch" by no means!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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5

Chempion1Feb 13, 2022

"Сквозь снег", странный фильм. Вроде как триллер с интригой, также присутствуют элементы постапокалипсиса.
И всё бы ничего, но. Меня как то расстроил сюжет фильма. Я не понял, зачем людям отмораживают руки. Я не понял зачем возят по 16 лет в"Сквозь снег", странный фильм. Вроде как триллер с интригой, также присутствуют элементы постапокалипсиса.
И всё бы ничего, но. Меня как то расстроил сюжет фильма. Я не понял, зачем людям отмораживают руки. Я не понял зачем возят по 16 лет в последних вагонах всяких бомжей, при этом раз в несколько лет устраивают у них побеги с массовой бойней, что бы избавиться от лишних ртов. Если из за пятилетних детей, то Вильфорд сам сказал, что поломка для которой они нужны появилась недавно.
Я не понял почему у охранников в самом неспокойном месте (охрана бомжей) нет патронов в автоматах, хотя как выяснилось в поезде этих патронов уйма. Я не понял конец этой эпопеи, зачем было взрывать поезд и убивать всех пассажиров, ведь на улице выжить всё равно невозможно. Кстати о выживании. Если я правильно понял, по отмороженной за 7 минут до состояния сосульки руке, на улице градусов 70 или даже 80 ниже нуля. Поэтому вопрос, как спасшиеся в конце женщина и ребёнок смогли просто дышать на таком морозе? Да у них просто легкие и глаза замёрзли бы. А если на улице теплее? То почему весь мир вымер? При -50 живут люди и не один год, главное древесину достать, а её вокруг до фига.
Ещё я понял, что бомжи в последних вагонах в своё время от голода ели трупы людей, а за тем и просто слабых. Да и просто лишние конечности друг друга. Тот же засланный Гильям отдал свою руку, чтобы ребёнка спасти. Внимание вопрос! Интересно как все эти люди от гангрены не перемёрли в таких антисанитарных условиях?
Короче как по мне, то этот мутноватый фильм напомнил мне другой такой же под названием "Завод". Оба фильма ничем начинаются и заканчиваются тем же. Просто к чему вся возня? В конце выхлоп нулевой.
Советовать ни кому не могу. Скорее всего фильм я просто не понял. Ну или фильм мутный!… Expand

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5

PoitrielJul 20, 2023

Acting and plot is... Questionable. Not a terrible movie but certainly not a good one either so i'm not sure where all the positive reviews are coming from? Overall, this is definitely one of the movies ever made. Poitriel OUT.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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4

victoratorMar 3, 2016

As a fan of a dystopian setting in movies I would say that I kind of enjoyed it in a strange way but to say it was a good movie would be a great overstatement. This is pretty much as stupid as it gets. There are plot holes all over the place.As a fan of a dystopian setting in movies I would say that I kind of enjoyed it in a strange way but to say it was a good movie would be a great overstatement. This is pretty much as stupid as it gets. There are plot holes all over the place. Consider it Mad Max in a train. Very strange and stupid movie. It had some good moments though.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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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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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

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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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4

BlaKDemonaZJul 13, 2015

Filme com uma ideia muito boa, a história interessante e com um ritmo legal, entretanto executado de maneira errada. O filme se perde no final, quebra o sentido da história e estraga a experiencia. Na minha opinião: 4/10.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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4

notlawApr 17, 2015

I had real high hopes for this one. the first half hour of this movie is ok then its starts goin down hill from there and you start to ask yourself WTF????? it goes from one ridiculous seen to another there are moments that are ok but thenI had real high hopes for this one. the first half hour of this movie is ok then its starts goin down hill from there and you start to ask yourself WTF????? it goes from one ridiculous seen to another there are moments that are ok but then just get ruined by all the crap goin on. Chris evans doesnt give a bad performance considering what he has to work with but he certainly isnt at his best. As many other people have mentioned there are plot holes aplenty and the ending to the movie is totally rubbish. A bong joon ho film uumm i think bong is certainly the right name for him because he and his minions must of been stoned as hell when they came up with this one.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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4

