Released in 2022, Bullet Train is a neon-drenched action-comedy directed by David Leitch Deadpool 2 Atomic Blonde
) that transforms a high-speed journey from Tokyo to Kyoto into a chaotic, multi-layered arena of violence and luck. Based on the Japanese novel Maria Beetle Bullet Train in English) by Kōtarō Isaka
, the film strips away traditional thriller tropes in favor of a "Looney Tunes-esque" sensibility, where hitmen collide in a series of increasingly absurd and bloody encounters. The Plot: A Collision Course of Killers The story centers on (played by
), an unlucky assassin who has recently embraced mindfulness and peace, only to be sent on a "simple" mission to snatch a briefcase from a speeding train. Unbeknownst to him, he is far from the only professional killer onboard. The train is a claustrophobic pressure cooker containing: Lemon and Tangerine
: A charismatic duo of "twins" (Brian Tyree Henry and Aaron Taylor-Johnson) who are protecting a kidnapped mob heir and a suitcase full of cash. The Prince
: A manipulative young woman (Joey King) who uses her innocent appearance to execute a ruthless vendetta. The Wolf and The Hornet
: Rival assassins (Bad Bunny and Zazie Beetz) with their own lethal agendas. Kimura and The Elder
: A father-son duo (Andrew Koji and Hiroyuki Sanada) seeking revenge against the person who harmed Kimura’s son. The Bullet Train Film
As the train hurtles toward its final destination, these disparate threads weave together into a single, explosive confrontation involving the legendary Russian crime lord known as The White Death Artistic Direction and Style
Director David Leitch, a former stunt double for Brad Pitt, brings a signature kinetic energy to the film. The movie is characterized by:
Bullet Train (2022), directed by David Leitch, is a high-octane action comedy that functions as a "whodunnit" with a high body count. Based on the novel Maria Beetle by Kōtarō Isaka, it follows five assassins who find their separate missions aboard a Japanese high-speed train are dangerously interconnected. Critical Consensus
The film received mixed reviews from critics (52% on Rotten Tomatoes) but was a hit with audiences, who praised its energy and charisma.
Pros: High-speed action, "cartoonish" and neon-soaked visuals, and a standout ensemble cast.
Cons: Some critics found the 126-minute runtime bloated and the plot overly convoluted, describing it as "try-hard" in its attempts to mimic the styles of Quentin Tarantino or Guy Ritchie. Cast and Performances
On the Rails: A Closer Look at Bullet Train The 2022 film Bullet Train , directed by David Leitch Atomic Blonde Deadpool 2 Released in 2022, Bullet Train is a neon-drenched
fame), is a high-octane action comedy that turns a high-speed journey from Tokyo to Kyoto into a chaotic, neon-drenched battleground. Based on the novel Maria Beetle Kotaro Isaka , the story follows
(Brad Pitt), an unlucky assassin trying to do his job peacefully, only to find himself trapped with four other killers whose missions are all interconnected. The Making of a "Virtual Japan"
Despite being set entirely in Japan, the movie was filmed primarily on sound stages in Los Angeles due to pandemic travel restrictions. LED Environment : Similar to the technology used in The Mandalorian , the production utilized massive 20-foot tall video walls
displaying high-resolution footage of the Japanese countryside to simulate movement. Modular Train Sets : The crew built three full-sized train cars
that could be reconfigured and swapped to represent different parts of the train. Practical Stunts : Stunt coordinator Greg Rementer noted that Brad Pitt performed 95% of his own stunts , including a notable fight sequence in the "Quiet Car". Themes and Style
The film is heavily influenced by the hyper-stylized, dialogue-heavy works of Quentin Tarantino Guy Ritchie Bullet Train (Early Draft) | PDF - Scribd
Bullet Train (2022) is a high-octane action-comedy directed by David Leitch, known for his work on Deadpool 2 . The film is based on the 2010 Japanese novel Maria Beetle Bullet Train in English) by Kōtarō Isaka. Core Story & Characters The plot follows an "unlucky" assassin codenamed Conclusion The Bullet Train is a brisk, stylized
(played by Brad Pitt), who is assigned a simple mission: retrieve a briefcase from a high-speed train traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto. He soon discovers that he is trapped with several other lethal adversaries, all with interconnected yet conflicting objectives.
The Bullet Train is a brisk, stylized action-comedy that offers satisfying set pieces, standout ensemble performances, and a gleefully chaotic narrative. It’s best enjoyed by viewers who appreciate genre-blending, fast pacing, and dark humor over tightly grounded drama.
Bullet Train is a high-octane, stylistic action film that leverages the "bottle episode" concept—setting an entire narrative within a confined space (a Japanese Shinkansen)—and injects it with frenetic energy, slapstick humor, and hyper-stylized violence. Directed by former stunt double David Leitch (John Wick, Atomic Blonde), the film serves as a showcase for kinetic action choreography while deconstructing classic action tropes through a comedic lens. Though criticized for a somewhat shallow narrative, it was a box office success, praised for its ensemble cast and visual flair.
When Sony Pictures released Bullet Train in August 2022, it was positioned as the summer’s ultimate adrenaline shot. Directed by David Leitch (John Wick, Deadpool 2), The Bullet Train Film starring Brad Pitt is a neon-soaked, hyper-violent farce that adapts Kotaro Isaka’s Japanese novel Maria Beetle (transferred to a Japanese setting for the screen).
To rank The Bullet Train Film entries, consider the following dichotomy:
| Feature | 1975 Shinkansen Daibakuha | 2022 Bullet Train | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Tone | Gritty, realistic thriller | Meta, comic, hyper-stylized | | Protagonist | The Conductor (Everyman hero) | Ladybug (Assassin seeking peace) | | Antagonist | Ideological salaryman | The Prince (Pure chaos) | | Train Role | A trapped, fragile vessel | A playground for set pieces | | Runtime | 152 minutes (deliberate) | 126 minutes (frenetic) | | Best Scene | The bomb assembly race | The quiet car fight |
While the 2022 film looks better (thanks to $90 million budget), the 1975 film feels more dangerous. There is no CGI; when the train shakes, you feel the actual vibration of a 1970s camera on a real locomotive.
Bullet Train is a blast. It is a stylish, violent, and surprisingly funny action-comedy that showcases Brad Pitt’s star power and David Leitch’s knack for directing kinetic mayhem. If you are looking for a serious thriller, this isn't it—but if you want a wild ride with a great soundtrack and excellent fight choreography, buy a ticket.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) Best Watched With: Popcorn and friends.