INTERVIEW | Bong Joon-ho, Director of "Snowpiercer," Commemorative Visit to Japan Interview - Gallery
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INTERVIEW | Bong Joon-ho, Director of "Snowpiercer," Commemorative Visit to Japan Interview - Gallery

Director Bong Joon-ho
Based on the acclaimed French comic "Le Transperceneige," this is Director Bong Joon-ho's first all-English production. © 2013 SNOWPIERCER LTD.CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The story is set in 2031, on an Earth plunged into an ice age. The "Snowpiercer," a train with a perpetual engine, is humanity's last refuge. © 2013 SNOWPIERCER LTD.CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
What's compelling isn't just the narrative, but also the intricate details, like the train completing a full circuit of its 438,000 km track in one year. This lends the film significant credibility.
The entire story unfolds within the train. As Director Bong puts it, "I wanted to pack in everything that could possibly happen on a train." © 2013 SNOWPIERCER LTD.CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
On this train, a modern-day "Noah's Ark," society is divided into the wealthy and the impoverished, each living in separate worlds. Beyond the dramatic plot, the film masterfully uses accumulated details to portray the characters' psychology and daily lives. © 2013 SNOWPIERCER LTD.CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
"Details are something you naturally focus on, even if you don't try. Even small ones, their accumulation forms the film. They are, in essence, the core of the movie, and also the whole."
The story begins with the poor and hungry living in the rearmost cars, suffering discrimination from those in the luxurious front cars, and preparing for revolution. © 2013 SNOWPIERCER LTD.CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
"While this film contains abstract concepts and various messages, I wanted to make it a more physical experience. I wanted the audience to feel the pain along with the characters. For example, in a scene where the privileged class punishes the poor, an arm is extended outside the train and freezes. Then, people in suits tap the frozen arm with a spoon. I included that sound specifically to make the pain felt physically."
"Focusing on details is my way of working, but it's also proof that I'm a bit of a pervert (laughs). It's embarrassing to admit, but I like films that you experience with your body."
The film is also filled with other elements characteristic of the director's style. For instance, the活躍 of ordinary people.
"If someone with superpowers completes a simple mission, it lacks dramatic impact. What I want to depict is the opposite: stories where those without abilities strive earnestly to achieve their mission are the ones I prefer."
The performance of acclaimed South Korean actor Song Kang-ho (right) is also a typical Bong Joon-ho casting choice. Though not on screen for long, he plays a crucial role. In a story about people driven by hatred aiming to destroy the present, he alone envisions a different future. © 2013 SNOWPIERCER LTD.CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
"Among the various characters, Song Kang-ho's role reflects my own feelings. Chris (Evans)'s character is the leader attempting a revolution in this film. He's constantly trying to reach the front cars where the privileged live. Min-su has a completely different vision on another level. I can't say more without spoiling it (laughs). But that's precisely the theme the film explores. What seemed like a wall is actually a door."
Even in an entertainment piece, Bong's films carry a powerful message. Essential to conveying that message is the depiction of human nature. Like his previous works, this film portrays the raw essence of humanity exposed in extreme conditions. © 2013 SNOWPIERCER LTD.CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
"Humans are, in reality, more complex than we think, and there are many inconvenient truths we'd rather not know. Depicting this in a two-hour film is not easy. But just because it's difficult, if we only portray a hypocritical, entertaining spectacle filled with happiness, people will grow tired of movies. I believe we must create courageous films that confront these inconvenient truths, even amidst cinematic excitement."
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INTERVIEW | Bong Joon-ho on 'Snowpiercer': A Gallery to Commemorate His Visit to Japan

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