TrailesqueApr 2, 2018

This dystopian sci-fi thriller (based on a French comic book) has a weird but interesting premise. In an attempt to control global warming, humanity has released a chemical into the environment that instead brought on a new ice age. What isThis dystopian sci-fi thriller (based on a French comic book) has a weird but interesting premise. In an attempt to control global warming, humanity has released a chemical into the environment that instead brought on a new ice age. What is left of the human race circles the globe in a huge train, with the losers in the back and the elite in the front carriages. A group in the back decides it is time for some class warfare and pushes their way forward, with things getting weirder as they go, until they encounter the head engineer (Ed Harris, not one of his best roles). The effects are cool, but the film is marred by constant, numbing violence and grim, comic book ideas and dialogue.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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4

AlBal665Apr 18, 2020

I just really couldn’t get past the ludicrous premise of a perpetual motion train in a perpetual ice age. There were some heavy handed aspects of class equality etc but it wasn’t anywhere near as good as the critics made out.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

JJ2FAS4UDec 30, 2021

----------------------------------4.4/10-----------------------------------

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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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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3

bananaoctopusJun 30, 2014

I was very excited by this film, and impressed by the first 10-15 minutes. As the story developed though, it just got painfully stupid. I think the idea behind the film is excellent, it's just been very poorly executed.

26 of 40 users found this helpful2614

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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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3

gameofthrones95Jul 1, 2014

If this video wasn't talking to me about global warming every 10 minutes, I would have given it a 5/10 but it is! It can't help itself! I am sick of the message, and sick of the fact that every critic and news channel LOVES global warmingIf this video wasn't talking to me about global warming every 10 minutes, I would have given it a 5/10 but it is! It can't help itself! I am sick of the message, and sick of the fact that every critic and news channel LOVES global warming dogma. Get real, there is very little people can do to slow global warming.… Expand

4 of 17 users found this helpful413

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3

TheMetacritiqerJul 15, 2014

Snowpiercer is simply one of the worst movies I have ever seen.The plot is simply a familiar idea on a a train. I didn't care about the characters at all and some were quite annoying. The main fight scene was simply actors hacking at eachSnowpiercer is simply one of the worst movies I have ever seen.The plot is simply a familiar idea on a a train. I didn't care about the characters at all and some were quite annoying. The main fight scene was simply actors hacking at each other with rubber axes making unconvincing foley. What a waste of time. Edit 1/17/2019:I took out the part where i mock it for showing a polar bear at the end, apparently showing that it had a message of global warming. And after just seeing a picture of a nearly skeletal, mal-nourished polar bear, I regret it.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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3

ryecaJun 27, 2014

Ditto on being shocked at good reviews. Snowpiercer is not worth your money. The dialogue seems to have been written by grade school children, which doesn't leave much room for quality acting. The characters are Brazil / Gilliam campy but notDitto on being shocked at good reviews. Snowpiercer is not worth your money. The dialogue seems to have been written by grade school children, which doesn't leave much room for quality acting. The characters are Brazil / Gilliam campy but not as interesting (partly due to the awful dialogue). Also, the plot is recycled from already recycled dystopias and is very predictable. Ok, are you here for action then? Well, you can basically just throw away the fighting scenes, which also seem recycled from other, better Korean films. Do we really need another axe-fight scene? Do we really need another dystopian film of this type and quality? The plot holes are mind-blowing even if you suspend disbelief, the acting is poor, the characters are random and disposable, and the plot is as dumb as a couch. The movie seems like a live action manga remake of the worst kind.… Expand

29 of 56 users found this helpful2927

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3

FudlianJun 30, 2014

OK I've given this a 3 because it tried to be original and daring. It tried too hard though and it ends up as an unfortunate attempted cross between Brazil and any dumb action movie that you can name. I was disappointed because I liked TheOK I've given this a 3 because it tried to be original and daring. It tried too hard though and it ends up as an unfortunate attempted cross between Brazil and any dumb action movie that you can name. I was disappointed because I liked The Host a lot but the dialogue here is poor, there is no characterisiation and the movie swings again and again from gory action to poorly-judged surreality to the detriment of both. the problem is that action movies demand one kind of logic, quirky surrealist fantasies another, and this film has none.… Expand

