The soundtrack utilizes energetic, international covers of iconic songs, such as a Japanese version of Bonnie Tyler’s "Holding Out for a Hero" and Alejandro Sanz's rendition of "Stayin' Alive." Themes: Luck, Fate, and Thomas the Tank Engine
However, some critics noted that the film's narrative was overly complex and convoluted, with too many characters and subplots to keep track of. Others criticized the film's sometimes cheesy and over-the-top action sequences, which they felt detracted from the film's overall impact.
Director David Leitch used massive LED screens to project high-speed footage of Japan outside the "windows" of the set, making the actors feel like they were actually traveling through Tokyo.
There is a mid-credits "stinger" that appears shortly after the main film ends—definitely stay for it to see the resolution of a certain "sour" character arc. The Bullet Train Film
Setting the entire story within the narrow corridors and lounges of a train creates a unique claustrophobic tension. Action sequences leverage every prop available, from kitchen utensils to laptop computers and smart toilets.
For audiences seeking the modern iteration, David Leitch’s Bullet Train (2022) shares only the title and a Japanese high-speed rail setting. That film is a sun-drenched, neon-lit, ultra-violent comedy about rival assassins (Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson) whose bad luck intersects on a train from Tokyo to Kyoto. It is a stylistic cousin—fast, fun, and bloody—but it lacks the raw, sweating, desperate tension of the 1975 original.
To rank entries, consider the following dichotomy: There is a mid-credits "stinger" that appears shortly
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An unlucky, philosophical assassin trying to complete a simple "grab-and-go" mission with as little violence as possible.
The film's central protagonist is Ladybug (Brad Pitt), an experienced but deeply unlucky assassin who is trying to turn over a new, non-violent leaf. Fueled by a new dedication to Zen and positivity, he agrees to a seemingly simple "snatch and grab" job as a favor to his handler, Maria (the voice of Sandra Bullock). The mission: board a Tokyo-to-Kyoto Shinkansen (the "bullet train"), grab a silver briefcase, and disembark at the next stop. However, Ladybug's "bad luck" curse kicks in almost immediately when he discovers the train is packed with other lethal professionals, all of whom have their own interconnected, violent reasons for being there. For audiences seeking the modern iteration, David Leitch’s
The is a 2022 high-octane action comedy that hurtles through modern-day Japan with a blend of neon-soaked aesthetics and kinetic fight choreography . Directed by David Leitch —known for his work on John Wick and Deadpool 2 —the film serves as a stylized adaptation of Kōtarō Isaka's 2010 Japanese novel, Maria Beetle . Plot and Key Characters
The film is a product of 87North, the production company founded by director David Leitch and his partner Kelly McCormick, known for their trademark blend of slick, brutal, and highly creative action sequences. For Bullet Train , Leitch faced a unique challenge: staging compelling fights in the confined, narrow spaces of a train carriage. To overcome this, he and his team took a page from action icon Jackie Chan's playbook. As Leitch explained, they were "full-on mining from Jackie Chan's playbook," emphasizing precise choreography, creative use of environment, and a comedic approach to violence.
Bullet Train is a film that proudly wears its influences on its sleeve. It's a hyper-stylized, relentlessly paced mashup of action, comedy, and Tarantino-esque dialogue that won't be for everyone. But for those willing to buy a ticket, it delivers a first-class trip into pure, unapologetic mayhem. While the critical response was mixed, its box office success and growing cult following prove that sometimes, a fun, stylish, and brilliantly cast ride is exactly what audiences are looking for. The journey may be bumpy, but the destination is a blast. With whispers of a sequel already in the works, it seems this train is far from reaching its final stop.
Have you seen both versions of The Bullet Train Film? Which one left you gripping your seat harder?