Murder On The Orient Express [2017]

Adapted from Agatha Christie’s famous novel, ‘Murder On The Orient Express’ tells the story of Hercule Poirot, a famous Belgium detective, who has to solve a mysterious murder involving 13 suspects on a train. This crime film was directed by Kenneth Branagh who also happens to be playing the role of Hercule Poirot.

I had the chance to watch this movie at the avant-premier, so I am very happy to release this review at the time of the official release date and let you know whether you should watch it or not. Well, you should definitely watch it, if like you Johnny Depp and/or crime movies but I must say that I was slightly disappointed.

The story itself is based on a novel but I really liked how it was executed into a live-action film. The complex plot was written in a way that we, the audience, understand what happens, process the information and in order to feel like we are solving the murder with Hercule Poirot, which I think is really cool. Moreover, the plot was neatly written, it was very well constructed and developed, I don’t feel like the scriptwriter rushed the information or missed some important parts of the story.

Note that I read the novel like 10 years ago, so I forgot everything! 

The main thing that I loved in this film is the visuals: the cinematography and the production design. This film was really, really well shot, some of the shots are just breathtaking and meticulously chosen. Furthermore, the cinematography captures beautifully the landscapes of Israel, Turkey and Slovenia of the 1920s. On another  note, the production design, and costumes, were very well executed in a way that fairly represents the 1920s, using warm colors such as brown and beige.

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This film stars famous actors/actresses like Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Willem Dafoe and Kenneth Branagh nevertheless I don’t think this film represents their best work. In fact, I thought their acting was artificial and not believable; there is something off with their acting, but I don’t know what exactly. My mother actually hated all of them, except Johnny Depp, she thought he was amazing and I agree: this is not his best performance, but he is definitely my favorite character.

Also, I didn’t like Kenneth as the detective, his acting is okay but honestly, that role is not for him.

In conclusion. this film is not a must-watch but I personally enjoyed it. Moreover, this is not your usual commercial film because it’s not an easy watching film, it requires concentration but it’s also not a ‘casse-tête’.

That’s it for today. If you found this review to be interesting/useful, don’t forget to give it a ‘like’ and to follow my blog.

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28 Comments

  1. November 10, 2017 / 9:22 am

    I would watch this for sure !!

  2. November 10, 2017 / 9:26 am

    Thanks for the review! It has been on my “to watch list.” 🤗

    • November 10, 2017 / 10:49 am

      Well you should watch it if you like crime films!!! Thank you 😊

  3. November 10, 2017 / 10:27 am

    Ah, so sad!! It could have been a great, great movie! Did the actors try “too much” somehow?
    I love the novel and the old movie. Poirot is defo one of my favourite detective!
    Not sure I’ll watch it – maybe when the DVD is released.

    • November 10, 2017 / 10:49 am

      Not it was too much, but i didnt feel like they were their characters, i felt like they were playing them, if you see what i mean. I personally enjoyed it, it’s a fun movie but idk if you will like it!

      • November 10, 2017 / 11:43 am

        I understand what you’re saying!

  4. November 10, 2017 / 11:07 am

    Johnny Depp is my favourite actor and if I know myself I know I’ll love this movie! I red the book a couple of years ago for a university exam and I loved it so I kinda die a little when I saw they were doing a film with my favourite actor! Can’t wait to see it! I’ll have to look at the others performances though 😘😊♥️

    • November 10, 2017 / 4:53 pm

      Yesss then go watch it, cause no way johnny depp as the “bad guy” best thing ever. But if you read the novel, idk if you will like the film.

      • November 10, 2017 / 7:38 pm

        Will see, I remember being really into it but I red it a few years ago so I dont’ remember it perfectily XD

  5. November 10, 2017 / 1:02 pm

    I have to go watch this! For me, as a fan of Agatha Christie’s work, this is a must see 😀

    • November 10, 2017 / 4:52 pm

      Yess then go watch it but idk i am afraid you will be disappointed :ap

  6. November 10, 2017 / 1:35 pm

    Interesting, I definitely want to watch this one as I love the story (and Daisy Ridley is a bit of a hero of mine). I haven’t been a fan of Johnny Depp’s work in the last couple of years, so it’s great to know this performance is a bit of a return to form. Looking forward to watching it soon!!!

    • November 10, 2017 / 4:52 pm

      Yes his performance is a bit similar to his performance in Black Mass i think. But this is not his best work. Like his old movies are still better. I hope you get to watch it xx

  7. November 10, 2017 / 4:46 pm

    I’m going to give Murder on the Orient Express a whirl over the weekend. Talk about a powerhouse of a cast, and where else are you going to see many of these stars interact with each other like this?

  8. November 10, 2017 / 4:51 pm

    This movie looks so good! I didn’t know it was based off a novel, so now I’m torn between reading the novel first or seeing the movie first…

    • November 10, 2017 / 4:54 pm

      Mmmm, good question. Usually, i like to read the novel first then watch it but i feel like if you read the novel you’ll be disappointed from the film. So idk 😛

      • November 10, 2017 / 4:58 pm

        Good to know! Sometimes, I do like to watch the movie then read the novel, so maybe it’s best to do that with this one.

  9. Makeup by Erin
    November 10, 2017 / 8:05 pm

    Aw I love Johnny Depp! If I watched this movie I would only do it for him!

      • Makeup by Erin
        November 11, 2017 / 4:55 pm

        I might! Haha

  10. November 10, 2017 / 8:39 pm

    Great review. I am going to see the film myself next Tuesday. I did not really expect much for this film, and this review confirms that a bit. Still I think it will be interesting enough. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this movie 😀

    • November 11, 2017 / 8:53 am

      Yes it’s still worth watching, hope you enjoy it! Thanks for passing by!

  11. November 11, 2017 / 4:49 pm

    Really liked this review! I do want to watch it but I’m glad I read this before! X

    • November 11, 2017 / 9:49 pm

      Hehe thank you very much! I think it’s a fun crime movie to watch, noting that Hercule Poirot is a funny character!!

  12. November 12, 2017 / 6:14 pm

    its quite disappointing when films which are expected to have such a high appeal to them are not what we expect them to be. Jonny Depp always plays intriguing characters you can’t help but love him!

    • November 13, 2017 / 8:23 am

      Very true!! And i agree about johnny depp! Thanks for passing by xx