Thrillride! Bullet Train (2022), Movie Review.

I finally had the opportunity to watch the highly-acclaimed "Bullet Train" movie and I must say, it did not disappoint. The positive recommendations I had received piqued my interest, and I am glad I finally got around to watching it. The film quickly made its way into my top 10 favorite movies of 2022. It was an exhilarating experience that had me laughing so hard. The casting director behind this movie is truly a genius and a blessing. "Bullet Train" is a rare gem of a movie and I highly recommend it to anyone who has yet to see it. So let's talk about the movie.

"Bullet Train" is a 2022 American action comedy film directed by David Leitch, best known for his work on movies such as "Deadpool 2," "Hobbs and Shaw," and "Violent Night." The movie was adapted from the 2010 novel "Maria Beetle" (published as "Bullet Train" in the UK and US), written by Kōtarō Isaka. The film stars Brad Pitt in the lead role, alongside an impressive cast including Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Andrew Koji, Hiroyuki Sanada, Michael Shannon, Benito A. Martínez Ocasio, and Sandra Bullock, with a running time of 2 hours.

Synopsis

The movie starts with a diverse group of characters boarding a bullet train in Tokyo, each with their own mission. One of the main characters, Yuichi Kimura, known as "The Father," is on a mission to find the person who attacked his son, Wataru. Another main character, "Ladybug," is an operative assigned to retrieve a briefcase full of cash from the same train. Meanwhile, there are also two English assassin brothers known as "Lemon" and "Tangerine" on the train. They have just rescued a man known as "The Son" from kidnappers and are taking him and the briefcase to his father, a Russian-born Yakuza boss called "The White Death."

As the train ride progresses, events unfold and Ladybug ends up stealing the briefcase but is then attacked by another assassin, "The Wolf," who mistakes Ladybug for one of the killers from his own wedding. Yuichi eventually finds the person who attacked his son, a young woman known as "The Prince," but she reveals that she had only pushed his son off a roof to lure Yuichi to the train as part of a plan to have him kill the White Death. To secure his compliance, a henchman is holding Wataru captive in the hospital on her behalf.

The Hornet, a mysterious assassin hiding in plain sight aboard the train, causes chaos and destruction with her trusted companion, a venomous boomslang snake. As the venom of this deadly creature rapidly spreads throughout the bloodstream, death can occur within a mere 60 seconds. With the arrival of The Hornet, the tension on the train escalates and the stakes become higher. To uncover the full story and find out what unfolds, one must watch the movie.

The Cast.

The casting director of this film deserves the highest praise for their outstanding efforts in assembling such a talented ensemble cast. The cast is truly one of the most remarkable I have ever had the pleasure of viewing, featuring distinct and fully-realized characters who exhibit rational decision making in the face of adversity. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight a few of my personal favorites from this exceptional group.

Brad Pitt as Ladybug: Pitt delivers a commanding performance as the lead character, a highly skilled and seasoned assassin tasked with recovering a suitcase filled with money on a bullet train. His portrayal of the character is both humorous and precise, seamlessly transitioning between moments of clumsiness and calculated precision. His performance is truly fantastic and adds a unique comedic element to the film.

Sandra Bullock as Maria: Bullock's character, initially only present as a voice on the phone, ultimately proves to be a crucial element in the film as Ladybug's handler and the person who initially assigns him the mission. Her character is clever, able to anticipate events and guide Ladybug through the mission. Bullock's portrayal is subtle yet constant, her presence was felt throughout the film.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Tangerine: I like this guy alot! Johnson shines in his portrayal of Tangerine, the English assassin who strictly adheres to protocol. Tangerine is a charming and likable character, with his accent and style adding a touch of dark humor to the story. He is a charismatic, patient, and fearsome figure, who also shows a caring side for Lemon. The chemistry between Tangerine and Lemon is believable, making Tangerine's eventual death even more poignant.

Hiroyuki Sanada as The Elder: Saving my most favorite for the last. Sanada delivers a masterful performance as The Elder, a patriarch bent on protecting and preserving his family at all costs. His character is akin to a snake, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. His action scenes and stunts are expertly executed, and his portrayal is both stealthy and mesmerizing. He is truly one of the most remarkable characters in the film and a standout among the already exceptional cast.

My Review And Rating.

The writers of this movie deserve recognition for their excellent work on the plot and script. Despite the fast-paced nature of the movie, they were able to delve into each character's background with ease. The dialogues were sharp and filled with wit, the storytelling was straightforward and full of unexpected twists and turns that kept audiences on the edge of their seat. The suspense and twists were masterfully crafted and added to the overall captivating narrative of the movie.

Despite being set primarily on a train, the movie's setting was dynamic and engaging, thanks to well-placed flashbacks that added depth to the characters. The visuals were stunning, bathed in a mesmerizing neon glow. The soundtrack was fitting, although it may not be as memorable outside of the film.

The action scenes and stunts in the movie are nothing short of incredible and keep the viewer on the edge of their seat with both thrills and humor. The ending is satisfying, with a scene that had me laughing so hard that I was practically choking. I couldn't get enough of it and kept re-watching the scene multiple times. Brad Pitt's performance in this movie is among the best of 2022, and I would give it a 9.5 out of 10 rating. This movie is a fantastic escape that provides laughter, stress relief, and a sense of calm. I highly recommend it to fans of comedy, action, and thrillers, but please note that it contains graphic violence and gore.