Murder on the Orient Express Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A very hairy Belgian detective gets trapped on a train with a bunch of suspicious strangers and has to figure out which one is the stabby culprit, or maybe all of them are, who knows, it’s very twisty.

🍿 Murder on the Orient Express: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of Hercule Poirot

The film opens with Hercule Poirot, a renowned detective, solving a case in Jerusalem. Poirot is characterized as a meticulous and observant man who seeks balance and order in everything. After solving the case, he plans to take a break in Istanbul but is called back to London for another case.

The Journey on the Orient Express

Poirot boards the Orient Express, where he meets a variety of passengers. Among them is Samuel Ratchett, a wealthy businessman who feels threatened and asks Poirot to be his bodyguard. Poirot declines. During the journey, strange events occur, and Ratchett is found murdered in his compartment.

The Investigation Begins

With the train stalled due to an avalanche, Poirot takes on the case. He begins interviewing the passengers, each of whom seems to have a secret or a motive. The evidence is confusing, with clues pointing in multiple directions. Poirot must unravel the mystery within the confined space of the train.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh): A brilliant Belgian detective with a keen eye for detail and a strong sense of justice, who investigates a murder on the Orient Express.
• Edward Ratchett (Johnny Depp): A ruthless and unscrupulous businessman with a dark secret, who becomes the victim of a calculated murder plot.
• Pilar Estravados (Penélope Cruz): A devout and enigmatic missionary with a hidden connection to the victim and the Armstrong family.
• Gerhard Hardman (Willem Dafoe): A secretive and prejudiced professor with a concealed identity and a connection to the Armstrong case.
• Princess Dragomiroff (Judi Dench): A wealthy and imperious Russian princess with a personal connection to the Armstrong family and a commanding presence.
• Miss Mary Debenham (Daisy Ridley): A composed and intelligent governess with a hidden past and a romantic entanglement on the train.
• Dr. Arbuthnot (Leslie Odom Jr.): A respected and level-headed doctor with a strong moral compass and a personal connection to the Armstrong family.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Hercule Poirot: “I see the world as it is, not as I wish it to be.” – Poirot states this early in the film, highlighting his dedication to uncovering the truth, however unpleasant.
• Hercule Poirot: “There is right, there is wrong. There is nothing in between.” – Poirot expresses his strict moral code, which is challenged by the complex nature of the murder case.
• Hercule Poirot: “I must find balance. I must set things right.” – Demonstrates Poirot’s obsessive need for order and justice, which drives his investigation.
• Hercule Poirot: “Now I must choose… I can stand before you all and state the truth, condemning you all. Or I can turn a blind eye.” – Poirot reveals the two options he has to end the case of the murder on the Orient Express.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $55,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $102,826,543
• Worldwide Gross: $352,794,081

💥 Murder on the Orient Express Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie expecting a classic whodunit, and while it delivered on that front, it was Branagh’s portrayal of Poirot that really stuck with me. The mustache alone deserves an award! Seriously, though, the way he balanced the character’s genius with his quirks was brilliant. The setting was gorgeous, and even though I knew the ending, I was still on the edge of my seat. I felt like the characters and how I was supposed to feel were not well explained, though.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Agatha Christie novels”
  • “Viewers who enjoy mystery and suspense films”
  • “Those who appreciate period pieces and ensemble casts”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Murder”
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief language”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Kenneth Branagh directs and stars in this visually stunning adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic mystery. While the all-star cast delivers solid performances, the film struggles to find the right balance between suspense and spectacle.
• IMDB: “A visually appealing and well-acted adaptation, though it may not satisfy die-hard fans of the book. Branagh’s Poirot is compelling, but the film prioritizes style over substance, resulting in a slightly less engaging mystery.
• Empire Magazine: “Branagh’s ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ is a lavish production with a great cast, but it ultimately lacks the suspense and emotional depth of the source material. Still, it’s a stylish and entertaining whodunit.

Audience Reactions

The all-star cast brought a fresh take to a classic story.: Viewers praised the film’s stunning visuals and strong performances from the ensemble cast, particularly Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot.

The ending twist was still surprising, even if you knew it!: Many appreciated the film’s ability to maintain suspense and intrigue, despite the story’s familiarity.

Overall Consensus: A visually impressive but somewhat uneven adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic novel, offering a solid whodunit experience with memorable performances.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Kenneth Branagh was adamant about the extravagance of Poirot’s mustache, citing that it was mentioned fifteen times in Agatha Christie’s original novel.”
• “The film utilizes Dolby Atmos sound to enhance the immersive experience of being on the Orient Express, particularly during the avalanche scene.”
• “To create the snowy alpine setting, the production team built a large-scale set, including a working train, on a soundstage, and also filmed on location in Malta.”

🖥️ How to Watch Murder on the Orient Express?

Murder on the Orient Express (2017) is available to stream on various platforms. You can find it on Prime Video, Apple TV, and through other streaming services. It is also available for purchase or rental on these platforms.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Murder on the Orient Express, you might like these similar films:

• Death on the Nile (1978): Another Agatha Christie adaptation featuring Hercule Poirot solving a murder, this time on a river cruise in Egypt.
• Knives Out (2019): A modern whodunit with a star-studded cast and intricate plot twists, focusing on a detective investigating a family murder.
• Gosford Park (2001): A British period drama mystery set in a country estate, where a group of wealthy guests are caught up in a murder investigation.
• The Lady Vanishes (1938): A classic Hitchcockian thriller involving a disappearance on a train and a web of intrigue.

🛒 Murder on the Orient Express Related Products

• Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express (Poirot): The original novel that started it all! Dive deep into Agatha Christie’s world with this must-have edition.
• Murder on the Orient Express [Blu-ray]: Experience the star-studded mystery in stunning high definition with bonus features and behind-the-scenes content.
• Hercule Poirot Collectible Bust: Display your love for the greatest detective with this finely crafted bust, capturing the essence of Hercule Poirot’s intelligence and style.
• Orient Express Puzzle – 1000 Pieces: Piece together the iconic train and its passengers in this challenging and beautifully illustrated puzzle.

🎧 Soundtrack

Murder on the Orient Express features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Never Forget” – performed by Michelle Pfeiffer
• “The Wailing Wall” – performed by Patrick Doyle
• “Anatolian Longa” – performed by Hassan Erraji

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Murder On The Orient Express Cast Reveal Funniest Moments | MTV Movies

Curious about what happens when you mix famous actors, a star-studded cast, and the closed quarters of a train? This video gives you a glimpse into the hilarious moments and on-set chemistry of the Murder on the Orient Express cast. Prepare for some behind-the-scenes fun!

Murder on the Orient Express – Agatha Christie – So You Haven’t Read

Uncover the secrets of the classic Agatha Christie mystery in this captivating video. From the novel’s inception to its multiple adaptations, including the 2017 film, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the story and its enduring appeal. Whether you’ve read the book or not, this video will enhance your appreciation for the movie’s complexities.

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