A hyper-violent, international take on a classic story of a man out of luck, Brad Pitt’s most recent film, Bullet Train, is easily one of the most creative action films I’ve seen in recent years. Bullet Train follows Ladybug, a man for hire coming back from a long break of self-reflection, and his handler, Maria, who gives him a fairly simple task of stealing a briefcase off a train. Unfortunately for Ladybug, the plan derails as more and more players enter the metaphorical playing field in search of the briefcase, and the contents within.

With each passing moment, Ladybug’s job gets harder and harder as an increasing number of characters board the train with the intent of stealing the briefcase for themselves, or killing the person in possession of it. 

Characters like The Wolf, Lemon and Tangerine, and the Elder board the vessel in search of the briefcase, or closure for their own personal journeys. While Tangerine and Lemon, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Brian Tyree Henry respectively, bring comedic relief to an otherwise intense action thriller, characters like The Wolf definitely ratchet up the dramatic factor and bring the action to the beautifully shot calm locomotive. 

On that note, visually the film is stunning. Bullet Train easily serves as one of the most beautifully shot action films in recent years, with excellent camera tricks, and impressive lighting that brings a new emotion to mind with each new shot. 

The cinematographer, Jonathan Sela, leaves no shot feeling empty, as yet another gorgeous installment of his defining visual flare that can be seen in other films he worked on, such as John Wick, and Atomic Blonde. However no masterpiece is complete without an excellent accompanying score to back it up, and Bullet Train is no different. 

This rail-bound flic’s soundtrack blends together iconic 60’s songs covered by Japanese pop artists, and epic soundtrack pieces by Dominic Lewis. Acting as the loudest aspect of the opening of the film, Avu-Chan’s cover of iconic 70’s hit Stayin’ Alive by the Bee-Gees, Miki Asakura’s impeccable cover of Holding out for a Hero acts as a signature piece of the film’s final act. Such unique pieces give Bullet Train an energy that isn’t shared with any other action film I’ve seen.

Bullet Train’s capacity for excellent storytelling and talent is boundless, as it collects and intertwines various story-lines, from a man avenging his friend, to a pair of brothers trying to make it in a dangerous business. 

Towards the climax of the film, the train barrels further and further into chaos as its passengers come closer to reaching their final destination at the hands of the most dangerous man in Japan. The core plot of the film centers around said man, The White Death, a dangerous Yakuza leader responsible for the brutal death of his predecessor. His actions decades prior directly lead to the events that transpire throughout the film.

Bullet Train excels in just about every category, with phenomenal action, tense emotional scenes throughout, and a spectacular score to back it up. As a film critic, and action movie fanatic, there are very few films to come out this year that I hold in such high regard as Bullet Train. Going in knowing very little made the experience all the better as I was led through a roller-coaster of a strong passionate story that certainly had a lot of heart poured into it. If there was one film that I’d recommend people watch this year in theaters, its Bullet Train.