“The Polar Express”, 2004
Director: Robert Zemeckis
An animated adventure film that captures the magical journey of a young boy on the Polar Express train to the North Pole. With its stunning visuals and heartwarming story, the film explores the themes of belief and the spirit of Christmas.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Leslie Zemeckis, Eddie Deezen, Nona Gaye, Peter Scolari, Brendan King, Andy Pellick, Josh Eli, Mark Mendonca, Rolondas Hendricks;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: animation, musical, fantasy, comedy, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “The Polar Express” on the website imdb.com
“Snowpiercer”, 2013
Director: Bong Joon-ho
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where Earth's survivors are on a train that perpetually circles the globe, this sci-fi action film delves into class warfare, social injustice, and the fight for survival.
Starring: Chris Evans, Song Kang-ho, Tilda Swinton, Jamie Bell, Octavia Spencer, Ewen Bremner, Alison Pill, Ko Ah-seong, Ed Harris, John Hurt;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: science fiction, action, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 126 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
“Unstoppable”, 2010
Director: Tony Scott
A high-octane action-thriller based on a true story, featuring Denzel Washington and Chris Pine as two railroad workers frantically working to prevent an unmanned, run-away freight train carrying dangerous chemicals from causing a catastrophe.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Chris Pine, Rosario Dawson, Ethan Suplee, Kevin Dunn, Kevin Corrigan, Kevin Chapman, Lew Temple, T.J. Miller, Jessy Schram;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: thriller, action;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Unstoppable” on the website imdb.com
“The Taking of Pelham One Two Three”, 1974
Director: Joseph Sargent
A tense thriller about a New York City subway train hijacked by armed men demanding a ransom, and the subsequent tension-filled negotiations and rescue attempts.
Starring: Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam, Hector Elizondo, Earl Hindman, James Broderick, Dick O'Neill, Lee Wallace, Tom Pedi, Beatrice Winde;
Production year: 1974;
Genre: action, thriller, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 104 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three” on the website imdb.com
“The Great Train Robbery”, 2013
Director: Julian Jarrold, James Strong
Recognized as one of the earliest narrative films, this silent short film portrays the robbery of a locomotive and the ensuing chase, marking a significant moment in cinematic history for its innovative techniques.
Starring: Luke Evans, Jim Broadbent, Paul Anderson, Robert Glenister, Jack Roth, Nicholas Murchie, Martin Compston, Del Synnott, Bethany Muir, Eric Hulme;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, biography, crime;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 177 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
“The Lady Vanishes”, 1938
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this film combines mystery and comedy on a European train where a young woman realizes her fellow passenger has disappeared. The film is celebrated for its suspenseful plot and the director's signature touch.
Starring: Margaret Lockwood, Michael Redgrave, Paul Lukas, May Whitty, Cecil Parker, Linden Travers, Naunton Wayne, Basil Radford, Mary Clare, Emile Boreo;
Production year: 1938;
Genre: thriller, detective;
Age: 12+;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “The Lady Vanishes” on the website imdb.com
Each of these films, while centered around trains, offers viewers completely different experiences and insights, from edge-of-your-seat thrillers to explorations of humanity under extraordinary circumstances.
In conclusion, films about trains encapsulate a diverse range of genres and emotions, from nail-biting suspense in thrillers like “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three” to the heartwarming adventures found in “The Polar Express.” These films utilize the confined and constantly moving environment of trains to develop intense narratives that explore human nature, society, and the unstoppable force of destiny. They prove that trains are not merely a mode of transport but a microcosm of life itself, presenting filmmakers with a unique setting for exploring complex characters and intriguing plots. By journeying through the varied landscapes these films offer, we are reminded of the romance, danger, and transformative power that trains – those magnificent steel serpents – bring into our cinematic experiences. Whether it's through the suspenseful ticking of a clock in a high-stakes thriller, the evocative steam of a historical locomotive, or the fantastical leap into otherworldly adventures, films about trains manage to captivate and enthrall audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of cinema.
