The story of the Snowpiercer is set against a backdrop where the world is buried under ice and life below minus 100 degrees is impossible. A train with plus-minus 1,000 carriages and around 7,000 people, who are probably the last in the world. Only this train, which has been traveling non-stop around the world for seven years, guarantees their survival.
A small world of its own, created by people on a single train. And how should it be when humans rule - even among the last survivors there is oppression and class society.
This is also the central theme of the series. There is a four-class society. The stark contrasts between them reflect the enormous differences in wealth in our society today. The lowest class is called the tail and if you are the "last", you live crammed into wagons without windows, without adequate health care, are always hungry, treated like garbage and always mercilessly oppressed. In contrast, at the top are the elite, the rich, who live at the expense of the "lower" and have a good time. But always with the fear of rebellion breathing down their necks. In order to preserve "their order", the elite use very brutal means.
The constant inhumane state of affairs reinforces a revolutionary uprising. This is also where one of the main characters comes into play, Andre Layton, superbly played by Daveed Diggs, becomes the leader and mouthpiece of the "Tailies" (as the 4th class is called). He was a detective in his former life and as he is the only one among all the passengers, he is called to the higher classes for a murder investigation. However, this is only to be seen as a device to move the plot forward. This is not a crime series.
Against a fantastic backdrop, which is realized in so many ways in this train, the character development of various figures plays the actual main role. There is so much love in the decor and scenery of the train, down to the smallest detail, that my heart beat faster. From the gloomy, makeshift tail carriages, to the night carriage reminiscent of the 1940s, to the increasingly opulent first-class carriages. The costumes and make-up also deserve special mention here, as do the effects. Atmospherically incredibly well done. You can perhaps complain a little about the CGI when it comes to the exterior shots and the landscapes. But we didn't mind, because the focus is on the inside of the train.
Above all, the greatest strength of this series is the development of many individual characters. Because alongside the main actors, such as Daveed Diggs and Jennifer Connelly, who also shines in her role as "Melanie Cavill". Her acting is terrific and she always has a poker face, so you never know where you stand with her. In addition, the villain "Wilford" is superbly embodied by Sean Bean. But I especially took "Ruth" (Alison Wright) to my heart, what a rollercoaster of emotions she gave me and in the end she burned herself into my heart forever. You grow closer and closer to so many characters, they are so multi-layered that there is something for everyone and you feel, suffer and rejoice with them. Even the smallest supporting roles (like little Winnie) were absolutely convincing and inspiring.
A perfect blend of high-quality images and a score that always emphasizes the respective situation. The story offers a deep and multi-layered characterization that knows how to inspire. Especially during the last few minutes at the end of the third season, "L. J. Folger" had us in tears.
We devoured the series. It kept us glued to the television from the very first minute. With every new development, every new question, we wanted to know what would happen next. Even though I knew beforehand that "Snowpiercer" probably wouldn't answer all the questions, I'm more than happy that I didn't let that put me off. Because luckily there were no huge cliffhangers to leave you behind. Although I am more than mad at the production company (TNT) for finishing a fourth season - but not airing it to save on taxes and loving to write the project off as a loss. It's a disservice to the fans of the show, as well as the many actors who put their hearts into it.
I haven't seen the 2013 movie myself and therefore have no comparison. But I believe that in a series with 30 episodes of 45 minutes each, a deeper connection and character development can take place than in a movie. The series is also not primarily about the dangers of uncontrolled climate change, but about human society with its strengths and weaknesses.
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Conclusion:
Outstanding - I would never have thought that a series over three seasons that ONLY takes place in one go could be so gripping. Great dystopia / SyFi series that shows the human and social abysses, but also hopeful developments against an opulent backdrop. It is entertaining, exciting and thought-provoking.
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