Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Colorful, thoughtful, classical mystery has some violence.
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Why Age 13+?
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Murder on the Orient Express
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 24 parent reviews
Parents say this murder mystery film is an entertaining and stylish adaptation that captivates with its strong storytelling and moral undertones, though it contains some violence and mature themes such as murder, drug use, and ethical discussions. Viewers appreciate the film's pacing and dialogue-rich format, but suggest it may not fully engage younger children while being suitable for older teens and adults.
- mature themes
- limited violence
- stylish adaptation
- engaging storytelling
- family-friendly elements
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 56 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is an engaging and suspenseful murder mystery that maintains the intriguing complexity of the original story, but it also contains mature themes and some graphic content that may not be suitable for younger viewers. While the film is generally praised for its excellent acting and unexpected twists, many reviewers caution that its darker elements and intense scenes might be overwhelming for children under 12.
- engaging mystery
- mature themes
- intense scenes
- unexpected twists
- complex plot
- great acting
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, master detective Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) has just solved a case in Jerusalem and is looking forward to a vacation. Unfortunately, he's summoned to another case in London and must board the Orient Express. A boorish passenger, Ratchett (Johnny Depp), whose business appears shady, tries to hire Poirot for protection. Next thing anyone knows, Ratchett has been murdered, and there's a whole train car full of suspects. Poirot interviews them one by one, including Ratchett's secretary (Josh Gad), his valet (Derek Jacobi), a society lady (Michelle Pfeiffer), a princess (Judi Dench), a professor (Willem Dafoe), a governess (Daisy Ridley), a doctor (Leslie Odom Jr.), and a missionary (Penelope Cruz). But the more Poirot learns, the less the clues seem to add up; they even seem to contradict one another. He comes to realize that this case will lead him to question everything he knows.
Is It Any Good?
Branagh calls on his finest classical directing skills to make this smart, old-fashioned murder mystery into an enjoyable, great-looking entertainment, with an ensemble cast to die for. Based on the novel by Agatha Christie, Branagh's colorful, fluid Murder on the Orient Express is a worthy companion to the book's previous big-screen adaptation, Sidney Lumet's 1974 version. Best of all, Branagh directs himself in the role of the famous detective Poirot, and it's as natural a fit as his outings as Henry V and Hamlet were. Branagh finds a fascinating emotional center to the character, a certain kind of pain that drives him, rather than just being really smart. (Plus he has an amazing mustache.)
The movie takes place in a single location, but Branagh's camera moves gracefully through the narrow corridors; he never constricts or tightens for suspense purposes. He goes outside, or above, or wide, to bring all the characters together on a human level. (He also uses mirrors and windows to fascinating effect.) This isn't a traditional murder mystery, in that it's not particularly suspenseful or thrilling. Rather, it's content and mature enough to explore the reasons behind it all, to find the soul of the thing. This is a movie aimed at viewers who have a little bit of patience and who don't mind a little bit of the way things used to be.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Murder on the Orient Express's violence. How much is actually shown? What's the impact of the violence that's not shown? Is this thrilling or shocking?
How does the movie depict drinking and drugs? Are they glamorized? Do any of the characters appear to be addicts? What indicates that?
What does the movie have to say about racism and discrimination? Which characters appear to be intolerant of characters from other cultures? How are they treated by others?
Like Poirot, do you believe that there are simple, black-and-white solutions for every problem? Why or why not?
Why do you think author Agatha Christie and her character Hercule Poirot have such enduring appeal?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 10, 2017
- On DVD or streaming : February 27, 2018
- Cast : Daisy Ridley , Johnny Depp , Judi Dench , Kenneth Branagh
- Director : Kenneth Branagh
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Book Characters
- Run time : 114 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and thematic elements
- Last updated : December 17, 2025
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