Bull 2020
Directed by
Annie Silverstein
Made by
Samuel Goldwyn Films
Plot Summary
In Tokyo, the relentless pursuit of vengeance drives Yuichi Kimura (Rob Morgan) as he seeks justice after his son Wataru is tragically pushed off a rooftop, leading him to be warned by The Elder (Hiroyuki Sanada) to board a bullet train that night. Meanwhile, under the guidance of his handler Maria (Sandra Bullock), the seasoned assassin Ladybug (Brad Pitt), who battles anxiety and considers himself exceptionally unlucky, is tasked with retrieving a briefcase onboard that same bullet train headed for Kyoto. This mission comes as a result of a prior contract with Carver, who unexpectedly calls in sick.
Onboard the train, Ladybug encounters a young woman known only as the “Prince” (Joey King), a cunning schoolgirl figure manipulating the assassins and claiming to be lucky. Coincidentally, she is the same individual who assaulted Wataru. Compounding Ladybug’s troubles, he also runs into Lemon (Brian Tyree Henry) and Tangerine (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), two brothers tasked with escorting the briefcase, which contains a ransom of $10 million, alongside the son of Russian Yakuza boss, White Death (Michael Shannon).
The narrative unfolds with Minegishi, the Japanese mob boss, whose reign was upended by White Death after a brutal coup that left his clan annihilated. As Yuichi hunts for the man responsible for his son’s fall, he instead crosses paths with the Prince, who incapacitates him with a taser.
Chaos escalates as Ladybug inadvertently steals the briefcase from Lemon and Tangerine, only to be confronted by Wolf (Benito A. Martínez Ocasio), a vengeful Mexican assassin holding him accountable for a deadly wedding poisoning, including the loss of his wife—though Ladybug was actually the hero at that event. Their altercation surprisingly ends with Wolf fatally injuring himself.
As the convoluted web of deceit and violence continues, the Prince reveals her Machiavellian motives to Yuichi, including her plot to assassinate White Death, and her desperate measures to hold Wataru hostage through her henchman. Tragedy strikes again when White Death’s son meets a similar horrific fate as Wolf’s wedding party, escalating tensions among the assassins.
The battle unfolds further as Ladybug struggles against Tangerine and, through a series of misunderstandings and confrontations, inadvertently kills him while trying to protect the Prince. As the remaining players meld their efforts against White Death, an explosive setup leads to a climactic showdown where motives collide amidst a crumbling train.
In a final twist, the Prince’s aspirations for power are abruptly halted by fate—an unsuspecting fruit truck, driven by Lemon, brings her reign to an unexpected end. As the dust settles from the havoc wreaked on Kyoto, Maria arrives just in time to extract Ladybug, who finally relishes the thought of escaping the mayhem that ensued on the ill-fated bullet train. This chaotic blend of fate, vengeance, and dark humor leaves an indelible mark on the lives intertwined within the tragicomic web of Tokyo’s underbelly.
Timeline
Tragic Loss
Yuichi Kimura experiences a profound tragedy when his son Wataru is pushed off a rooftop, leading him to seek vengeance. This event marks the beginning of Yuichi's relentless pursuit for justice against those responsible for his son's death.
The Elder's Warning
Following the tragedy, Yuichi is warned by The Elder to board a bullet train that night for his own safety. This warning sets Yuichi on a path that intertwines with other key players in the unfolding drama.
Ladybug's Assignment
On the same night, seasoned assassin Ladybug is given a new mission by his handler Maria. He is to retrieve a briefcase on the bullet train bound for Kyoto, an assignment complicated by his anxiety and misfortunes.
Meeting the Prince
While onboard the train, Ladybug encounters the young woman known as the 'Prince'. She reveals herself to be cunning and manipulative, claiming she is lucky, while plotting her own schemes related to Wataru's fate.
Unexpected Encounters
Ladybug also crosses paths with brothers Lemon and Tangerine, who are escorting the briefcase that contains a ransom of $10 million. The tension escalates as identities blur and motives clash on the train.
Minegishi's Downfall
The narrative reveals the backstory of Minegishi, a Japanese mob boss who was overthrown by White Death. This coup resulted in significant unrest and laid the ground for the intertwined fates of the characters.
