Bullet Train Explosion Review: A High Speed Thriller That Rarely Slows Down. Glossy, fast-paced, and directed with a no-nonsense attitude that is reflected in its characters, Netflix’s Japanese thriller pays tribute to the disaster movies of the 1970s and 1990s.
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.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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 Bullet Train Explosion 2025
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 Bullet Train Explosion 2025
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.
Bullet Train Explosion OTT Release
The movie “Bullet Train Explosion” is a Japanese action thriller film that was released on Netflix on April 23, 2025. It is also available on Netflix Malaysia. Shinji Higuchi’s action thriller Bullet Train Explosion debuted on Netflix on April 23 with something of a bang, with the movie enthusiastically embraced by viewers and climbing as high as No. 2 in the streamer’s global non-English films list.
5 Key Things to Know
The term “bullet train explosion” refers to the 2025 Japanese action-thriller film Bullet Train Explosion, now streaming on Netflix. Directed by Shinji Higuchi, the movie is a modern reimagining of the 1975 classic The Bullet Train and inspired the Hollywood film Speed (1994). Here are five key things to know about the film:
1. High-Stakes Premise
The story centers on the Hayabusa 60, a high-speed Shinkansen train traveling from Shin-Aomori to Tokyo. An anonymous caller claims a bomb is onboard that will detonate if the train slows below 100 km/h. To prove the threat, the bomber destroys a freight train, forcing railway officials to keep the Hayabusa 60 moving at high speed while devising a rescue plan .Time+7Wikipedia+7Digital Spy+7
2. Unexpected Bomber
The mastermind behind the bombing is revealed to be Yuzuki Onodera, a seemingly innocent student passenger. Her motive stems from a desire to expose her father’s abusive past and challenge the glorified legacy of the Shinkansen. A heart monitor implanted in her body is linked to the bombs, adding complexity to the rescue efforts.
3. Thrilling Rescue Operation
The train crew, led by manager Kazuya Takaichi, orchestrates a daring plan to evacuate passengers and detach bomb-laden cars. Despite setbacks, including a stalled train and internal conflicts, they manage to save over 300 passengers. However, nine individuals, including Takaichi and Onodera, remain onboard as the train continues its perilous journey .
4. Social Commentary
Beyond the action, the film delves into themes of institutional failure, generational trauma, and the consequences of unchecked heroism. It critiques the romanticized image of the Shinkansen and highlights the personal costs of national pride .
5. Critical Reception
Bullet Train Explosion has been praised for its ensemble cast, suspenseful pacing, and emotional depth. While some critics note its similarities to earlier films, many appreciate its fresh take on the genre and its commentary on modern society.
Final Verdict about Bullet Train Explosion 2025: 7.6/10
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.
