Bullet Train is one of those films that you’ll see copious amount of copies of on sale on Blu-ray or DVD at your local JB Hi-Fi (Walmart or HMV). That isn’t a bad thing! That’s a good thing because the film has a very appealing look to it. Brad Pitt, action, colourful cinematography/design and just different enough to catch your attention. Bullet Train is a thrilling fast ride and one of this year’s surprise hits.
Bullet Train, directed by David Leitch (Deadpool 2, John Wick, Atomic Blonde), is based off the Japanese graphic novel written by Kotaro Isaka. The film follows Ladybug (Brad Pitt) an unlucky American assassin who finds himself filling in on a job to acquire a briefcase on a bullet train going from Tokyo to Kyoto. Onboard the train, Ladybug finds himself stuck with other assassins who all have their own random objectives and missions.
The first appealing factor of Bullet Train is its singular location and brilliant production design. The film being simply on the one train isn’t the easiest to accomplish and Leitch does a great job of keeping the characters’ interactions and the environment entertaining whilst not making the train feel like the longest train to ever exist. This is helped by the brilliant editing of the film which weaves together the stories of each assassin and their missions whilst also fitting in with the rapid moving train and the great comedic moments.
Brad Pitt is a hit in this role as Ladybug, a laid back and chilled out assassin who just wants to get the job done and go meditate. Pitt is his usual likeable smart talking self whilst also taking the audience on a journey with him. The whole cast really fills out well with top marks to Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Brian Tyree-Henry who play an assassin duo named Tangerine and Lemon. Lemon’s obsession with a certain childhood TV series is a brilliantly hilarious character aspect that really propels the film’s comedy forward.
Bullet Train should definitely be seen at the cinema with your friends laughing next to you or flinching at it’s more gruesome action moments. The sound editing for the weapons and mixing of the film’s stylish score and soundtrack are another benefit to this ride.
Leitch also doesn’t disappoint in the action department, not a surprise considering his previous films. The action is still top quality, especially given the crammed in train compartment spaces that the actors have to work with. The bullet train setting allows for more creative and surprising fights which are both funny and intense at the same time.
Do yourself a favour and buy a ticket for this ride. Bullet Train stands alone at the cinemas in August and it is the perfect time for it to shine without being overshadowed by any other major film. Bullet Train is a movie you’ll most likely own or watch for years to come if you enjoy it. It’s clear Quentin Tarantino and Japanese cinema inspiration creates a fantastic journey that arrives at its destination at the perfect time.
Score: 4/5