Train Games and Atrocitiesby gradyharp

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November 14, 2008: TRANSSIBERIAN is a one note song. Set almost entirely in the claustrophobia of the Trans Siberian Express train that winds from Beijing to Moscow through the snowy terrain of Siberia, the story of deception and drug trafficking chugs along with some significant interruptions. But in the end the film suffers from the monotone setting of snow and terror.

A carefree young couple is completing a missionary program of good will in Beijing for their church. Jessie (Emily Mortimer) is a photographer, Roy (Woody Harrelson) is fascinated by trains, and the couple heads home from their mission of goodwill on the Trans Siberian Express. They share a compartment with a strange couple - the seductive Carlos (Eduardo Noriega) and his young girlfriend Abby (Kate Mara) - whose livelihood is drug trafficking. Jessie is drawn into Carlos' world and emotional field: a tragedy occurs and Jessie must confide in her husband that the couple they were growing to know is not what they seem. A police inspector Grinko (Ben Kingsley) joins the train and the thriller portion of the film picks up speed until the final somewhat surprising set of discoveries complete the story.

Emily Mortimer owns the screen when she is present and carries our compassion despite circumstances less than honorable. There are holes a plenty in the script by writer/director Brad Anderson and Will Conroy, but jump on for the ride through the winter terrain - entertainment is always present. Grady Harp