I’ll be honest with you. I almost skipped Bullet Train because the trailer looked like mindless action. Boy, was I wrong.
When I finally watched it in 2022, it surprised me in ways I didn’t expect. This action comedy from director David Leitch stars Brad Pitt, Aaron Taylor Johnson, and Brian Tyree Henry.
It runs about 127 minutes and carries an R rating. And it definitely earns that rating. I’m writing this review because Bullet Train does something interesting with the action genre.
Let me tell you why this film works better than it should.
Storyline Overview
Bullet Train follows multiple assassins trapped on a Japanese bullet train, each with different missions that collide in increasingly violent ways.
Ladybug is an unlucky assassin trying to turn his life around. His handler gives him a simple job. Get on a bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. Grab a briefcase. Get off at the next stop.
Then things go wrong. Other assassins are on the train. They all want the same briefcase. Everyone thinks they’re in control. But someone has orchestrated this whole thing.
The film plays with fate and bad luck. Ladybug believes he’s cursed. He’s trying to be more peaceful. But violence keeps finding him. The movie doesn’t take these themes too seriously though. Mostly it’s about the ride.
Characters and Performances
The cast sells the absurdity of this situation, making you care about these killers even as they try to kill each other.
Ladybug (Brad Pitt)
Ladybug just wants to do his job and go home. He’s reading self-help books. Doing breathing exercises. Trying to break his cycle of bad luck.
Brad Pitt plays him with perfect comic timing. Ladybug is confused most of the time. Things keep escalating around him. Pitt makes his frustration hilarious.
Ladybug changes as the film goes on. His peaceful approach doesn’t work. He has to fight back. But he never loses that tired, fed up quality. Pitt makes him likable despite being a professional killer.
Tangerine and Lemon (Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Brian Tyree Henry)
These British assassins are brothers. Or at least they act like brothers. Tangerine is professional and angry. Lemon is obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine.
Yes, really. Lemon judges everyone based on which train character they are. It’s weird. It somehow works.
Aaron Taylor Johnson brings intensity to Tangerine. He’s always on the edge of violence. You believe he’s dangerous.
Brian Tyree Henry makes Lemon charming despite the oddness. His Thomas references become running jokes. But he’s also capable and loyal.
Their bickering feels authentic. You buy them as a team who’s worked together for years.
Supporting Cast
Joey King plays Prince, a seemingly innocent girl hiding something sinister. She switches between sweet and manipulative instantly. King makes her unpredictability unsettling.
Hiroyuki Sanada is the Elder, a crime boss looking for his son. He brings quiet menace. You understand why everyone fears him.
Bad Bunny, Zazie Beetz, and Andrew Koji all have memorable roles. The cast is stacked. Everyone commits to the tone.
Action and Visuals
David Leitch knows how to shoot action. He directed John Wick and Atomic Blonde. That experience shows. The fights are creative. Ladybug uses whatever he can find.
Water bottles. Briefcases. Train doors. Nothing feels repeated. The train setting creates natural limitations. Narrow hallways. Moving cars. Nowhere to run. Leitch uses this brilliantly.
The color palette is bright and saturated. Very stylized. The train interior looks sleek. Tokyo and Kyoto flash by outside. The visuals match the manic energy.
The film uses graphics and animations to explain backstories. Cartoon violence. Freeze frames. It feels like a comic book sometimes.
Music and Soundtrack
The soundtrack mixes Japanese pop with Western hits. The music choices are deliberate and often ironic.
The film uses music to heighten the chaos. Upbeat songs play during violent scenes. It creates this weird contrast that makes the action funnier.
The music tells you not to take this too seriously. The train sounds are constant. The rumble. The announcements. The doors are closing.
It creates claustrophobia. The fights sound brutal. The sound design makes the violence feel real even when the tone is comedic.
Critical Reception
Bullet Train got mixed reactions. Critics were split. The audience mostly had fun with it.
Professional Critics
Reviews varied widely. Some critics loved the style and energy. Others found it too chaotic and long. Positive reviews praised the cast chemistry.
The action sequences. The willingness to be weird. Critics who enjoyed it appreciated that the film knows what it is.
Negative reviews said the film tries too hard. The running time drags. The twists become predictable. Some felt the violence was excessive even for an action movie.
Professional critics landed somewhere between 6.5 to 8 out of 10. The film divides people based on tolerance for stylized chaos.
Audience Reviews
Action fans mostly enjoyed it. Brad Pitt fans showed up and had a good time. People expecting a serious thriller were disappointed.
Audiences who went in knowing the tone enjoyed the ride. Those expecting something deeper found it shallow. The film doesn’t hide what it is.
Viewers praised the humor. The action. The cast. Complaints focused on the length and the convoluted plot.
Overall Consensus
Most agree the performances are strong. The action is well-done. The style is distinctive.
But the film divides audiences. Some find it exhausting. Others think it’s a blast. Your enjoyment depends on your mood and expectations.
Bullet Train is best when you don’t think too hard. Just enjoy the chaos. For viewers wanting depth, it disappoints.
Final Rating
Professional critics rate Bullet Train between 6.5 to 8 out of 10. Audience scores sit around 7 to 8.5 depending on expectations.
I’m giving it a solid 7.5 out of 10. It’s not perfect. The plot gets messy. But the entertainment value carries it through.
This film works best for action fans who enjoy dark comedy. Brad Pitt fans will have fun.
Groups looking for a wild night at the movies will get their money’s worth. If you want a tight, serious thriller, skip this one.
Conclusion
Bullet Train is different from most action films. It doesn’t try to be realistic. It asks you to accept its heightened reality and just go with it.
The film handles its ensemble cast well. The action feels fresh, not repetitive. And the performances are fun to watch.
I’ve watched Bullet Train twice now. It’s rewatchable entertainment. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
You can stream it on Netflix or rent it on most platforms. Give it a watch. Don’t overthink it. You might have more fun than you expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bullet Train appropriate for young children?
Bullet Train is rated R for strong violence, language, and brief sexuality. It’s not appropriate for kids. The violence is graphic and constant. This is strictly for mature audiences.
Do I need to read the book first?
Not at all. The film is based on a Japanese novel but works as a standalone story. You’ll follow everything without prior knowledge. The movie makes its own choices with the material.
Is Bullet Train based on a true story?
No, Bullet Train is completely fictional. It’s adapted from a novel by Kotaro Isaka. While it uses real Japanese locations and trains, the story and characters are invented.
Where can I watch Bullet Train?
Bullet Train is available on Netflix in most regions. You can also rent or buy it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other digital platforms. Check your local streaming services.
What is the main message of Bullet Train?
The film suggests that fate and luck shape our lives more than we think. Bad luck can actually save you. Good luck can doom you. It’s about accepting chaos and finding humor in it.
