Snowpiercer: Volume 1: The Escape

From fearsome engine to final car, all surviving human life is here: a complete hierarchy of the society we lost.

The elite, as ever, travel in luxury at the front of the train – but for those in the rear coaches, life is squalid, miserable and short. Now the poor have had enough: it’s time to seize control of the engine – and their future!

Writer:

Jacques Lob

Artist:

Jean-Marc Rochette

Publisher:

Titan Comics

Film adaptations come thick and fast these days. From superhero movies to more esoteric tastes, the comic book adaptation is a hot property if dealt with properly. Through a bizarre sequence of circumstances, the English translation of Snowpiercer in the UK has arrived after the release of the film (itself crippled after the director refused to play Hollywood politics). I'm very happy to say that the wait was worth it.

Set in a future where the remainder of humanity is crammed onto a single train that travels endlessly around a world endlessly trapped in snow and ice, the entire scenario is pure science fiction. Dealing in a scenario that is more metaphor than something trying to be realistic, it's a novel that is talking about class and how it ties into society, something that cuts across the many cultural borders that exist in the world and I'm pretty sure is relatable to anyone.

Rochette's artwork compliments Lob's dialogue very well in telling what it, despite universal themes, still a very French take on the nature of society and how those at the top seek to prey upon those with less than them. It's mired in existentialism throughout, with characters seeking to prove that they should have greater choice and that they aren't defined by where they came from. This holds key to the central character Proloff, who even though everyone tries to pigeonhole as an ignorant savage or a poor oppressed prole, refuses to be reduced to a sum of his parts as he travels further up the train.

Snowpiecer is like that great French novel read or film you saw once, some parts wry fused with a rebel spirit and a sense of anger. As such I can only recommend it. Even if you don't like foreign films and the thought of intellectualism leaves you cold, the books universal themes and appeal should be apparent given the blockbuster adoption.

You should check it out. Not only because it's a statement about today. But because it's a statement about the human condition itself. All wrapped up in story that should make sci-fi fans proud.

Snowpiercer: Volume 1 is available from Titan Comics or your local comics retailer.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this comic for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.

SNOWPIERCER (2013)

Just watched SNOWPIERCER last night with a theater packed kind of making me wonder how a movie that came out in 2013 is finally hitting just a limited number of theaters in 2014. It is not like this movie wasn’t freaking JAMMED with huge stars (Chris Evans, Ed Harris, Alison Pill, Tilda Swinton and freakin John Hurt). This movie is set just 17 years into the future and like in a lot of great sci-fi movies (based on a graphic novel), science has jacked something up trying to make it better. The world as we know it has frozen over and the only thing remaining is a train that is going around the world over and over. Each trip around the world take 1 year and the train is basically like the last stand for humanity and it’s doom at the same time. Exploring some deep society and class separations the story focuses on a group of people lead by Captain America (not really it’s a really grunge-band-ish looking Chris Evans) trying to get to the front of the train so they can take over the engine.

We are given one unsettling view of the society after another but the most disturbing thing of all about this film is that in real life these things a actually happening in one form or another. More than just a movie this film is a superbly honest, sick, sad, hopeful and even sometimes funny look at ourselves as a species. These elements make this movie a MUST watch. There is a TON of violence, but a lot of it is guarded in such a way that it is not going to gore you to death. Swinton should get some kind of award for her performance and Evans is at the top of his game (only maybe the circumstances in the film seem to omit his ability to cry on set). Having said that this film is loaded with brilliance and outstanding performances are flying all over the place. Because this movie came out in 2013 but wasn’t out in American theaters until now, I will have to say it is one of the top 10 films of the year so far. One warning, this movie is NOT predictable by any stretch of the imagination. One minute you might be cracking up and the next minute, people will be freaking the freak out. I give this one a 7 out of 7 for it’s very disturbing yet real and honest view of the desperation all too familiar in today’s world.

