Murder On The Orient Express
9/10
I really can't think of anything I didn't like about this version of the Agatha Christie classic but I only give 10/10 to the Best of All Time films so I can't quite lift it to that level. But I loved it. I have seen the 1974 version with Albert Finney, the BBC version with David Suchet and read the original novel so I certainly knew the story and of course, the ending.
Despite the film getting around a 59 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, I think that one of the reasons I loved it was the same reason that the negative reviewers did not: This is Poirot's film. He clearly is the center of the film and in this story--he should be. The supporting characters are fleshed out just fine and the performances by the supporting cast are very strong. But yes--Kenneth Branagh steals the show as the fussy, OCD Poirot who can't stand things to be "out of order" and who has a clear black and white view of right and wrong. That last trait is severely tested in this story. And that is central to the story that is "Murder on the Orient Express".
He adds some minor "action" sequences to the film and they fit in just fine but this is a film centered mostly on character and plot and is beautifully filmed. This is like a good TCM film where story still matters. Where acting takes the place of special effects. To be sure, the film has some CGI(what film doesn't) but it adds to the beauty of the film in presenting the exotic locales and the Orient Express and it's journey.
If you like a great story with great acting I highly recommend this film.
I'd love to see Branagh and Michelle Pfeiffer get Oscar consideration. It probably won't happen but they both deserve it.
This story can be presented many ways but one thing at the heart of the original story is a series of interrogations. Now--those scenes are presented magnificently by Agatha Christie in her original classic but I am not sure that would work well in a modern film. Branagh avoids most of that and things move along nicely. The film is around two hours but never felt long to me.
It's an adult drama for people who still like good stories with good acting. The supporting cast is wonderful, led by Michelle Pfeiffer but there is also Judi Dench, Josh Gad, Willem Dafoe, Penelope Cruz, Daisey Ridley and Johnny Depp(clearly enjoying his role).
Again--I recommend this film and if you know the ending, as I did, I think you will enjoy the emotional impact of the story as presented in this version and if you do not know the story or ending, do yourself a favor and don't try to find out. Just go and see it. In any case, it's an enjoyable film. I knew the ending. My wife did not. We both loved it.
