Bullet Train Explosion (2025) - Review
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© 2025 Netflix, Inc.
Directed by: Shinji Higuchi
Written by: Kazuhiro Nakagawa, Norichika Oba
Starring: Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Kanata Hosoda, Non, Takumi Saitoh, Machiko Ono, Jun Kaname, Hana Toyoshima
Runtime: 134 min
Synopsis: When the Hayabusa 60 Shinkansen bound for Tokyo is threatened with a bomb that will instantly detonate if it slows below 100 km/h and the bomber demands a ransom of ¥100 billion for the lives of everyone aboard, the train's crew, as well as government authorities, must race against time to find the bomber and defuse the bomb while keeping the train and its passengers safe.
© 2025 Netflix, Inc.
Editor's Note: Original review was written for Movies We Texted About. Full article can be found below.
REVIEW SUMMARY
Bullet Train Explosion is a legacy sequel that honors the spirit of the original without being bound by it, opting for a more accessible, modern approach. The suspense scenes are effective, the cast delivers solid performances, and there's a remarkable - if not fully successful - attempt to tackle relevant social themes amid the intense action. Nevertheless, the lack of stronger character development, the tendency to over-explain, and a somewhat inconsequential narrative prevent the movie from achieving the emotional impact it aspires to. It entertains, and at times provokes reflection, but it could - and perhaps should - have gone further.
