<P> Murder on the Orient Express is a 2017 American mystery drama film directed by Kenneth Branagh with a screenplay by Michael Green, based on the 1934 novel of the same name by Agatha Christie . The film stars Branagh as Hercule Poirot, with Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, Derek Jacobi, Leslie Odom Jr., Michelle Pfeiffer, and Daisy Ridley in supporting roles . The film is the fourth adaptation of Christie's novel, following a 1974 film, a 2001 TV film, and a 2010 episode of Agatha Christie's Poirot . The plot follows Poirot, a world - renowned detective, who seeks to solve a murder on the famous European train in the 1930s . </P> <P> Principal photography began in November 2016 in the United Kingdom; it is one of the few in recent decades to use 65mm film cameras . Murder on the Orient Express had its world premiere on November 2, 2017 at Royal Albert Hall in London and was released in the United States on November 10, 2017, by 20th Century Fox . The film has grossed $196 million worldwide and received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for the cast's performances and the production value, but criticism for not adding anything new to previous adaptations . </P> <P> In 1934 famous detective Hercule Poirot solves a theft at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem . The obsessive compulsive Belgian--who seeks balance in life, and considers his case - solving ability to see a lie amid truth a curse--wants to rest in Istanbul but must return to London for another case . His friend Bouc, director of the Orient Express, offers him a room on the train . </P> <P> Poirot refuses sinister businessman Samuel Ratchett's offer to hire him as his bodyguard during the three - day journey, as Ratchett has received threatening letters from an unknown party . That night Poirot hears strange noises coming from Ratchett's compartment, and sees a woman in a red kimono running down the hallway . An avalanche derails the train and strands the passengers . </P>

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