It’s entertaining. It’s full of action. That’s Bullet Train, but it is hardly a thought-provoking work of cinematography. Seriously, you really will be on the edge of your seat.
Hitman code-named Ladybug (Brad Pitt) goes back to ‘work’ after a long holiday to put his head straight and in a better mood. Because he has been away for some time, he asks his organisation, the Foundation, to give him “an easy task”. His request was granted.
The task is simple. Board the Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen (Bullet Train), collect a briefcase and alight as soon and as far as possible from the last stop.
This case is full of cash. It is this money which White Death (Michael Shannon), will use to have his son released from his kidnappers.
Meanwhile, White Death hires twins Tangerine and Lemon (Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Tyree Henry — a bitter-sweet pair, perhaps) for the same job. The ‘fruity pair’ succeeds in rescuing the son and returning the briefcase.
Ladybug’s simple task has now suddenly become hard. And complicated since more than one person, all of them seasoned criminals, are entrusted with the retrieval of the case.
On the train is Prince (Joey King) young, innocent-looking woman, whose only goal is to kill White Death, a dangerous man from northern Russia who killed all his rivals and eventually became the top man of the most dangerous criminal organisation in the world.
At first you may think director David Leitch set himself in a tall order to film in a cramped place like a train.
However, this is a 16-coach train and each car has its identity, decor, colours and also its own rules.
Although there are multiple characters of criminals, each one is unique. Ladybug is calm and tries not to get into trouble.
He has undergone psychotherapy and tries to apply what he learned in his sessions.
Lemon and Tangerine have an amazing chemistry. They do not look alike although they are called twins.
The names of the characters are interesting. Ladybug denotes good luck, but he does not have very much in this film.
Lemon and Tangerine are serial killers, who always talk about killing more than 15 people in one operation.
You might argue that these are the results of ‘fruitful’ co-operation.
The woman behind Ladybug’s operation is Maria Beetle (Sandra Bullock).
The story is set on a train with events in rapid succession.
This film has its fair share of flashbacks, giving insight into the characters’ backstories.
One of the good things about the movie is the rhythm. Everything happens very fast just like the name of the movie “Bullet Train”.
The film does not offer deep ideas, but offers creative shots, good action scenes and enjoyable comedy.
People of all ages might enjoy Bullet Train (126 minutes) immensely.
