Robyn Bolger | Reporter

‘Murder On The Orient Express’ is a crime mystery written by Agatha Christie and published on the 1st of January 1934. It was made a movie in 1974, a TV movie in 2001 and recently received a makeover for cinemas, released on the 3rd of November this year.

Hercule Poirot is the greatest detective of all time and he can see what others can’t.  After endless amounts of work, Poirot decides he needs a break and boards The Orient Express as a three day getaway.  Aboard the train, he encounters many different people of various nationalities. Poirot thought that this would be perfect,  a time to relax.  However, the plans changed drastically and the odds were against him as what seems an impossible investigation emerges. There were liars on the train, evidence stacked easily,  and no likely suspects.

All 13 strangers have secrets.  All 13 strangers have alibis.  And all 13 strangers have someone to protect.

Agatha Christie was an amazing author who specialised in murder mysteries.  ‘Murder On The Orient  Express’ is the most popular of all her books and is making a return to the spotlight as Kenneth Branagh directs and stars in the latest adaptation of this well known story.

Typically, most movies are not an exact replica of the books they are based on. However, there were many things which ended up changed including evidence, settings and conversations – and strangely there was humour injected into the movie which was not apparent in the book.

Interestingly, the 13 strangers of the story are no strangers to the big screen, with every main role being played by a well-known actor.

The big question, however, is not who the murderer is; but in fact will the endings be the same?

Book: 5/5

Movie: 4/5

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