Shinji Higuchi’s Bullet Train Explosion offers a grounded and realistic approach to the high-stakes genre of runaway train thrillers. Following the 1975 Japanese film The Bullet Train, this sequel is less about spectacle and more about the intricate responses to a life-threatening situation. While the scenario might seem far-fetched, the film’s portrayal of how bureaucracy and teamwork come together to avert disaster feels strikingly plausible.
Much like his earlier work on Shin Godzilla, Higuchi focuses on a realistic and methodical depiction of emergency management in Bullet Train Explosion. The film shows how different forces, from government officials to ordinary passengers, collaborate in crisis response. Despite its dramatic premise, the film adheres to a logic that remains believable, offering a fresh perspective on disaster cinema.
The story begins at a train station, where the Hayabusa No. 60 is set to depart for Tokyo. The train’s conductor, Kazuya Takaichi (played by Tsuyoshi Kusanagi), is concerned about his waning influence over passengers who seem more captivated by their mobile devices than the journey ahead. His young protégé, Keiji Fujii (Kanata Hosoda), shares his enthusiasm for the job but is easily distracted by passengers like Mitsuru Todoroki (Jun Kaname), a social media influencer, and politician Yuko Kagami (Machiko Ono), who is trying to make a comeback after a scandal.
Things take a dramatic turn when a mysterious caller alerts Japan Railway commander Yuichi Kasagi (Takumi Saitoh) that a bomb has been planted aboard the Hayabusa No. 60. The bomb will detonate if the train slows below 100 km/h, far below the train’s usual speed. Kasagi quickly assembles his team and enlists Takaichi and his crew to keep the passengers calm while attempting to resolve the crisis. When the bomber demands a ransom of 100 billion yen, the situation escalates, involving both government officials and passengers, all working together to prevent catastrophe.
Though the premise may evoke memories of Speed, Bullet Train Explosion feels more like a dramatic portrayal of teamwork than a fast-paced action film. The film’s tone is less about high-octane thrills and more about how professionals and civilians alike work to solve a seemingly insurmountable problem.
In keeping with the realism that marked Shin Godzilla, Bullet Train Explosion avoids relying on flashy star power or larger-than-life characters. Instead, Takaichi is portrayed as a composed and capable leader, whose calmness and sense of duty serve as the backbone for the response to the crisis. The script by Kazuhiro Nakagawa and Norichika Ōba ensures that every character, regardless of their role, is treated with dignity, presenting them as individuals worthy of respect, even if they are not entirely heroic.
The film also touches on a broader theme of redemption. As the crisis unfolds, it becomes clear that no one is beyond saving, even the person responsible for planting the bomb. This humanistic approach adds depth to the story, making it more than just a race against time.
The movie’s style is refined and measured, reminiscent of films like Apollo 13, where dedicated individuals solve problems through cooperation and ingenuity. While the premise might sound idealistic, it offers an optimistic view of human potential in the face of disaster. The film’s pacing and clear geographic sense of location create real tension, especially in scenes where the train narrowly avoids disaster.
Though Bullet Train Explosion may lack the adrenaline-pumping moments typical of blockbuster thrillers, it stands out for its intellectual approach to crisis management. Higuchi uses real trains and equipment in the film’s production, lending a sense of authenticity to the story and grounding its fantastical elements in a believable world.
For audiences familiar with the genre, Bullet Train Explosion may seem more subdued and mature than its predecessors. However, the film offers a thoughtful and engaging take on a crisis scenario, focusing on smart characters solving problems instead of relying on dramatic plot twists. While the idea that a bureaucracy could operate so efficiently might feel far-fetched to some, the film’s portrayal of cooperation and grounded realism makes it a unique entry in the disaster movie genre.
Bullet Train Explosion is a reflection on the power of teamwork, intelligence, and human perseverance, making it an engaging and mature choice for viewers seeking a more thoughtful blockbuster experience.
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