Lady Bug (Brad Pitt) receives what appears to be a straightforward assignment: retrieve a briefcase from the high-speed train, the Bullet Train, in Japan. He soon discovers that five other assassins are on board, and their paths are inexplicably intertwined. Lady Bug quickly realizes the complexity of his situation, and with no means of escape, he’s trapped as the train hurtles through the night. This promises to be a perilous and extended journey.
Bullet Train is based on Kôtarô Isaka’s novel of the same name and is directed by David Leitch (Deadpool 2, Atomic Blonde), a fitting choice given his action-oriented background. The film is simultaneously outrageous and comedic, maintaining a relentless pace that mirrors the train’s velocity.
Brad Pitt delivers his usual compelling performance, but Aaron Taylor-Johnson particularly stood out, portraying a character unlike any I’ve seen him undertake before. My initial exposure to Taylor-Johnson was in Matthew Vaughn’s Kick-Ass, where his American accent led many to believe he was from the US. In Bullet Train, his British background is evident, showcasing a new dimension to his acting abilities. Taylor-Johnson commands attention, a notable feat considering the caliber of the ensemble cast.
Bullet Train delivers continuous action, yet avoids the overwhelming sensation that some action films induce. Well-placed pauses provide a balanced viewing experience. The primary drawback is the film’s decline in realism towards the conclusion. Initially grounded, the narrative gradually abandons plausibility, with both characters and vehicles engaging in increasingly improbable actions. This is unfortunate, as the film is exceptionally well-executed up to that point.
The UHD release presents the film in 2160p with Dolby Vision, resulting in a visually stunning experience. Each scene is rich in detail, and the use of large screens for the external environment (rather than relying on CGI) contributes to exceptional lighting effects. The Dolby Atmos soundtrack boasts a remarkably deep bass and, mirroring the visuals, is meticulously detailed. A fight sequence within a restaurant car features objects dynamically moving around the viewer. Dialogue and action are finely balanced, making this one of the most immersive home theater audio experiences in recent memory.
The packaging indicates over an hour of bonus content, but the actual duration is closer to 36 minutes. However, the included extras are engaging and provide valuable insights, despite their brevity. The presence of a commentary track is a significant advantage.
In conclusion, Bullet Train is highly recommended as a thrilling and entertaining experience, further enhanced by its excellent UHD presentation.
SF Studios provided review copies for this assessment. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence; our reviews are conducted objectively with our readers and consumers as the priority.
