Review: Bullet Train

Brad Pitt plays an assassin who has to deal with enemies while riding a speeding Japanese train. Our J.P. gives his thoughts on the action/comedy flick, “Bullet Train.”

Bullet Train
Sony Pictures Releasing

  • Directed by: David Leitch
  • Screenplay by: Zak Olkewicz
  • Based on: Maria Beetle (published in English as “Bullet Train”)
  • Produced by: Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, Antoine Fuqua
  • Starring: Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Andrew Koji, Hiroyuki, Sanada, Michael Shanno, Benito A Martínez Ocasio, Sandra Bullock
  • Cinematography: Jonathan Sela
  • Edited by: Jonathan Sela, Elisabet Ronaldsdottir
  • Music by: Dominic Lewis

Studio Synopsis:

In “Bullet Train,” Brad Pitt stars as Ladybug, an unlucky assassin determined to do his job peacefully after one too many gigs gone off the rails. Fate, however, may have other plans, as Ladybug’s latest mission puts him on a collision course with lethal adversaries from around the globe—all with connected, yet conflicting, objectives—on the world’s fastest train. The end of the line is just the beginning in this non-stop thrill-ride through modern-day Japan from David Leitch, the director of “Deadpool 2.”

Brad Pitt (left) and Aaron Taylor-Johnson in “Bullet Train.” (Scott Garfield / Sony Pictures Releasing)

J.P.’s Take:

“Bullet Train” is the type of dark comedy/action flick that lives up to its title in more ways than one. You can expect fast-paced action on a fast train, filled with bullets, blood and bodies. What you may not see coming is the warped mystery that unfolds like origami or the whimsical events that take place as well.

Based on the novel “Mariabītoru” (“Maria Beetle”) by Japanese author Kōtarō Isaka, “Bullet Train” has been translated into English by writer/translator Sam Malissa and adapted for the big screen by producer Antoine Fuqua and director David Leitch in an explosive way. It is indeed one of the most violent and chaotic rides I’ve taken in a movie theater since “Kill Bill.” 

The main story revolves around a former assassin named Yuichi Kimura (Andrew Koji), whose young son Wataru (Kevin Akiyoshi Ching) was pushed off the roof of an apartment building by an assassin code named “The Prince” (Joey King). With Wataru now in a coma, Yuichi seeks revenge on “The Prince” for putting his son in the hospital. Next, we follow a reformed American assassin code named Ladybug (Brad Pitt), who is pulled back into the game by his handler known as Maria Beetle (Sandra Bullock) to retrieve a briefcase filled with money. Yuichi, Ladybug and a group of assassins all board the “Hayate” train from Tokyo to Kyoto, not realizing in some way they’re all on the same mission. This scenario sounds like one of those “a rabbi, a minister and a priest enter a bar” type of jokes. 

What sets off a volatile mix of scenarios throughout the film is connected to the interactions between the characters. Ladybug considers himself one the unluckiest assassins on the planet. He also doesn’t believe in solving his issues utilizing violence, yet he seems to stumble upon trouble aboard the train nonetheless. This is evident when he encounters the topnotch assassin duo of Lemon (Brian Tyree Henry) and Tangerine (Aaron Taylor Johnson). The duo are sent by their handler to retrieve the “White Death’s” son (Logan Lerman) along with the (you guessed it) briefcase full of money. Not knowing that the case belonged to the deadly twosome, Lemon and Tangerine discover that Ladybug has the money and a cat-and-mouse moment ensues. Now, he becomes their target by no intention of his own. Other instances involve Yuichi and “The Prince” in a not so coincidental meeting aboard the train. “The Prince” knows exactly who Yuichi is, and toys with him out of sheer fun, yet she soon learns about the hit put out for the leader of a criminal organization named “White Death” (Michael Shannon). They are pitted against one another as Yuichi becomes her hostage. 

Joey King stars in Bullet Train. (Scott Garfield / Sony Pictures Releasing)

Much of the comical relief in the first half of the film stems from the interactions between Lemon and Tangerine. Lemon and Tangerine consider themselves brothers despite their racial differences. Lemon, being black is the panicky and highly analytical brother who uses character references from his favorite show “Thomas & Friends” to label his opponents. Tangerine, being white, is the level-headed and seemingly well educated brother who’d rather play things smart and close to the cuff. Both British assassins grew up together and killed together; they are like siblings bicker over the best way to off their targets. Additional comical moments arise from Ladybug trying to keep calm, cool and collected in ultra violent situations. In fact, Maria Beetle acts as his surrogate therapist as he tries to navigate the treacherous assassins game without getting killed. 

“Bullet Train” has all the sensibilities of a Quentin Tarantino script in terms of plotting and dialogue. Like Tarantino, writer Zak Olkewicz draws out each character through extensive dialogue, which bears much of the pieces needed to put the whole puzzle together. Then, he takes us through flashbacks of their past deadly deeds. It’s quite zany and slightly disturbing to watch a montage of each assassin as they use every technique in the book to off their targets. From dismemberment, to katana swords and high powered weaponry, it’s all done up in the bloodiest and most exaggerated fashion. Yet, there were times that the laughs in these moments turned to wincing and cringing. Those moments also lead to some of the most kinetic and explosive fight scenes around where any and everything was used as a weapon. Much of it is done in close quarters as many of the action sequences are confined to the train-car setting. 

As in much of Japanese literature, there is a bit of symbolism placed in this savage film. The codename given to Brad Pitt’s character is meant as a term of good luck, as the ladybug really represents the absorption of bad luck so that others can enjoy good fortune. It bears a bit of irony when you think about it. It’s also interesting that the train is named Hayate, which roughly translated from Japanese to English means “violent” or “forceful wind.” Thanks to the wonderfully cast of characters who brought this spectacle to realization, I had a blast watching them etch out their characters.  

Brad Pitt and Bad Bunny star in Bullet Train. (Scott Garfield / Sony Pictures Releasing)

Brad Pitt seems to fit the role of Ladybug and portrays him in such a quirky, oddly zenned kind of way. I was thoroughly convinced by American actress Joey King’s accent that I believed she was the conniving and manipulative British assassin “The Prince.” She even learned Russian for the part. Another American actor, whose British accent was on point, is Brian Tyree Henry in the role of Lemon. He gave such a tickling and off kilter performance I couldn’t help but to chuckle each time he got upset or flew off the handle. Zazie Beats reminds me of a young Pam Grier in her role of Hornet. She’s sexy, yet deadly and smart mouthed, and certainly takes no crap.  Aaron Taylor Johnson is the heady, well dressed and collected British assassin Tangerine, and pulls off the part like it was tailor made for him. He’s slick and fast talking with an arrogant tone. Hiroyuki Sanada is the wise “The Elder,” a former assassin and father of Yuichi. It seems Sanada can embody just about any role he receives and does so with conviction. As “The Elder,” he is no exception. Rapper/singer turned actor Benito A Martinez Ocasio “Bad Bunny” plays his role with fire and bravado as “The Wolf.” Andrew Koji has the chops to pull off Yuichi Kimura as a broken and desperate man. Sandra Bullock came as a total surprise near the end and I loved how calmly and coolly she portrayed Maria Beetle. Michael Shannon is the mysterious “White Death,” who plays him with such viciousness. Rounding out the cast are Karen Kukuhara and Masi Oak as train attendant and ticket agent. 

They don’t make movies like this as they used to, if at all anymore. Yet “Bullet Train” sees a revival in this style of uber action filmmaking. Despite the chaotic ultra-violent content, I will admit I found it to be exhilarating and quite witty. 

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