19 of 35 users found this helpful1916

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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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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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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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3

MowhaughJan 18, 2016

I really can't understand the praises for this film. I was really looking forward watching this movie, people talking about a magnificent metaphor of our world, with so much good positive feedback. I was really disappointed. First of all, itI really can't understand the praises for this film. I was really looking forward watching this movie, people talking about a magnificent metaphor of our world, with so much good positive feedback. I was really disappointed. First of all, it takes so much time to introduce what this is all about, what we're talking about. Then we understand so easily what it's going to be, a path through different stages of the train. The movie doesn't surprise us even once. What a script. The characters express nothing, we can't show any empathy. There are inconsistencies everywhere you can't focus on the story. But above all, this film is a compilation of all the clichés and stereotypes of the cinema. I had the feel that i was watching like a b movie sometime. The storyline itself is predictable, some action and supposed "tragic" scenes are scenes we have seen over and over again in so much movies it's sometime laughable. Finally, we get some "explanation", some kind of moral lesson about our society. It wants us to realize through this moral metaphor that there are different social class in this world, what a surprise. Sadly, despite all the willingness i had to tell myself it can't be that dull, it has to have a deeper reflection, they just leave you with a botched ending. More than disappointed.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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3

Gulla1Dec 30, 2019

This is A film like The train in The movie. Going nowhere. Boring and not worth using your time on.
If you don’t like trains and living in a small place.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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3

SteprockJun 20, 2019

SUCH an overrated film. It's bleak for the sake of being bleak and violent for the sake of being violent. It plays out like a video game with waves of bad guys and bosses who just keep coming. It pretends to be deep or have some broaderSUCH an overrated film. It's bleak for the sake of being bleak and violent for the sake of being violent. It plays out like a video game with waves of bad guys and bosses who just keep coming. It pretends to be deep or have some broader message, but it's so obvious that only a dullard would find it truly meaningful. The first 45 minutes were really solid, but it started to repeat itself after that.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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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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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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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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2

andreweacJun 28, 2014

No idea why this film is getting so many insanely positive reviews. Way too many plot aspects that did not tie together, the unnecessary addition of woo and supernatural elements that did nothing to advanced the story and a lot of suspectNo idea why this film is getting so many insanely positive reviews. Way too many plot aspects that did not tie together, the unnecessary addition of woo and supernatural elements that did nothing to advanced the story and a lot of suspect acting. Good idea for a film, poorly executed. Script seemed like it wasn't even edited. Strange.… Expand

28 of 42 users found this helpful2814

All this user's reviews

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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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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2

MunknjetMar 22, 2021

While it isn't nearly as good as the critics claim, snowpiercer has some great acting, visuals and it started off great. However the long, confusing message that was trying to be portrayed could have been put very easier. The film itself isWhile it isn't nearly as good as the critics claim, snowpiercer has some great acting, visuals and it started off great. However the long, confusing message that was trying to be portrayed could have been put very easier. The film itself is just bland and has little to no redeeming qualities, the characters sometimes bland and uninteresting. The unnecessary gore and confusing story is too much for one film to handle. The ending was garbage and had it been put out better, this movie could have been a lot better. However, the acting in itself was great and comparison theories about this being connected to a certain film are also great. Despite this, snowpiercer on it's own is just boring, unessecary and somewhat of a waste of time. If you dislike complex movies that try too much and fall short, Snowpiercer isn't for you. To put it short and simple- Snowpiercer is confusing, long, and tries to do to much with the boundaries of trying to convey a political message and still remain a film, and the plot points making little to no sense. This just wasn't for me.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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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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1

stoutcarrotMar 15, 2015

Snowpiercer is thrilling for the first half hour or so, until the plot starts to make less and less sense and concludes with no sort of tie in or message. Rampant plot holes, piss poor CGI, mediocre acting and a lame story that leaves youSnowpiercer is thrilling for the first half hour or so, until the plot starts to make less and less sense and concludes with no sort of tie in or message. Rampant plot holes, piss poor CGI, mediocre acting and a lame story that leaves you asking yourself "Why did I watch this movie?"… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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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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1

