“Bullet Train Explosion” Review: Shinji Higuchi’s Explosive Reboot Is a Heart-Pounding Ride Across Japan

4/5 Stars
Legendary director Shinji Higuchi—known for breathing new life into kaiju cinema with Shin Godzilla and Shin Ultraman—returns with Bullet Train Explosion, a gripping Netflix-bound disaster thriller that reimagines Japan’s iconic 1975 film The Bullet Train. Merging pulse-pounding action with compelling human drama, Higuchi crafts a frenetic, edge-of-your-seat spectacle that honors its roots while feeling thoroughly modern.
Starring Tsuyoshi Kusanagi as Takaichi, a seasoned conductor aboard the Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa No. 60, the film launches viewers into a life-or-death scenario. A mysterious caller contacts Kasagi (Takumi Saitoh) at the Shinkansen Operation Control Centre, threatening that a bomb on the train will detonate if the train slows below 160 km/h (100 mph). The kicker? Stopping the train to evacuate would trigger the explosion.
With the government unwilling to bow to a ¥100 billion (roughly US$700 million) ransom demand, responsibility falls on the JR East crew and everyday passengers to survive the race against time. Among the train’s occupants are a disgraced politician (Machiko Ono), a cocky tech mogul (Jun Kaname), and a class of screaming high schoolers—all adding chaos and humanity to the unfolding crisis.
Leading the charge is Non (Rena Nōnen), portraying a rookie female driver who must keep her composure while steering the doomed bullet train toward Tokyo. Higuchi’s direction shines as he skillfully balances sweeping disaster set pieces with heartfelt performances, emphasizing unity and resilience in the face of systemic failure and terror.
Higuchi’s access to real Shinkansen infrastructure and top-tier visual effects elevate Bullet Train Explosion beyond a simple thriller. While the antagonist’s motivations may teeter on the unbelievable, the emotional stakes and electrifying pace leave little time for second-guessing. It’s a high-speed cinematic rocket fueled by tension, teamwork, and national pride.
For fans of adrenaline-fueled disasters, character-driven tension, or just a ride you won’t forget, Bullet Train Explosion is worth boarding.
Streaming on Netflix starting April 23.