From the very beginning of cinema, trains have held a special place in storytelling—representing movement, tension, and change. That tradition roars back to life in Bullet Train Explosion, now streaming on Netflix. Directed by Shin Godzilla’s Shinji Higuchi, this high-octane Japanese action thriller isn’t just a remake; it’s a thrilling tribute to its 1975 predecessor, The Bullet Train, recharged for today’s audience.
The reception for Bullet Train Explosion has been quite the mixed bag, with some calling it “paint-by-numbers but entertaining” while others hail it as “one of Netflix Asia’s standout offerings this year.” What sets this film apart from typical genre fare is its emotional depth and moral complexity. Viewers have applauded its grounded realism, the diverse cast, and its sharp take on modern pressures, from the quest for viral fame to the weight of legacy. Here are a few reasons why Bullet Train Explosion might just be your next must-watch.
The original Bullet Train made a splash nearly fifty years ago with its heart-pounding plot: a shinkansen set to explode if it slowed down below 80 kmph. Higuchi’s 2025 sequel cranks up the tension—a bomb threatens a speeding train packed with 1,500 passengers, and the ransom demand has skyrocketed to an eye-watering ¥100 billion.
But it’s not just the storyline that’s been updated; Higuchi infuses the narrative with social media chaos, morally complex characters, and a sense of realism brought to life through actual bullet trains and a partnership with East Japan Railway Company.
Sure, there are nail-biting action sequences and fiery explosions, but Bullet Train Explosion also serves as a reflection on collective responsibility, sacrifice, and the weight of public scrutiny. We encounter a disgraced politician, a troubled influencer, a teenage saboteur with a complicated past—and at the centre of it all, a dedicated conductor brought to life with depth and passion by Tsuyoshi Kusanagi.
With a blend of practical effects, miniatures, and real-life bullet trains, Higuchi creates a cinematic experience that feels astonishingly real. As the train races toward Tokyo, you’ll find yourself not just wishing it stays above 100 kmph, but also deeply invested in the lives of those aboard.
The ensemble cast includes Junichi Okada, Kenichi Matsuyama, and Tori Matsuzaka, each bringing charisma and tension to their roles. Whether navigating internal dilemmas or high-speed danger, the actors ground the film’s wild premise in believable emotion and human connection.