Rating Definition : SPECTACULAR GENIUS THAT MAKES OTHER GENIUS’s THINK THEY ARE UN-CREATIVE, this is a movie that if you skip it will actually lessen your lifespan and make your skin dry out. Yeah, I am serious. These films end up on the scale of epic-ness that even giving it a 7 out of 7 seems like a small number. It should be more like an 8 out of 7 sending it straight into the arena of mathematical impossibilities!!!!!!

Snowpiercer

Written by Jeremy JPOOL Colwill

Introduction:

From the director who brought you Memories of Murder (2003), The Host (2006) and Mother (2009) comes a film that takes you on the ride of your life.  South Korean director Bong Joon-ho brings us a film where the world’s living population resides on an ever-moving train.  It’s a dark, twisted and allegorical story and will leave you breathless in the end.

Summary:

The film Snowpiercer is about a post-apocalyptic world that was destroyed by a man-made ice age.

  In 2014, an experiment was conducted to counteract the “global warming” effects on the Earth.  The experiment failed and as a result, the Earth froze over and nearly killed all life.  The remaining survivors boarded a train called the “Snowpiercer” and set off on a globe-spanning track.  The inhabitants were divided into castes and for those without the financial means, found themselves in the tail-end of the train.  While the rich lived lavishly in the front for eighteen years, the poor struggled to survive in the back

.  Many rebellions were started during these years, but they were quickly squashed by the guards.  One man named Curtis Everett (Chris Evans) plans to start his own revolt and make his way to the front of the train.  His loyal friend Edgar (Jamie Bell) has been with Curtis through thick-and-thin and is prepared to do anything to assure this revolt succeeds.

  Along the way, we meet characters like Minister Mason (Tilda Swinton) whose sole-purpose is to delegate and discipline those who do not heed the word of the train’s creator.  We also meet a prisoner named Namgoong Minsu (Song Kang-ho) and his daughter Yona (Go Ah-sung).  Namgoong is a specialist who built the locks for each train section and Curtiss plans to use him to unlock each door.  Wilford is played by Ed Harris and because of his so-called crazy ideas, he might have saved the last remnants of the human race onboard the train.  Each train car holds its' own set of colorful characters, challenges and wonders.  

Will Curtis be able to survive the onslaught of guards and henchman along the way to the front?  Will the revolt be stopped once again and the lower class population reduced once more? 

Critique:

Snowpiercer is an incredible and must-see film.  Its art direction and storyline are top-notch and it’s filled with dark and twisting turns that definitely won’t leave you out in the cold.  Bong Joon-ho has once again demonstrated why he’s one of the best South Korean directors out there.  The cinematography by Hong Kyung-Pyo is breathtaking and it becomes even more visceral with the music by Marco Beltrami.  The story is an allegorical statement on caste systems and how much injustice is placed on the lower castes.  Chris Evans is such an underrated actor, but he shows his true acting chops in this role.  After seeing Tilda Swinton in “Only Lovers Left Alive”, we get to see a more torn-down character that you will love to hate.  Ed Harris’ character Wilfred only appears in the end, but he truly makes a statement in that short amount of time.   Octavia Spencer plays a mother who is desperate to get her son back.  John Hurt plays a character named Gilliam and he has an interesting story-arc.  The only problem I had with the film was the 125 minute run time, but I can forgive it for its engaging storyline and action-packed scenes.  I also felt the school/car scene seemed to drag on longer than it should, but I did enjoy the pay-off.  The ending is something still up for debate, but you might have to watch it a couple of times to fully contemplate the ending's message.   

Rating:

I’ve given this film high praise and in my eyes, it definitely deserves it.  With some incredible action scenes, great dialogue, memorable characters, and a powerful and engaging story, it has definitely made its way to the top of my favorite films of this year.

I give this film 5 out of 5 Stars.

Final thoughts:

Even though this film was originally released in 2013, it has finally made its way over to the States.   I was disappointed to hear that the film was only receiving a limited release in selected theaters.  This film deserves more fan-faire and I’m afraid that it will miss the mark when it comes around to award season.   You should definitely check this film out, if it's available in your area.