Anyone and everyone who is fan of this cult classic masterfully crafted by Agatha Christie knows about her famous detective Hercule Poirot and his famous sagas. The aforementioned murder mystery which begins from Istanbul and takes us on a thrilling journey through the winter wonderlands of Europe is gripping from the word go. And it’s all the more pleasurable to watch it on the big screen in a feature film format.

Coming to the plot line which is quite interesting and filled with peculiar characters. The year is 1934; the world is but on a cusp of another Great War and the usual ordinary events seem to be unravelling bit by bit. We have a dangerous mix of spies, criminals, wealthy rich socialites, empires’ workers in far flung, dangerous corners of the world. As the city is so famous for bringing together Asia and Europe on either of its banks, it is also famous for a melting point of all these mismatched characters. And from here begins the famous Orient Express, connecting Asia to farthest point of Europe at Calais and then opening opportunities to go further ahead to the new world.

In case of Mr. Poirot, he is not even in Istanbul but trying to enjoy a well earned vacation in Israel. But as he rightly points out that he happens to be perhaps world’s greatest detective and so, the cases come in search of him (instead of vice versa) asking for a solution. Poor Mr Poirot, he just can’t have a vacation, can he??!! So, summoned to report at London, he has no option but to board the famous train at the 11th hour.

A true gentleman that he is, our great detective meets his strange co-passengers with well wishes and neutral warmth. But then an avalanche and a murder brings the entire train to a sudden halt. Precisely this is the point from where the story picks up pace and starts filing the narratives in the story. The more he unravels the mystery, more the truth hints at the Colonel John Armstrong case. What happened to Daisy Armstrong and how that broke her family is the crux of the matter.

Without revealing further much, I can only add that there are remarkable performances by the stellar ensemble cast – from Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot to the glittering lineup of Dame Judi Dench, Olivia Colman, Johnny Depp, Michellle Pfeiffer etc, They keep the acting and glamour quotient high, till the last shot. Not to be forgotten, are the cinematography and direction departments, brilliant works!!

All-in-all, highly recommended movie for all the lovers of murder mystery but especially for the devoted fans of Agatha Christie. Go, have a safe journey aboard the Orient Express!!