Bullet Train (film screening)
October 29 @ 6:45 pm - 9:00 pm EDT
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Bullet Train
Wednesday, October 29, 6:45 PM (ET)
Doors open 6:25PM | Film Screening | In-Person | Innis Town Hall (2 Sussex Avenue, Toronto, ON M5S 1J5)
Directed by David Leitch • 2022 • 126 minutes • Presented in English • Trailer
Unlucky assassin Ladybug (Brad Pitt) is determined to do his job peacefully after one too many gigs gone off the rails. Fate, however, may have other plans, as Ladybug’s latest mission puts him on a collision course with lethal adversaries from around the globe—all with connected, yet conflicting, objectives—on the world’s fastest train from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Adapted from ISAKA Kotaro’s 2010 novel Maria Beetle, Bullet Train features a cast of unforgettable characters and takes audiences on a wild, high-speed ride that’s as stylish as it is fun, blending thrilling action sequences, witty banter and a dazzling neon style.
Special pre-screening introduction by the author of the original novel — ISAKA Kotaro, who is a featured guest at the 2025 Toronto International Festival of Authors!
Free admission. Register below.
Director Profile:
David Leitch is one of Hollywood’s leading action filmmakers, known for combining jaw-dropping stunt work with sharp humor and slick visual style. Before stepping behind the camera, Leitch built his career as a stunt performer and coordinator, doubling for Brad Pitt and working on major blockbusters like Fight Club, The Matrix sequels, and The Bourne Ultimatum.
Leitch made his directing debut as an uncredited co-director on John Wick (2014), which revitalized modern action cinema and started a successful franchise. He went on to direct Atomic Blonde (2017), Deadpool 2 (2018), and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019), proving his ability to deliver globe-spanning franchise hits.
Photo Credit ©️Munemasa Takahashi
Author Profile:
Kotaro Isaka is the internationally-acclaimed Japanese author of Bullet Train (Japanese title Maria Beetle, 2010). One of the most consistently bestselling authors of contemporary Japanese fiction, Isaka is known for works that straddle the literary and entertainment genres.
His novels include Audubon’s Prayer (2000, Shincho Mystery Club Award), Lush Life (2002), Three Assassins (Japanese title Grasshopper, 2004), The Precision of the Agent of Death (2005, Mystery Writers of Japan Award), Shumatsu no Fool (2006), Golden Slumber (2007, Yamamoto Shugoro Award and Japan Booksellers’ Award), The Mantis (Japanese title AX, 2017), and Gyaku Socrates (2020, Shibata Renzaburo Award). His latest novel is 777 (2023).
Isaka’s books have been translated into over 20 languages worldwide. Bullet Train was the basis of the eponymous movie from Sony Pictures (2022), directed by David Leitch and starring Brad Pitt.
Co-Presented by:
Related Programming
Crafting Twists and Thrills: A Conversation with Author ISAKA Kotaro
Thursday, October 30, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (ET)
In-Person @ The Japan Foundation, Toronto Event Hall | Admission Free |Registration Required
Author ISAKA Kotaro will share rare insights into his life as a creative at the Japan Foundation, Toronto, in conversation with Brian Bergstrom, translator for one of his novels Hotel Lucky Seven. The pair will talk about creative processes, inspirations, and challenges, in addition to experience with translation and film adaptations. Audience can also expect to learn more about Isaka’s most recent English translations Seesaw Monster and Hotel Lucky Seven and ask any burning questions they may have about his intricately woven plotlines.
Attendees can join a signing session with the author immediately after the event!
JFT Book Club (Hybrid): Seesaw Monster by ISAKA Kotaro
Saturday, November 8, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (ET)
Online &| In-Person | Japan Foundation, Toronto Library (2 Bloor St E #300, Toronto, ON, Canada M4W 1A8)
Join us virtually or in person for our book club meeting, where we dive deep into the dark wit and intricate plots of Japan’s master storyteller, ISAKA Kotaro! We’ll discuss his novel Seesaw Monster (or the original Japanese version: 伊坂幸太郎著『シーソーモンスター』, translated into English by Sam Malissa), which consists of two interconnected, suspenseful stories set in the past and the future. Meet fellow readers and share insights into the stories that you might not have discovered on your own!
P.S. A special video message from the author ISAKA Kotaro will be exclusively shared with book club participants!
