Katarzyna Petru
Amazon Prime Video is once again launching a title that cannot be overlooked. Viewers of the service can now watch “Snowpiercer: The Ark of the Future”, a post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller that not only inspired a four-season series but also demonstrated that genre cinema can still surprise. And by the way, this work is by the guest who later won an Oscar for “Parasite”. We are, of course, talking about Bong Joon-ho.
Bong Joon-ho and sci-fi on steroids
“Snowpiercer” is an adaptation of the French comic “Le Transperceneige” and at the same time one of those films that, despite a limited budget, looks like a production costing hundreds of millions. Bong Joon-ho utilised advanced CGI technology and practical special effects, which – combined with brutally stark scenery – create a claustrophobic yet incredibly realistic universe. The film was largely shot in a studio using modular train sets, which gave the creators full control over the camera and lighting. Additionally, modern systems of colour grading were employed for the time, which highlighted the contrast between social classes.
Chris Evans, action and social tensions
On screen appears Chris Evans, who discards the Captain America shield and embodies the character of a leader of a revolution confined to the last carriages of a gigantic train crossing a frozen Earth. The film does not take shortcuts – it is a mix of action cinema, social drama, and dystopian sci-fi that poses more questions than it answers. And it is this atmosphere that led to the creation of a series in 2020, which developed this story over four seasons.
If you haven't seen "Snowpiercer" by now, Prime now gives you the perfect excuse. It’s a great time to catch up on a film that not only received 94% positive reviews from critics but also scored a solid 72% from audiences. The production still looks fresh despite the passage of years – and that’s thanks in part to the technology that was absolutely top-notch at the time.
The Cinema of the Future on a Train Without Brakes
“Snowpiercer: Ark of the Future” is a film that, after years, has not only remained timeless but has also gained value – partly due to the development of high-definition streaming technology. Prime Video presents it in excellent quality, with HDR and surround sound, so it's worth reaching for good headphones or watching it on a larger screen. Because it’s not just a story – it’s a visual ride without holding on.
