I enjoyed Kotaro Isaka’s novel Bullet Train, which was published in English translation in 2021. I was struck by the cinematic style of the book and wasn’t surprised to learn that a film was being made.
As it’s three years since I read the book, I don’t remember all of the plot. I think the basics are there in the film but with a much more dramatic conclusion and without the deeper investigation of the characters’ backgrounds. What is obvious to me is the different tone. The film is presented as an action comedy. I don’t recall that the book was funny, although there was a black humour at times and some quirkiness. The result is that the film is fun but it felt like something I’d watched before. Moreover, the mix of actors of different races and nationalities was perhaps intended for an international audience, making it feel less Japanese. I did like the actors’ performances, particularly Brad Pitt, Andrew Koji, Brian Tyree Henry and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, but I was surprised that few of the actors were Japanese. It must also have been decided that more female representation was needed, as the Prince became a schoolgirl with an English accent.
I liked this film. It was good entertainment, but I doubt I’ll watch it again.
I don’t know what the book was like – but the film was brilliant!
I agree the film is entertaining and I can imagine if I hadn’t read the book, I would have enjoyed the film more without comparing it.