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comparable to the original
Michelle 2022-09-15 19:18:21
The discussion of human nature, the struggle between reason and law, and the choice between faith and forgiveness are well presented in this film. Especially the finale, the seemingly open ending: I don't know whether Poirot told the police truthfully or made up another reason to spare the twelve. I saw this analysis: After Poirot finished speaking, he turned to look at the twelve people, but instead of walking towards them, he turned and walked towards the depths of the snowdrift. It shows that he did not agree with their actions, but let them go, letting himself be deeply remorseful for betraying his legal beliefs and compromising reasonable practices, and left alone and staggering away.
Extended Reading
Murder on the Orient Express quotes
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Mary Debenham: You said of the woman in Istanbul that she knew the rules of her culture and knew what breaking them would mean. So did Cassetti.
Hercule Poirot: [harshly] And so do you!
Mary Debenham: When you've been denied justice... you are incomplete. It feels that God has abandoned you in a stark place. I asked God... I think we all did... what we should do, and he said do what is right. And I thought if I did, it would make me complete again.
Hercule Poirot: [coldly] And are you?
Mary Debenham: [long pause, then] But I did what was right.
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Lieutenant Blanchflower: If I may speak out of turn, sir... I think it unjust that one mistake cost Lieutenant Morris so dearly. He was a good man... who was involved in an accident.
Hercule Poirot: [turns to face him] Unjust?
Lieutenant Blanchflower: He made an error of judgement. He was a good man.
Hercule Poirot: It did not have to end in suicide.
Lieutenant Blanchflower: I think he believed he had no choice.
Hercule Poirot: A man like your friend, Lieutenant, always has choice, and it was his choice to lie that brought him into difficulty with the law.
[He turns away]