Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Brutal post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller has big themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Snowpiercer
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 32 kid reviews
Kids say the film is a thrilling post-apocalyptic sci-fi experience that, while exceptionally engaging, contains significant graphic violence and strong language, making it suitable primarily for older teens and adults. Many find its exploration of class disparity and the brutality of human nature thought-provoking, although it is noted as quite bleak and intense, potentially overwhelming for younger viewers.
- graphic violence
- strong language
- class disparity
- thought-provoking themes
- intense experience
- bleak atmosphere
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In 2031, after an attempt to quell global warming, Earth has become a frozen wasteland, and the only survivors are on board a spectacular, self-sustaining train that speeds continuously around the globe. The denizens of the rear cars are tired of being treated poorly, and talk of a revolution starts stirring. Curtis (Chris Evans) is the natural choice to lead, but they'll need the help of Namgoong (Song Kang-ho) to break through the locked doors, and they'll need extra courage, strength, and cleverness to deal with the hazards and pitfalls that await, and increase, at each level. Curtis could be the first to ever make it to the engine, with the fate of all humanity hanging in the balance.
Is It Any Good?
This is an exceptional sci-fi thriller, worth far more than just its visual effects. One of the world's most talented filmmakers, Korean director Bong Joon-ho (The Host, Mother, etc.) has proved that he can handle varied material that has strong themes with confident pacing and impressive visuals. SNOWPIERCER is a big film with a large cast, but Bong brilliantly juggles fights, characters, and ideas -- including a savvy use of food -- and fits it all succinctly within his amazing visual design and scope.
The movie's dystopian future could have been heavy-handed, but instead it's balanced with equal amounts of intelligence and hope. And, of course, filming in a long, thin corridor could have been repetitive, but the images are constantly striking and surprising. Bong doesn't neglect his cast, either. Song Kang-ho and Ko Ah-sung return from The Host (again playing father and daughter), Evans gives one of his finest performances, and Ed Harris is especially memorable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Snowpiercer's violence. How much of it was necessary to the story? Did it seem excessively gory or brutal?
What's the ultimate reason that the people in the back cars were kept in poverty? Was this a logical decision? Was it best for the largest amount of people, or should they have been helped?
What's the appeal of the post-apocalyptic genre?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 27, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : October 21, 2014
- Cast : Kang-ho Song , Chris Evans , John Hurt , Tilda Swinton , Octavia Spencer
- Director : Bong Joon Ho
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Korean Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Weinstein Co.
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Run time : 126 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence, language and drug content
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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