Humanity In The Film Snowpiercer

In the 2013 film Snowpiercer, humanity is portrayed in a very complex light. The ultra-defined social class system outlined by a person’s place on board the Snowpiercer train gives way to a much deeper meaning than just that of class warfare and social mobility, but to the importance of freedom and why some would risk literally all they have and could ever attain for just the opportunity for freedom. The most recurring line in the film is one variation or another enforcing the idea that everyone occupies a “preordained particular position” and they must remain there to keep the balance correct in order to keep the train moving. This simple idea is the basis for revolt among the tail end passengers. They see no reason they are confined to
The main struggle the revolt faces may seem like it is against the tyrannical Minister Mason and the class system and overbearing leadership she represents, but they are really fighting for freedom. Freedom for opportunity, advancement, and most of all equality. This idea for freedoms is found throughout the film, but is most profound at the scenes toward the ending. Along with the aforementioned dialogue between Wilford and Curtis, the sacrifices Curtis makes in the name of freedom are paramount to this idea being a central and main underlying theme of the film. When Curtis discovers that Timmy, a child taken from the tail at the beginning of the film, is working in the engine of the train he literally sticks his arm in the engine in order to stop cogs from turning to allow Timmy to get out. Curtis again shows his willingness to sacrifice everything for the chance that some might have the opportunity for freedom when he shields Timmy from the explosion destroying and killing everything and everyone on the train (Nam does this for his daughter Yona as well). The sacrifices made in this film in the name of freedom are those of ultimate consequence. The people taking part in the revolt see no other option than, in essence, completely starting over. They gain access to the front of the train, despite literally all the odds being stacked against them, with gates, well-equipped