A fresh air of mystery

Rating: 8/10 (18 November 2017)

Yes, I admit it. It was not what I expected. But, still, the movie was far from a disappointment.
Starting from the plot, anyone can point out how slow paced it is. But let's not forget that it is based on a mystery novel and books are nothing but slow until it reaches the action. I have not read any book from Agatha Christie neither I have seen any old TV stories/movies based on Christie's works, but I can say that it was a full story with a start,middle and an end. No any unanswered questions (ok,maybe this one,how the heck did they walked around in the snowy place with these light outfits?), not any crazy plot twists. The ending was somewhat predictable from me. I really liked the small actions scenes, especially the use of the walking cane.
The cinematography, the colours, the setting, the outfits... Each one is unique on it's own way.
Regarding the music, there are some nice pieces there. Not something fancy with a variety of chords and basses, just something simple to fit the era and feel the mystery.
Talking about the cast, the acting is not something "special" but some faces are really fitting to the luxury of the train. Some had more screen time than others but none of them had enough to cover in their shade the protagonist. Although, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo got lost somewhere in the background.
Last but not the least, the one only Hercule Poirot. Kenneth Branagh shined in the role especially in the final confrontation with the murderer. The character is not like the "modern" detectives like Downey's Sherlock or Cumberbatch's high-functioning sociopath. He created a humane character,calm and imposing who follows the old fashioned crime-solving by interrogating and counting on clues and rather than making crazy deductions. I had no problem with the enormous double mustache. It gave to Poirot a kind of charm.
In conclusion, a classic story with an amazing lead and a rather impressive cinematography created an underrated movie. It definitely deserves a sequel and I would love seeing Branagh reprising again the role of Hercule Poirot. The movie industry needs more classic stories with this kind of direction, more trains, mustaches and more walking canes in action :P. And, please, don't read these negative reviews. Go watch the movie yourself and make your opinion.