3ebfan511Aug 12, 2015

One of the worst films I have ever seen in my entire life. I was bored within the first 10 minutes and had to turn it off. It didn't get much better, only more stupid. The most painfully obvious metaphor in film history which is repeatedOne of the worst films I have ever seen in my entire life. I was bored within the first 10 minutes and had to turn it off. It didn't get much better, only more stupid. The most painfully obvious metaphor in film history which is repeated for about 2 hours for the most dumbed-down film going audience in world history. If you thought this film had any "deep" meaning I have true concern for your brain.… Expand

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

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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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1

bob516Apr 11, 2021

The implausibility of the entire premise made it impossible for me to suspend disbelief. At times I didn't know if the movie was a farce or just plain stupid.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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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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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

All this user's reviews

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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1

slimbillFeb 14, 2015

A total waste of my two hours! Surprised it got such a high score on Metacritic! These overpaid critics have lost their minds. Don't waste your time seeing this movie. Its pure ****

6 of 7 users found this helpful61

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1

Bobo5Sep 22, 2015

I tried to watch this movie a good 5 times but kept shutting it off after 15 minutes or so. Just not compelling in the least. While Tilda Swinton did a good, if "Hunger Games" inspired job, the rest of the cast sucked, the plot sucked, theI tried to watch this movie a good 5 times but kept shutting it off after 15 minutes or so. Just not compelling in the least. While Tilda Swinton did a good, if "Hunger Games" inspired job, the rest of the cast sucked, the plot sucked, the movie sucked, point blank. There were good special effects but everything else was ponderous, over-important and just plain did not work. I love movies of all kinds but I surely hated this one.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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1

docdaneekaMay 26, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The scariest thing about the film was that there were only 2 cigarettes left on earth. Childish, senseless plot and dialogue and unbelieveable 'battles'. A low point for high paid actors. Do not bother watching, dire start to end… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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1

Sonic1Jan 8, 2018

This is my first movie review, because I dont agree with this metascore at all. This movie is manipulating because it doesn't reflect the complexity of inequality in our world at all. It doesn't empower people, but takes your money, this isThis is my first movie review, because I dont agree with this metascore at all. This movie is manipulating because it doesn't reflect the complexity of inequality in our world at all. It doesn't empower people, but takes your money, this is just my opinion. Education can empower but the movie doesn't show constructive solutions. The idea to place a world inside a train is good. I give a low score because of the high review score I cannot understand. If you want to learn something constructive check out the UN SDGs or Le Monde diplomatique for example or the World Economic Forum (Example of a good movie: Spirited Away or HOME from Yann Arthus - Bertrand) Invest the money and time you would pay for this movie in something that helps people and reduces inequality. It's good to have movies that let us think about this topic, but they should be on a higher level… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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1

icotzabbDec 31, 2022

Perhaps the most inane and poorly written dialogue of all time. Laughable CG. And so, so many drawn out scenes to inflate the runtime.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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1

Seminole58Jun 7, 2020

Horrible plot and script. Do not recommend. Why does anyone like this movie... Faith lost in meta critic user reviews.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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0

manwe7Mar 1, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This has to be one of the worst movies I have ever seen. Lets start with the plot, or lack of it. Dumbest idea ever. How could you build a train track in harsh environment like that if they couldn't even go out in it? Not only that but the train never stopped and went around the world? Land masses don't connect! There is a plot hole. Who could sit 18 years in one little cramped space such as they were in? Not only that everyone dies except 2 people at the end. HORRIBLE HORRIBLE movie.

Stupid critics the only reason why they liked it as I suppose this is supposed to be imitating life?? I guess if your a gay critic who jumps on board with everyone else or you live in a world where there is no hope, this movie is for you!… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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0

heloheJul 3, 2014

It is not understandable how this movie can get such good reviews. It is almost as if those people saw a completely different movie. The one I saw was bad in almost every regard. Acting was the worst, followed by insanely bad CGI. Plot holesIt is not understandable how this movie can get such good reviews. It is almost as if those people saw a completely different movie. The one I saw was bad in almost every regard. Acting was the worst, followed by insanely bad CGI. Plot holes and predictable story from beggining to end. Don't waste your money for this.… Expand

23 of 40 users found this helpful2317

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