Bullet Train Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Brad Pitt just wants to grab a briefcase, but keeps running into people who really, REALLY want him to fail, all on a train that seems to have no security guards whatsoever.

🍿 Bullet Train: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Briefcase Mission

Ladybug, an assassin seeking a peaceful path, is tasked by his handler Maria to retrieve a briefcase on a bullet train. He replaces another assassin who called in sick, unaware of the chaos that awaits him. His mission seems simple: get on, grab the briefcase, and get off.

Tangerine and Lemon

Two British assassins, Tangerine and Lemon, are also on board, escorting the briefcase and the son of a powerful Yakuza boss, White Death. Lemon’s obsession with Thomas the Tank Engine provides a quirky contrast to their violent profession. They soon discover the briefcase has been stolen, setting off a chain of violent encounters.

The Prince’s Manipulation

The Prince, disguised as a schoolgirl, is manipulating events on the train to assassinate White Death. She pushes Yuichi Kimura’s son off a roof to lure him onto the train, setting him on a path of revenge. Her cunning plans make her a dangerous adversary.

Multiple Assassins, Connected Objectives

As Ladybug tries to complete his mission, he encounters other assassins like Wolf and Hornet, each with their own agendas linked to the White Death. The train becomes a battleground as their paths collide, revealing a complex web of interconnected objectives. The body count rises as alliances shift and betrayals occur.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ladybug (Brad Pitt): An unlucky assassin determined to complete his mission peacefully, despite the chaos around him.
• Prince (Joey King): A manipulative young woman disguised as a schoolgirl who orchestrates events on the train to her advantage.
• Tangerine (Aaron Taylor-Johnson): One half of the assassin duo known as ‘the twins’, tasked with protecting the briefcase and the White Death’s son.
• Lemon (Brian Tyree Henry): The other half of the assassin duo, obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine and interpreting people based on the show’s characters.
• White Death (Michael Shannon): A ruthless Yakuza boss seeking revenge for the death of his wife and control over his criminal empire.
• The Elder (Hiroyuki Sanada): Yuichi’s father seeking revenge on the White Death, driven by honor and a desire to protect his family.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lemon: “Everything I know about people, I learned from Thomas the Tank Engine.” – Lemon frequently uses Thomas the Tank Engine characters to assess people’s personalities.
• Ladybug: “I’m trying to be a better person.” – Ladybug repeats this mantra as he attempts to complete his mission non-violently, despite the circumstances.
• Tangerine: “Just my bloody luck.” – Tangerine says this sarcastically as events spiral out of control.
• The Prince: “I am never wrong.” – Said by The Prince as a demonstration of her high confidence and ability to manipulate.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $85.9M
• Domestic Gross: $103.3M
• Worldwide Gross: $239.2M

💥 Bullet Train Reviews

Personal Review

I went into Bullet Train expecting a fun action movie, and it delivered! The fight scenes were creative and hilarious, and I was constantly surprised by the twists and turns. Brian Tyree Henry and Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Lemon and Tangerine stole every scene they were in. Definitely a movie I’ll be rewatching with friends. The cameo appearances were amazing too.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of action-comedy movies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers”
  • “People who like ensemble cast films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief drug references”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Bullet Train is a violent and stylish action-comedy, but its attempts at humor often fall flat, making it a somewhat uneven ride, it is redeemed by strong performances and impressive action choreography.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A frenetic and entertaining action spectacle, Bullet Train delivers on its promise of thrills and laughs. Brad Pitt shines as the unlucky assassin, and the supporting cast adds to the fun.
• IGN: “Bullet Train offers a wild, stylish, and consistently entertaining ride. While the plot can be convoluted, the over-the-top action and comedic performances make it a worthwhile watch.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between Lemon and Tangerine was absolutely incredible and hilarious.: Viewers loved the over-the-top action sequences and the comedic timing of the cast.

Brad Pitt’s performance as Ladybug was both charming and funny.: Many praised the film’s stylish visuals and the fast-paced, engaging plot.

Overall Consensus: Bullet Train is a stylish and entertaining action-comedy with great performances, though some find the plot convoluted and the humor hit-or-miss.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Brad Pitt performed 95% of his own stunts in the film, with exceptions for hard falls and running scenes.”
• “The film was influenced by the works of Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie, aiming for a blend of action, humor, and stylized violence.”
• “Despite being set in Japan, there is no reference in the end crawl credits for filming in Japan. All shots attributing scenes are sets, stock file or created images.”

🖥️ How to Watch Bullet Train?

Bullet Train is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where you can rent or purchase the movie. Availability may vary depending on your region, so be sure to check your local listings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Bullet Train, you might like these similar films:

• Smoking Aces (2006): Features an ensemble cast of assassins with intertwining stories and over-the-top action.
• Snatch (2000): Shares a similar fast-paced, darkly comedic tone with quirky characters and a convoluted plot.
• Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003): Features stylized violence, Japanese influences, and a revenge-driven plot.
• Non-Stop (2014): Another action thriller set entirely on a moving aircraft, creating a similar claustrophobic and suspenseful environment.

🛒 Bullet Train Related Products

• Bullet Train (4K Ultra HD): Experience Bullet Train in stunning 4K Ultra HD. Includes bonus features such as behind-the-scenes footage and cast interviews.
• Bullet Train Movie Poster – Limited Edition: A high-quality, limited-edition poster featuring the iconic Bullet Train artwork. Perfect for fans and collectors.
• Thomas & Friends Minis, DC Super Friends Mashup – Thomas as Batman: A quirky collectible mashup, featuring Thomas the Tank Engine dressed as Batman. A nod to Lemon’s obsession in the film.
• NECA Scalers – Boomslang: Boomslang Scalers are super cute collectables that attach to headphone cords and other things.

🎧 Soundtrack

Bullet Train features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Stayin’ Alive” – performed by Avu-chan (Queen Bee)
• “Power” – performed by Mariya Takeuchi
• “Holding Out for a Hero (Hero Mix)” – performed by Bonnie Tyler

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Brad Pitt Living his BEST life with the Bullet Train Cast

Check out this fun behind-the-scenes video of Brad Pitt and the cast of Bullet Train having a blast on set. It’s a great way to get a feel for the movie’s atmosphere and see the actors’ chemistry off-screen.

Unlucky Assassin Stuck on a Train Full of Rival Assassins With The Same Mission

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to catch up on the plot of Bullet Train, this recap is perfect for you. It covers all the key points in just 16 minutes, so you can get the gist without having to watch the whole movie.

✨ Rate