Bullet Train Explosion (2025) – A High Speed Thriller That Rarely Slows Down
Release Date: April 23, 2025
Streaming On: Netflix
Country of Origin: Japan
Language: Japanese
Also Known As: Hızlı Tren Dehşeti
Director: Shinji Higuchi
Genre: Action, Thriller, Disaster
Filming Location: Tokyo, Japan
Production Companies: Episcope, Tokyo Film Commission
🚄 Overview
Shinji Higuchi delivers a pulse-pounding disaster thriller with Bullet Train Explosion, a modern reimagining of Junya Sato’s 1975 classic The Bullet Train. This time, it’s the Hayabusa No. 60 that finds itself hurtling toward disaster — and the stakes couldn’t be higher. A bomb threat, a ransom demand of 100 billion yen, and a chilling rule: if the bullet train drops below 100 km/h, it explodes.
The premise echoes the high-octane suspense of Hollywood’s Speed, but with a distinct Japanese touch. Shot entirely in Tokyo, the film immerses you in a high-stakes scenario where control room operators, train staff, and everyday passengers fight against time and fear.
🎥 Storyline
A mysterious call shatters the routine at the Shinkansen General Operation Control Center: a bomb is onboard the Hayabusa No. 60, set to detonate if the train’s speed drops below 100 km/h. With limited time and options, authorities scramble to assess the threat, while the people onboard grapple with rising panic. It’s a race against time — and every second counts.
🌟 What Works
🔧 Precision Engineering of Suspense
Shinji Higuchi crafts the film with meticulous tension. From the control room to the passenger cabins, Bullet Train Explosion never lets up. The editing is tight, the pacing relentless, and every moment on board pulses with urgency. It’s less about explosions and more about how humans react to crisis — some rising to the challenge, others succumbing to fear.
🎭 Strong Performances
While the ensemble cast doesn’t lean on big international names, the performances are grounded and effective. Each character, whether a passenger, conductor, or official, brings a human touch to the chaos. This focus on collectivism and collaboration stands out, adding a layer of emotional depth beneath the action.
🎼 Rousing Score by Taisei Iwasaki
The soundtrack by Taisei Iwasaki accentuates the drama perfectly. It surges in key moments, amplifying the stakes and giving scenes that extra emotional kick.
🤔 What Could’ve Been Better
While visually stunning and well-paced, Bullet Train Explosion slightly falters in its latter half. The tension doesn’t escalate as smoothly, and a late twist involving the villain borders on unintentionally comedic. Additionally, compared to the original film’s rich interplay between the police and criminals, this version narrows its focus entirely to the onboard action, losing some of the human complexity.
💥 Final Verdict: 8/10
Bullet Train Explosion is a worthy disaster thriller — a nostalgic yet modern tribute to a genre that thrives on tension and teamwork. Though it rides familiar rails, its execution, direction, and underlying emotional core keep it speeding ahead with style.
A must-watch for fans of high-stakes thrillers and Japanese cinema alike. Just don’t blink — this train doesn’t slow down.
