Snowpiercer (2013)
Bong Joon Ho's visceral, allegorical sci-fi thriller pits the oppressed against the powerful aboard a perpetually moving train in a frozen, dying world.
Snowpiercer - Movie Information
- Original Title: 설국열차
- Release Year: 2013
- Directed by: Bong Joon Ho
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 7m
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: English, French, Japanese, Korean
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 1, 2013 (South Korea - 15), June 27, 2014 (United States - R), July 18, 2014 (Canada), June 22, 2014 (United Kingdom - 15), April 3, 2014 (Germany - 16), October 30, 2013 (France - 12), July 24, 2014 (New Zealand - R16), July 24, 2014 (Australia - MA 15+), July 30, 2015 (Brazil - 16), February 27, 2014 (Italy), May 9, 2014 (Spain - 16)
- Alternative Titles: Крізь сніг (UA), Seolgug Yeolcha (CZ), Snowpiercer (Rompenieves) (ES), Snowpiercer - Le Transperce-neige (CA), Snowpiercer (MX), یخشکن (IR), Сквозь снег (RU), スノーピアサー：2013 (JP)
- Production Companies: Opus Pictures, Moho Film, CJ Entertainment, Union Investment Partners
- Production Countries: South Korea
Snowpiercer - Plot
In a future where a failed global-warming experiment kills off most life on the planet, a class system evolves aboard the Snowpiercer; a train that travels around the globe via a perpetual-motion engine.
Snowpiercer - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the frozen dystopia of Snowpiercer come to life:
Fight your way to the front.
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Snowpiercer - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Bong Joon Ho
Main Cast
- Chris Evans
- Song Kang-ho
- Ed Harris
- John Hurt
- Tilda Swinton
- Jamie Bell
- Octavia Spencer
- Ewen Bremner
- Ko A-sung
- Alison Pill
Writers
- Bong Joon Ho
- Kelly Masterson
Producers
- Jeong Tae-sung
- Steven Nam
- Jeong Won-jo
Snowpiercer - FAQs
What does the ending of Snowpiercer mean?
The ending reveals that the train's ecosystem was deliberately engineered to maintain population control. When Curtis destroys the engine, the train derails, but two survivors emerge into a thawing world — suggesting humanity may rebuild outside the oppressive system. It symbolizes the destruction of a corrupt order as a prerequisite for genuine freedom.
Where can you stream or watch Snowpiercer?
Snowpiercer is available to stream for free on Tubi TV, Hoopla, and Plex Channel. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region.
Is Snowpiercer based on a true story or comic?
Snowpiercer is not based on a true story. It is adapted from the French graphic novel Le Transperce-neige, written by Jacques Lob and illustrated by Jean-Marc Rochette, first published in 1982. Bong Joon Ho and Kelly Masterson co-wrote the screenplay adaptation.
Who are the main actors in Snowpiercer?
Snowpiercer stars Chris Evans as Curtis, Song Kang-ho as Namgoong Minsu, Ed Harris as Wilford, John Hurt as Gilliam, and Tilda Swinton as Mason. The ensemble cast also includes Jamie Bell, Octavia Spencer, Ewen Bremner, Ko A-sung, and Alison Pill.
What is Snowpiercer about?
Set in a frozen post-apocalyptic world, Snowpiercer follows the oppressed tail-section passengers of a globe-circling train as they revolt against the elite front-car dwellers. A fierce class allegory, the film explores inequality, survival, and the corrupting nature of power as Curtis leads a desperate uprising toward the engine.
What is the age rating for Snowpiercer?
Snowpiercer is rated R in the United States for strong violence, language, and some drug content. In the United Kingdom and South Korea it carries a 15 certificate. Other regional ratings include 16 in Germany, Spain, and Brazil, and MA 15+ in Australia.
Did Snowpiercer win any awards?
Snowpiercer earned significant critical acclaim and won multiple awards in South Korea, including several Grand Bell and Blue Dragon Film Awards. It was widely recognized on international critics' year-end lists and is considered one of the finest sci-fi films of the 2010s, cementing Bong Joon Ho's global reputation.
How long is Snowpiercer and when was it released?
Snowpiercer has a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes. It was first released in South Korea on August 1, 2013, and received its US theatrical release on June 27, 2014. The film was directed by Bong Joon Ho and produced by CJ Entertainment and Opus Pictures.
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