When the luxurious Orient Express is stranded by heavy snow and a mysterious murder occurs onboard, all 13 passengers become suspects. Who is the real killer? The 2017 film Murder on the Orient Express, starring and directed by Kenneth Branagh, brings us back to the legendary detective Hercule Poirot in an exciting and thrilling rendition that rivals the classic version.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story begins when brilliant detective Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) boards the Orient Express to travel from Istanbul to London, among international passengers who seem unrelated. But everything changes when a murder occurs on the night the train is stuck in snow. The victim is Edward Ratchett (Johnny Depp), a man with a dark past. Poirot must interrogate all 13 suspects, uncovering secrets and hidden motives behind innocent faces.
Acting and Characters
The film features a star-studded cast, each taking on challenging roles. Kenneth Branagh portrays Poirot with charm, cunning, and determination. Johnny Depp, as the victim, performs well despite limited screen time. Michelle Pfeiffer as Caroline Hubbard stands out with a performance that is both comedic and suspicious. Josh Gad, Willem Dafoe, and Daisy Ridley all play important roles that add color to the film. However, some characters are limited by time, resulting in less depth of development.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Kenneth Branagh, as director, uses beautiful cinematography, especially camera angles that emphasize the cramped and claustrophobic train cars, making the audience feel part of the investigation. The overall look is artistic and elegant, typical of Branagh's style. The score by Patrick Doyle enhances the mysterious atmosphere, but the pacing can be slow at times, especially during prolonged interrogations.
Editorial Analysis
This adaptation of Agatha Christie's classic novel focuses on entertainment and elegance rather than psychological depth. The film tries to balance respect for the original with new touches, such as emphasizing Poirot's sense of justice. However, condensing the complex story into 114 minutes means some parts are cut, particularly the ending, which may feel rushed for fans of the novel. But for general viewers not expecting complexity, the film is still enjoyable and engaging.
Verdict
Murder on the Orient Express (2017) is an enjoyable film for mystery lovers, especially Agatha Christie fans and those who appreciate star-studded performances. Though not perfect in every aspect, it is worth watching, particularly if you don't already know the ending.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +A legendary ensemble cast delivering excellent performances
- +Beautiful cinematography and grand production design
- +Sharp dialogue that preserves the spirit of the original novel
👎 Cons
- −Pacing is slow in some parts, especially during the investigation
- −Some characters lack depth due to the large cast
Top Cast
FAQ
It is enjoyable for fans of mystery and detective stories, especially Agatha Christie fans, but may not be as thrilling as typical suspense films.
The 2017 version emphasizes beautiful visuals and modern cinematography, and gives Poirot a more prominent role, while the older version focuses on traditional storytelling.
Not much, as he is the victim killed early on, but he appears in flashback scenes.
Not very violent; the murder is presented without graphic detail, but the mysterious atmosphere may unsettle those sensitive to horror.
