Bullet Train (2022) Review
Director: David Leitch
Screenwriters: Zak Olkewicz, Kôtarô Isaka
Starring: Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Andrew Koji, Hiroyuki Sanada, Michael Shannon
The existence of Bullet Train — a glossy, neon-soaked action movie with a reported budget near $86 million (per IMDb) — raises immediate questions: why spend so much on a concept that feels so straightforward? At its core the film is a simple, pulpy setup that could easily be summed up as Murderers on the Oriental Express. Brad Pitt plays Ladybug, a professional thief drawn into a chaotic chain of events on a high-speed Tokyo train. A diverse roster of assassins, each with their own motives and eccentricities, converge over a single prize: a briefcase containing ten million dollars.
The cast commits fully to the material. With an ensemble this talented it’s no surprise they throw themselves into the bright, kinetic world the movie presents. The sequences plated in neon and shadow allow the actors to perform flamboyant, physical scenes and trade rapid-fire, quippy dialogue. The film’s editing frequently leaps through flashbacks and quick cuts, attempting to maintain the momentum that a story set on a speeding train promises.
But for all the visual flair and energetic performances, the film struggles where it matters most: in its writing and directorial choices. The stylish camerawork and playful tone mask structural flaws that limit the movie’s potential. The runtime feels padded; scenes linger and the film spends far too much time crafting contrivances to keep characters aboard the train. Instead of escalating tension and tightening the narrative, the first half often stumbles into long stretches that lack narrative payoff.
The humour and snark frequently fall flat. Jokes are allowed to run past their welcome, and action set pieces, while stylish, sometimes feel undercooked and uneven. Despite several standout performers, only a couple of characters receive meaningful development; others remain thinly sketched, serving more as archetypes than people. This shortfall undermines the emotional stakes the film attempts to create, because moments of genuine empathy or surprise are scarce.
One of the most noticeable restraints is tonal caution. With a premise that practically begs for wild excess — a confined train filled with killers and chaos — the film often opts for polished restraint rather than full-throttle mayhem. At times it feels as if the movie is testing the upper limits of stylized violence and absurdity without fully committing to the delirious possibilities of its premise. The result is a film that flirts with outrageousness but rarely goes all the way, which is disappointing when the concept itself invites big, bold choices.
Comparisons to other ensemble action pieces highlight what Bullet Train could have done differently. Films that embrace absurdity in confined settings can find both humour and heart by leaning into character moments and exaggerated set pieces. When a movie manages to balance ridiculous action with human emotion, it delivers not only spectacle but also resonance. Here, the focus on surface style often eclipses opportunities to deepen emotional connection with the characters, leaving the viewer entertained in bursts but less invested overall.
That said, the film is not without merit. The cast’s energy, inventive production design, and moments of kinetic action make for an enjoyable watch at times. For viewers seeking a flashy, fast-paced ride with an array of charismatic performers and a distinct visual signature, Bullet Train delivers several entertaining sequences. For those hoping for tighter plotting, sharper humour, and more substantial character work, the film falls short.
Score: 11/24
In summary, Bullet Train is a mixed bag: visually stylish and often fun, but frequently indulgent and uneven. Its strongest asset is the cast, who inject personality into a script that doesn’t always know how to balance style and substance. With a leaner script and a bolder embrace of its own absurdity, the film might have become a memorable genre standout. As it stands, it’s an energetic but flawed ride that entertains in short bursts while leaving larger creative possibilities unexplored.