Luke McWilliams gives his review of the 2022 action comedy, Bullet Train (MA15+), starring Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock.
At a train station in Tokyo, Japan, the unlucky and burnt-out former professional assassin codenamed ‘Ladybug’ (Brad Pitt), returns to work with a newfound positive attitude. Ladybug is tasked by his handler, Maria Beetle (Sandra Bullock), with a simple job: to grab a briefcase aboard a bullet train traveling to Kyoto, and to get off at the next stop. Unbeknownst to Ladybug, however, the briefcase contains a ransom.
Adapted from the best-selling 2010 Japanese novel Maria Beetle, director David Leitch (Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw) leans heavily into early Tarantino for the interlocking story, and peak Guy Ritchie for the frenetic and energetic editing. Seemingly disparate and quirky characters are introduced with a flashback that quickly follows to provide a succinct backstory before hidden relationships and connections between our cast are slowly revealed.
Ladybug’s bad luck continues as he finds himself on a train with several assassins, themselves tasked with their own missions that revolve around the briefcase. The action is fevered and comedically graphic with a silly and fun tone throughout. It is surprising, however, that the production is not an Asian one, given the source material, location, and anime influences throughout. The production could have also served as a great showcase of contemporary Asian action stars, given the basic fight scenes are played for comedy as opposed to highlighting modern martial art/gun-fu skills.
Verdict: A fun, over-the-top, live-action manga adventure that ultimately misses many opportunities to reach its full narrative and action potential. 3.5 stars.
- Luke McWilliams, themovieclub.net. Viewed at Dendy cinemas.
Get the latest Canberra news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Canberra Daily Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
