The structure of the story may not sound very original

Snowpiercer is a special film in several respects. So it is a high-concept science fiction film produced independently, on a budget of "only" $ 40 million. The film is a cultural melting pot: based on a French grapic novel, directed by Korean Joon-Ho Bong and several major Hollywood stars such as Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, Jamie Bell and John Hurt in the lead roles. But what Snowpiercer particularly special is that it is an action movie that takes the time to put interesting characters and its audience approached intelligently.

The story of Snowpiercer takes place in 2031, seventeen years after a failed experiment has created a new ice age. Due to the cold is extinct the majority of the human race, apart from a small group of survivors on board of an enormous train called the Snowpiercer. The people on the train are divided into classes: the rich sit in the front, back of the arms. The people in the back are suppressed by the elite in the front wagon and soon breaks off a revolt. Led by Curtis (Chris Evans) and Giliam (John Hurt), the rebels are trying to get to the locomotive, but they are thwarted by Mason (Tilda Swinton) and its soldiers to do everything to stop the rebels.

The structure of the story may not sound very original, but it is told so deftly that you hardly through. The film wasting in early little time with unnecessary explanations and the story is fast going. There is a perfect balance in the film between the thrilling action scenes and the quieter moments in which we learn more about the characters. Each character is competently put down by the various actors, Chris Evans plays fine as serious and troubled leader Curtis and John Hurt is well versed in the old way "Obi-Wan Kenobi' role of Giliam. Especially Tilda Swinton throwing out all the stops as the power-hungry Mason and her over-the-top acting, she puts down a great villain. In addition, the American cast is completed by two well-known Korean actors. Kang-Ho Song and Ah-sung Ko excel as two drug-addicted technicians Curtis just want to help as they receive each time drugs.

However, the main character in the film is the titular train where everything is happening. The train is portrayed as a self-contained ecosystem, where each car has its own function. During Curtis search for the locomotive he passes several carriages, each designed and devised very inventive. The production design of the film is therefore exceptionally high level and director Bong Joon-Ho (The Host which previously made) it brings all in a brilliantly displayed. Especially fans of BioShock for example, will enjoy dystopian world that is put in the film. The various action scenes are beautifully filmed. Essentially an action scene where the train goes through a tunnel, is one of the highlights of the film.

In the third act, the film turns down a gear and the story will be completed in a very competent manner. Some will find sociopolitical criticism made is perhaps too flashy and loaded with the film, but it is very commendable that the film anyway to venture here. In addition, show the different CGI-images of the outside of the train is clear that the film is made with a limited budget. Nevertheless, it is amazing what all have managed to achieve the filmmakers with such a limited budget.

Snowpiercer is a movie that puts you think, but also thrilling action scenes does that make you two hours sitting on the edge of your seat. The film is wonderful designed, beautifully portrayed and put all the actors fine performances down. It's the kind of movie we only see little, one that knows how to entertain and also thought-provoking.