What is the Bullet Train movie? And how come this action-packed, Brad Pitt-starred film wasn’t exactly what critics expected? All these questions are answered and more as we take a deep dive into everything you need to know about the Bullet Train. So get your popcorn ready and we’ll get started!
Start of Production
Beetles, hornets, and ladybugs are involved, and for a minute you may think it’s a sequel to A Bug’s Life—it’s not. Actor Brad Pitt teams up with Deadpool 2 director David Leitch to put this adrenaline-pumping film into life.
The movie started its production at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic back in November 2020. It’s also for this reason that the film’s final release date was changed a couple of times.
Sony’s original release date was originally slated for April 8 but was later moved to July 15th. And when Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam changed its July 29 release date, Bullet Train took over its spot. They came up with the final release date of August 5, as Sony aimed to make this film their final blockbuster hit for the summer.
Is Bullet Train 2022 A Remake?
No, it is not a remake of another film. It is, however, a film adaptation of the best-selling Japanese novel by writer Kotaro Isaka entitled “Maria Beatle.” This is the story of five rival assassins who have conflicted yet interconnected objectives. Their rudimentary fight scenes within the tight confines of a bullet train make every action film fan’s dream come true.
Each of the assassins, armed with their radical methods is placed in the same bullet train and is hired to do different jobs, all the while being totally unaware of each other’s existence. As the story moves forward, however, the audience will slowly realize how their missions are connected and they start with their deadly game.
The Cast
Brad Pitt as Ladybug
Brad Pitt’s action scenes are super entertaining in this movie. He plays the role of Ladybug, an assassin who always seems to be running out of luck. This is a bit of an irony as ladybugs are generally considered to be lucky insects.
Brian Tyree Henry as Lemon
Brian Tyree Henry takes on the role of a British assassin as well as Tangerine’s brother. He has a burning fondness for Thomas the Tank Engine.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Tangerine
Tangerine is Lemon’s brother, but unlike him, he’s not as psyched about Thomas the Tank Engine. He always plays by the rules and never gets side-tracked for any reason.
Joey King as The Prince
If you’re a fan of “The Kissing Booth” movies, then you certainly know Joey King by heart. But don’t let her pretty looks deceive you, because she is as ruthless and cunning in this movie as they come.
Andrew Koji as The Father/Kimura
Now, this is a good guy who’s not actually trying to kill anybody on this train to earn a living. He plays the role of a dad who desperately tries to do right by his son. Considering his familial line, however, he is not to be underestimated, for he has pretty lethal talents of his own.
Hiroyuki Sanada as The Elder
Now you might say, hey, this guy looks so familiar. I think I’ve seen him somewhere. You have seen him- everywhere! This famous Japanese actor and renowned martial artist is best known for his roles as Ujio in The Last Samurai, Genbu in Ninja In The Dragon’s Den, Scorpion in Mortal Kombat, and many others. In this film, he does everything in his power to protect his own family.
Zazie Beetz as The Hornet
Zazie Beetz already had a blast working with director David Leitch in Deadpool 2. So it was a no-brainer when she was asked to star in another action-packed film with him in Bullet Train. Unfortunately, she doesn’t get to be so lucky in this flick, as she plays the role of a lethal assassin who knows exactly how to blend in with a crowd.
Benito A. Martinez Ocasia a.k.a. Bad Bunny as The Wolf
You may recognize him for his music, but in this film, Benito plays The Wolf. He is a Mexican assassin who holds some serious grudge against Ladybug (played by Brad Pitt).
Logan Lerman as The Son
If you haven’t seen him in a while, you might not recognize him right away. He’s a far cry from what he used to look like. With his face tattoos and long hair, you may have to take a second look before you get the ‘aha!’ moment.
Sandra Bullock as Maria
Even if they never showed her face throughout the film, who wouldn’t recognize Sandra Bullock’s voice? She plays the role of Maria, Ladybug’s handler as she tries to keep him in one piece until his job is done.
Michael Shannon as White Death
Undoubtedly, all assassins are bad. But this one is simply despicable. You’d wish you were never born if you’re on the same train with this crime lord.
Why Is Bullet Train Rated R?
It was absolutely necessary to give it an R rating for its pervasive language, brief sexuality, and strong, bloody violence. So if you’re still wondering, is Bullet Train violent? Is it okay to watch it with my small kiddos? It’s one big fat NO.
Final Thoughts
So, why isn’t Bullet Train what the critics expected? Look, it’s probably not going to win Oscars, it’s not a prestige movie like DC’s cancelled flick Batgirl. Precisely because it’s not meant to be. But it is exactly what it is supposed to be. It’s action-packed, it’s super entertaining, and it’s supposed to make you laugh, and give you an amazing adrenaline rush. In the end, not everyone wants to get out of the cinemas a ‘changed’ human being. Some just want a break from reality. And that’s exactly what The Bullet Train movie gives you.
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