Bullet Train (2022), directed by David Leitch, is a high-octane action-comedy that manages to blend stylized violence, dark humor, and quirky characters in a story that unfolds almost entirely aboard a speeding Japanese train. Adapted from the Japanese novel Maria Beetle by Kotaro Isaka, the film offers a star-studded cast, fast-paced action, and a uniquely absurdist tone, making it a memorable, albeit somewhat chaotic, ride. However, beneath its vibrant surface, the film also grapples with thematic elements such as fate, bad luck, and the interconnectedness of seemingly random events.
At its core, the film follows Ladybug (played by Brad Pitt), a veteran assassin who is trying to turn over a new leaf by adopting a more peaceful, non-violent approach to life. Ladybug is assigned what appears to be a simple snatch-and-grab mission: retrieve a briefcase from a bullet train heading from Tokyo to Kyoto. But, as one might expect, nothing goes according to plan. Ladybug soon finds himself entangled with a number of dangerous and eccentric assassins, each with their own agendas and motivations.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ensemble cast, each of whom brings a distinct and vibrant energy to their characters. Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Ladybug is charismatic and humorous, as he stumbles through increasingly dangerous situations with a mix of luck and skill. His character’s philosophical musings on fate and bad luck add a comedic, almost existential layer to the proceedings. Pitt’s laid-back and often bumbling demeanor contrasts sharply with the high-stakes action unfolding around him, making for several comedic moments that lighten the film’s otherwise violent tone.
Ladybug is not alone on the train. Among the other passengers are the British assassin duo, Tangerine and Lemon (played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Brian Tyree Henry, respectively). The two have a natural chemistry, and their banter is one of the highlights of the film. Lemon, in particular, is a standout character, with his obsession with Thomas the Tank Engine serving as both a source of humor and a surprisingly poignant metaphor for understanding people. The interactions between Tangerine and Lemon provide much of the film’s heart, and their brotherly bond is a welcome contrast to the chaotic violence that surrounds them.
Another key player in the story is The Prince (Joey King), a seemingly innocent schoolgirl who quickly reveals her manipulative and ruthless side. King’s performance is chillingly effective as she uses her appearance to disarm those around her, all while plotting her own devious plans. Her character serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and her cold, calculated demeanor adds an additional layer of tension to the film.
The remaining assassins, such as the lethal Wolf (played by Bad Bunny) and the mysterious Hornet (Zazie Beetz), round out the colorful cast of characters, each with their own unique fighting styles and backstories. While some of these characters are more developed than others, they all contribute to the film’s frenetic pace and sense of unpredictability. The film juggles these multiple characters and their respective plotlines with varying degrees of success, and while it can sometimes feel overwhelming, the sheer energy of the film keeps it from becoming too disjointed.
Visually, Bullet Train is a feast for the eyes. The neon-lit settings, combined with the sleek and modern design of the bullet train itself, create a vibrant and dynamic backdrop for the action to unfold. The action scenes are highly choreographed and filled with the kind of slick, brutal violence that David Leitch is known for, having previously co-directed John Wick and directed Atomic Blonde. The fight scenes are inventive and entertaining, making full use of the confined space of the train and the various objects at the characters’ disposal. Whether it’s a briefcase, a water bottle, or a snake, the film finds creative ways to turn everyday items into weapons, adding to the overall sense of absurdity and fun.
The humor in Bullet Train is another defining feature. The film strikes a balance between dark, often violent humor and more lighthearted, almost slapstick moments. This mix of tones can be jarring at times, but for the most part, it works to the film’s advantage. The absurdity of the situation and the increasingly convoluted plot are played for laughs, and the film never takes itself too seriously. There are moments of genuine laugh-out-loud humor, especially when the characters’ bad luck and misunderstandings lead to unexpected consequences.
However, the film’s focus on humor and action sometimes comes at the expense of character development and narrative coherence. While the ensemble cast is entertaining to watch, many of the characters feel underdeveloped, their motivations and backstories glossed over in favor of moving the plot forward. For example, while we are given glimpses into Ladybug’s desire to change his life and leave behind his violent past, this theme is never fully explored. Similarly, the film hints at larger ideas about fate and destiny, with characters frequently discussing how their lives are interconnected and shaped by forces beyond their control, but these ideas remain surface-level and are never fully fleshed out.
The pacing of Bullet Train is relentless, with very few moments for the audience or the characters to catch their breath. While this keeps the energy high and the action constant, it also makes the film feel a bit exhausting at times. The sheer number of plot twists, character reveals, and fight sequences can be overwhelming, and by the end of the film, it’s easy to feel as though the story has become somewhat convoluted. The final act, in particular, is packed with so many twists and turns that it risks losing the audience’s attention, even as it attempts to tie all of the film’s disparate plotlines together.
One of the most notable aspects of Bullet Train is its thematic exploration of fate, luck, and chance. Throughout the film, Ladybug repeatedly talks about his bad luck, seeing himself as someone who is constantly at the mercy of unfortunate circumstances. This idea of luck, both good and bad, is a recurring theme throughout the film, with each character’s path being shaped by random events and coincidences. The film suggests that no matter how much we try to control our lives, we are ultimately at the mercy of forces beyond our control. This theme is emphasized in the film’s conclusion, where the seemingly unrelated actions of the various characters come together in a way that suggests that everything was fated to happen from the start.
Despite its flaws, Bullet Train is a thoroughly entertaining film. It’s not without its narrative shortcomings, and its frenetic pace and focus on style over substance may not be for everyone, but it delivers on its promise of a fun, action-packed ride. The film’s blend of humor, action, and quirky characters makes it stand out from more conventional action films, and its visual style and inventive fight scenes are sure to satisfy fans of the genre.
Brad Pitt’s charismatic performance as Ladybug anchors the film, and the ensemble cast adds layers of humor and tension to the story. While some characters are underdeveloped and the film’s exploration of its thematic elements feels a bit shallow, the sheer energy and creativity of the film make it an enjoyable experience. It’s a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and while it may not leave a lasting impression in terms of its narrative or characters, it’s an undeniably fun ride while it lasts.
In terms of its broader appeal, Bullet Train is likely to be divisive. Fans of David Leitch’s previous work will appreciate the film’s stylized violence and fast-paced action, while others may find the film’s chaotic structure and constant shifts in tone to be overwhelming. The film’s humor, which ranges from witty banter to more absurd, slapstick moments, will likely resonate with some viewers while leaving others cold. However, for those who enjoy action films with a bit of a comedic twist, Bullet Train is a solid choice.
Ultimately, Bullet Train is a film that embraces its absurdity and revels in its over-the-top action and humor. It’s a movie that doesn’t shy away from its cartoonish violence or its outlandish plot twists, and while it may not have the depth or emotional resonance of some of its contemporaries, it more than makes up for it with its style and energy. It’s a film that knows exactly what it wants to be—an entertaining, fast-paced action-comedy—and it succeeds in delivering just that. Whether you’re a fan of action films, dark comedies, or simply looking for a fun, adrenaline-fueled ride, Bullet Train offers something for everyone.
