A very creative film. In two parts: 2 hr 25 min (ending with the denouement) and then the second part 2 hr 16 min is the back-story of the event and how the murder was planned. Very interesting. The production values are terrific. Great set, costuming, direction, and quality Japanese actors in the parts. An example of the high production values is that when each character is introduced a subtitle of his name and compartment number is given. Later when Mr. Sugaro (the Poirot character) is cross examining the witnesses and he refers to a drawing of the coach, a diagram subtitle pops up with the cabin highlighted for clarity. This may seem like a small point but it shows the care that went into this adaptation. Be warned though, that the actor playing the "Poirot"character (Masai Nomura) is not playing Poirot. He is a famous Japanese detective-Mr. Sugaro. He has the same mustaches and appearance of a very young Poirot. If you are looking for an older "Japanese Poirot" you won't find it here. Sometimes it is difficult to overcome the thought that Masai is a young actor who put on a mustache to play at being Poirot. But once you get over this minor quirk you can enjoy the film. He brings his own interpretation to the role, and occasionally it may lapse a bit into parody, but then so did Albert Finney—and he was quite enjoyable. While on the subject of Finney it seems this film is in line with the 1974 version. It is not a scene by scene remake (and in Part 2 it takes on a life of its own) but homage is paid to the classic Finney film in many ways. I do recommend it, if even to see how other countries adapt Christie for the screen. A respectable, accurate, and very enjoyable adaptation.
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