‘Fast train’ ★★★
Manager: David Leitch
Translators: Brad Pitt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Joey King
Year: 2022
premiere: August 5, 2022
All of David Leitch’s energy converges into a single, furious corridor of action in this loud, kinetic ride. The director behind hits like John Wick, Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, and Hobbs & Shaw returns with a film that compresses multiple mercenaries, fast decisions, and high-stakes skirmishes into one relentless train ride. It’s a story that borrows the tight adrenaline of a Japanese bullet train and drapes it with a distinct, almost playschool chaos—an aesthetic that nods to Tarantino’s bravado and Guy Ritchie’s weathered cleverness, all while focusing on a crowded car where every passenger believes they alone hold the key to a priceless prize.
Brad Pitt delivers self-aware charm, turning a tough-guy persona into a form of sly humor. The ensemble of assassins is sketched with quick, memorable strokes: a professional with a vulnerable streak, a ruthless rival always a step ahead, and a crew who move with the precision of a well-rehearsed stunt. One duo obsesses over a briefcase, another faction battles for survival under the pressure of a limited time. The cast even includes a brash, rule-loving figure who pops with surprising energy, a nod to the film’s willingness to blend rough grit with winking comedy. A teenage girl in a crisp skirt adds an unexpected counterpoint, underscoring the odd blend of innocence and danger that threads the narrative.
Visually, the movie is a rapid-fire montage: quick swaps of location, bright bursts of color, and a soundtrack that stitches together memory and motion. The pacing never lingers, forcing the action to spill from one moment into the next, with effects and choreography that feel designed to match the claustrophobic, moving stage on which the plot unfolds. The film leans into familiar action rhythms—sudden reversals, close-quarter takedowns, and kinetic stunts—yet it keeps it fresh by feeding the audience a cascade of character quirks and impulsive choices. The whole experience is punctuated by a playful musical backbone, a cultural collage that includes older hits alongside contemporary beats, echoing the hustle and bustle of a crowded, travel-obsessed world.
The story, while packed with intrigue, aims to entertain first and foremost. It plays with timing, chance encounters, and the way strangers collude and collide when their goals briefly align. As characters weave in and out of each other’s plans, the movie asks a simple question: what happens when everyone is chasing the same payoff, but no one can quite agree on the path to get there? The result is a roller coaster of suspense and wit, where violence is choreographed with a sense of humor that never quite lets the tension disappear. The overall atmosphere blends homage with its own audacious style, creating a cinematic mood that can feel almost like an extended, high-speed sequence from a beloved action anthology.
In the end, the film offers a loud, exuberant ride that satisfies a craving for fast visuals, sharper dialogue, and a story that keeps its cards close to the chest until the very last moment. It’s not merely about raw adrenaline; it’s about how a crowded space can become a stage for an intricate dance of motives, misdirections, and the occasional, surprisingly tender beat. The movie invites audiences to lean into the chaos, enjoy the hustle, and relish the sensation of a well-timed payoff arriving just when the train brakes squeal and the credits roll.