Confrontation with Yuichi
As Yuichi hunts for revenge, he is unexpectedly incapacitated by the Prince, who uses a taser on him. This confrontation signifies the Prince's dangerous manipulation in the chaotic events that follow.
Wolf's Grudge
Ladybug is confronted by Wolf, a Mexican assassin seeking revenge for the death of his wife due to a wedding poisoning incident. In a twist, Ladybug is revealed to be the real hero behind that event, but the confrontation ends tragically as Wolf fatally injures himself.
Prince's Machinations
The Prince reveals her true intentions to Yuichi, including her plan to assassinate White Death and control Wataru. This shocking revelation deepens the complexities of the plot and alliances among the characters.
Tragedy Strikes Again
The tension rises as White Death's son meets a gruesome fate, mirroring past tragedies. This event heightens the stakes as rivalries among the assassins become increasingly personal and deadly.
Ladybug's Misstep
In a chaotic encounter, Ladybug inadvertently kills Tangerine while attempting to protect the Prince. This incident reflects the absurdity and unpredictability of the situations they all find themselves in.
Climactic Showdown
As the train hurtles towards Kyoto, a climactic confrontation unfolds between the remaining players. Motives collide amidst the chaos, leading to explosive actions and consequences for all involved.
The Prince's Downfall
The Prince's ambition comes to a sudden halt when she is struck by a fruit truck driven by Lemon. This twist of fate showcases the unpredictable chaos that defines their world.
Maria's Arrival
In the aftermath of the chaotic train ride, Maria arrives just in time to extract Ladybug from the situation. This moment allows Ladybug to finally escape the mayhem that has engulfed the bullet train.
Reflection on Chaos
As the dust settles, the characters are left to reflect on the blend of fate, vengeance, and dark humor that characterized their intertwined lives. The tragicomic web of Tokyo's underbelly has left an indelible mark on them all.
Characters
Yuichi Kimura (Rob Morgan)
Yuichi is a father consumed by grief and a thirst for vengeance following the tragic loss of his son. His journey through Tokyo's underbelly showcases his resilience and determination as he hunts down those responsible for his pain. Despite facing numerous obstacles, his pursuit keeps him focused on one goal: justice.
Ladybug (Brad Pitt)
Ladybug is a seasoned assassin plagued by bad luck and anxiety. Tasked with retrieving a briefcase, his demeanor oscillates between calm and chaotic as he navigates a series of misfortunes. This character's blend of humor and relatability adds depth to the narrative, as he confronts both external threats and his internal struggles.
The Prince (Joey King)
The Prince is a clever and manipulative schoolgirl who plays a pivotal role in the unfolding chaos. Her cunning nature allows her to outsmart seasoned assassins, demonstrating a mix of innocent charm and dark ambition. Her actions reflect a craving for power amidst the ensuing violence on the train.
Setting
Time period
The story unfolds in modern Japan, where traditional values often clash with contemporary life. The atmosphere is charged with tension as characters grapple with themes of vengeance and justice, highlighting the ever-evolving societal dynamics.
Location
Tokyo, Kyoto
Tokyo is a bustling metropolis known for its skyscrapers, vibrant culture, and a blend of traditional and modern influences. It serves as the backdrop for a high-stakes game of vengeance and deception. Kyoto, on the other hand, is famous for its historic temples and beautiful landscapes, but in this narrative, it becomes the site of a chaotic confrontation aboard a bullet train.
Themes
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Vengeance
The theme of vengeance is central to the plot as characters pursue personal justice, often leading to tragic outcomes. Yuichi's relentless quest to avenge his son sets off a chain reaction of violence and collided motives. This relentless pursuit highlights the destructive nature of vengeance and its far-reaching consequences.
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Deception
Deception runs rampant in the narrative, as characters manipulate one another for personal gain. The Prince embodies this theme, as she schemes against both Ladybug and White Death, positioning herself as a puppet master in a world filled with lies. This web of deceit escalates tensions and ultimately leads to catastrophic results.
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Chaos
The chaos aboard the bullet train encapsulates the movie's frantic energy, with miscommunication among assassins leading to unexpected fatalities. The narrative's fast-paced nature mirrors the unpredictability of life, where plans can unravel in an instant. This chaos serves as a thrilling backdrop that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
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