Wow, just saw this film and it was a fantastic sci-fi film that does what sci-fi does best . . . make us think our own society.
This was in a limited release so if you have the opportunity to see it, go do so immediately. This film was directed by Bong Joon-ho, same director of the South Korean monster flick - The Host. South Korean director, financed in France, with actors such as leading man Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, and John Hurt, this is about as international as it comes. This movie was intended for wide-release but Harvey Weinstein wanted to cut out 20 minutes of the film because he felt mid-western Americans were too stupid for it. The director refused so they only did a limited release. I wouldn't say it was because some would be too stupid, just that some would not understand the controversial topic that arrives at the end involving Chris Evans' past experiences.
So on to the film. Yes, this involves global warming and the effects of trying to stop it, so take it for what you will. In an attempt to stop the warming epidemic, mankind did an experiment that essentially froze the planet. In an attempt to save the last of humanity, a billionaire train addict puts people aboard a train that circles the globe (they explain it, sorta) in an attempt to survive. This plot point alone gives a very surreal fairy tale vibe to what is a dark and twisted society that arises.
Upon boarding the ship, a class/caste system arose leaving people at the back of the train surviving off of protein bars for 18 years. The front parts of the train shift between 40s/50s opulence to futuristic night clubs. Chris Evans and John Hurt are the leaders of the resistance in the back of the train, trying to gain control of the engine, and in effect, the train society itself.
Because we are talking a train here, the director had to get real creative with the action scenes which never got stale in the intimate surroundings and are brutal. But it is the quieter moments this film shines, especially the scenes I suspect Weinstein wanted to cut. Some liken it to the Raid in terms of creativity in fight shots.
The film also has been likened to Terry Gilliam's Brazil, and there is even a slight nod in the names of John Hurt's character.
This film has been doing remarkably well, outselling Iron Man 3 and Transformers Dark of the Moon when it originally came out in Asian countries, no small feat. Because of meddling distributors, a lot of people won't see this until it hits VOD, but I insist you give it a shot if you can at a small cinema, or hopefully when it comes out for home market.
This was in a limited release so if you have the opportunity to see it, go do so immediately. This film was directed by Bong Joon-ho, same director of the South Korean monster flick - The Host. South Korean director, financed in France, with actors such as leading man Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, and John Hurt, this is about as international as it comes. This movie was intended for wide-release but Harvey Weinstein wanted to cut out 20 minutes of the film because he felt mid-western Americans were too stupid for it. The director refused so they only did a limited release. I wouldn't say it was because some would be too stupid, just that some would not understand the controversial topic that arrives at the end involving Chris Evans' past experiences.
So on to the film. Yes, this involves global warming and the effects of trying to stop it, so take it for what you will. In an attempt to stop the warming epidemic, mankind did an experiment that essentially froze the planet. In an attempt to save the last of humanity, a billionaire train addict puts people aboard a train that circles the globe (they explain it, sorta) in an attempt to survive. This plot point alone gives a very surreal fairy tale vibe to what is a dark and twisted society that arises.
Upon boarding the ship, a class/caste system arose leaving people at the back of the train surviving off of protein bars for 18 years. The front parts of the train shift between 40s/50s opulence to futuristic night clubs. Chris Evans and John Hurt are the leaders of the resistance in the back of the train, trying to gain control of the engine, and in effect, the train society itself.
Because we are talking a train here, the director had to get real creative with the action scenes which never got stale in the intimate surroundings and are brutal. But it is the quieter moments this film shines, especially the scenes I suspect Weinstein wanted to cut. Some liken it to the Raid in terms of creativity in fight shots.
The film also has been likened to Terry Gilliam's Brazil, and there is even a slight nod in the names of John Hurt's character.
This film has been doing remarkably well, outselling Iron Man 3 and Transformers Dark of the Moon when it originally came out in Asian countries, no small feat. Because of meddling distributors, a lot of people won't see this until it hits VOD, but I insist you give it a shot if you can at a small cinema, or hopefully when it comes out for home market.
