Bullet Train Explosion (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Original title: Shinkansen Daibakuha
When a movie takes inspiration from a ’70s cult classic and adapts it for modern audiences, expectations are naturally high. Bullet Train Explosion (2025), directed by the brilliant Shinji Higuchi, does just that. It builds on the legacy of 1975’s The Bullet Train while also being a spiritual sequel and a reimagining rolled into one. The result? A suspense-laden action thriller that packs in explosive set pieces, biting commentary, and meticulous Japanese precision.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore what Bullet Train Explosion brings to the tracks, whether it’s worth your streaming time, and where to watch it—especially if you’re tuning in from the U.S.
Where to Watch Bullet Train Explosion Online
The 2025 reboot of this Japanese action classic is exclusively streaming on Netflix, globally including the U.S. So, you don’t need a theater ticket or a high-speed rail pass to experience the thrills—just a Netflix subscription.
Speed, Suspense, and a Shinkansen Bomb Threat
Imagine a train that must maintain a speed above 100 km/h or risk detonation. That’s the ticking clock scenario driving Bullet Train Explosion. The story unfolds aboard the Hayabusa No. 60, slicing through Japan’s scenic landscapes from Shin-Aomori to Tokyo with hundreds of lives aboard.
Authorities are blindsided when an anonymous threat demands a ransom of 10 billion yen, warning that if the train decelerates, it will explode. This setup is eerily reminiscent of Speed (1994)—but that was itself inspired by The Bullet Train. Here, we go full circle.
A Directorial Signature You Can’t Miss
Director Shinji Higuchi, known for Shin Godzilla and Shin Ultraman, brings his signature style of crisis realism. But unlike his previous works, which delve deep into character psyche and political subtext, this film leans more on edge-of-your-seat thrills. That said, Higuchi doesn’t abandon his roots. Bureaucratic inertia, government inaction, and collective resilience—these themes subtly pulse beneath the action.
Performances and Ensemble Drama
Let’s talk cast. Tsuyoshi Kusanagi as the stoic train conductor Kazuya Takaichi delivers gravity. Non, portraying the heroic train driver Matsumoto, steals hearts with a quiet determination. There’s a genuine ensemble effort, reminiscent of old disaster films, where professionals face crises with calm resolve.
What’s missing, however, is emotional depth. While the performances are competent, they don’t quite rise to tear-jerking levels. You care about the group’s mission, but less about the individuals themselves.
Script and Storytelling: Tension, but Tapered
The script starts strong. Tension is expertly ratcheted up as the control center and train crew scramble to execute increasingly desperate rescue plans. One of the most gripping sequences? Using model trains in a control room to simulate real-life maneuvers—a perfect metaphor for Japan’s meticulous planning culture.
However, after the first hour, the momentum begins to lag. Twists become predictable, and the ultimate villain reveal—meant to be a shocker—feels undercooked. Some subplots try too hard to mirror the original’s ideological weight, and others lean into melodrama without much payoff.
Visuals and Action Sequences
One word: breathtaking.
From aerial shots of rice paddies to intense tunnel sequences, the cinematography is polished. The train-based action—whether it’s narrow escapes, synchronized car-to-car transfers, or emergency bridge deployments—is technically brilliant. Higuchi knows how to keep the action clear, coherent, and compelling.
Still, one can’t help but wish the film went a step further in its stunts or danger level. A bit more chaos wouldn’t have hurt.
Cultural Nuance and Social Commentary
This is where Bullet Train Explosion earns points over many Western action thrillers. It’s not just about action. The movie reflects Japanese values: teamwork over heroism, dignity under pressure, and the cultural taboo of displaying failure publicly.
There’s also an implicit criticism of bureaucracy’s cold efficiency, contrasting starkly with the warm cooperation of the train crew. It’s Higuchi’s quiet protest—and it echoes loudly.
Pros and Cons of Bullet Train Explosion
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong direction by Shinji Higuchi | Lagging second half |
| Well-shot action and cinematography | Underdeveloped characters |
| Thrilling first hour | Predictable twists |
| Powerful group dynamics and teamwork theme | Weak villain motivation |
| Visually stunning Japanese landscapes | Overstays its welcome by 20–30 minutes |
Is Bullet Train Explosion Worth Watching?
Yes, especially if you enjoy ensemble disaster thrillers with a cultural twist. It might not reinvent the genre, but it pays homage to it with style and discipline. It’s a love letter to calculated crisis management, Japanese engineering, and the spirit of collective action.
Bullet Train Explosion
While the film may lack emotional depth, it excels in execution, atmosphere, and ambition. It’s a modern-day cinematic bullet train: sleek, fast, slightly flawed—but ultimately worth the ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bullet Train Explosion a remake of the original 1975 film?
No, it’s more of a spiritual sequel or reimagining. It nods heavily to the original while introducing a new story.
Is the movie available on any platform besides Netflix?
No, Bullet Train Explosion is a Netflix original, and currently only available via that platform.
Who directed Bullet Train Explosion?
The movie is directed by Shinji Higuchi, renowned for Shin Godzilla and Shin Ultraman.
Is Bullet Train Explosion in English or Japanese?
The original language is Japanese, but English subtitles and dubbing are available on Netflix.
Does the movie have any connection to Speed (1994)?
Yes, indirectly. The original Bullet Train inspired Speed, and now this film loops the concept back with modern flair.
Is there a post-credits scene?
No, but there is a final montage that hints at thematic continuity for future films.
Bullet Train Explosion (2025) is an exciting, if slightly imperfect, homage to high-speed disaster dramas. With strong direction and meticulous visuals, it entertains while subtly probing Japan’s crisis response culture. Though it slows in the second half, the ride is ultimately thrilling enough to recommend.
So grab your popcorn, fire up Netflix, and buckle in—because this bullet train isn’t stopping anytime soon.
