Bullet Train Explosion Review: Shinji Higuchi's disaster drama is a tense, fast-paced ride and delivers edge-of-the-seat action and spectacle

The story follows the 5060 Hayabusa Shinkansen, a bullet train en route to Tokyo, carrying over 300 passengers. Shortly after departure, the call center division of the East Japan Railway Company, the firm that operates the train, receives a chilling message: bombs have been planted aboard, and the train must maintain a speed above 100 km/h or risk catastrophic explosions. Matters escalate when the anonymous caller demands a ransom of 100 billion yen. As panic spreads, veteran conductor Takaichi steps in to manage the chaos, collaborating with the driver Matsumoto and coordinating with railway officials. Among the passengers are Kagami, a disgraced politician; Todoroki, a self-absorbed influencer; and Onodera, a schoolgirl with her own secrets. The train races past scheduled stops, and a nerve-wracking mission to defuse the crisis begins.

A modern sequel that nods to the classic 1975 film

Japan’s bullet trains have long fascinated filmmakers, and this film is the latest entry in a long line of cinematic explorations. ‘Bullet Train Explosion’ functions as a spiritual sequel to the 1975 classic ‘The Bullet Train,’ borrowing narrative elements while reimagining them for modern sensibilities.

While the 1975 version focused largely on the bomber’s psyche, this one shifts the lens toward the system—train officials, emergency responders, and bureaucrats—who work together to avert disaster. It’s an old-school film reshaped to appeal to newer audiences, especially millennials who may not be familiar with the original.

Without giving away spoilers, the reveal of the bomber’s identity is almost laughable—yet oddly fitting, as it connects back to the original’s tone and plot. Though the film suffers from occasional screenplay lapses, it remains gripping enough to be looked over.

Collective resilience in the face of crisis

A major strength lies in its portrayal of Japan’s collective resilience. When disaster looms, every arm of society—from rail employees to government officials—rallies to confront it head-on. The only letdown is the lack of in-depth character exploration.

The film keeps its focus tightly on the unfolding crisis, which sacrifices emotional depth for pace. That said, the technical finesse is undeniable. Higuchi’s direction is sharp, and his team's research brings realism to even the most implausible elements. Scenes involving the swift mobilization of Japan’s crisis management machinery are especially riveting and executed with a realism that lends weight to the film's premise. The nod to ‘Speed’—itself inspired by the 1975 film—is also quite evident.

Strong performances

Performance-wise, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi is outstanding as Takaichi, embodying the grace and determination of a seasoned conductor under pressure. Kanata Hosoda brings warmth and sincerity to his role as Fujii, Takaichi’s eager and earnest assistant.

Machiko Ono captures the arc of Kagami with conviction, eliciting scorn and eventual empathy. Jun Kaname’s portrayal of Todoroki, the social media influencer, adds a relatable human layer to the ensemble, particularly with his character’s evolution during the crisis. The performances ground the film in an emotional reality that balances its improbable setup.

A disaster film that delivers on tension and action

‘Bullet Train Explosion’ is a pure disaster film that prioritizes immediate tension over long-term storytelling. It doesn’t dwell on mystery or character subplots—instead, it zeroes in on the people trying to stop the disaster, not the one who caused it.

This approach reinforces the enduring charm of disaster movies: the real drama lies in how people respond to extraordinary circumstances.

Cast: Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Kanata Hosoda, Non, Machiko Ono, Hana Toyoshima, Jun Kaname

Director: Shinji Higuchi

Rating: 3/5

(‘Bullet Train Explosion’ is currently streaming on Netflix)