‘Bullet Train Explosion’ Review: A Reality-Based Runaway Train Movie That Stays on the Rails

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High-concept blockbusters, with their outlandish storylines, often provoke viewers to ponder how real-life situations similar to those portrayed might unfold. Frequently, this reflection takes the form of considering what the actual outcome would be or how a person would behave given extraordinary circumstances. After witnessing various responses from local, national, or global entities in times of crisis, it feels instinctive and relatable to evaluate those actions against the reactions of film characters when they confront challenges.

Regarding its authenticity, “Bullet Train Explosion” seems almost unmatched in credibility. Similar to his previous work “Shin Godzilla,” director Shinji Higuchi’s sequel to the 1975 Japanese film “The Bullet Train” delves into the intricate and realistic portrayal of a bureaucratic reaction to, essentially, an event that would typically only occur in films. Without a leading actor battling through the tracks (similar to “Bullet Train” or “Kill”), Higuchi manages to keep the tension high, focusing on understated but impactful acts of bravery and a progression of intense action sequences that will keep viewers captivated until the final plot point has been resolved.

As the movie “Bullet Train Explosion” opens, we find ourselves in a train station where the Hayabusa No. 60 is preparing for its journey to Tokyo. Although Kazuya Takaichi (Tsuyoshi Kusanagi), the conductor, often idealizes his role, he can’t help but worry about the dwindling appeal of high-speed rail travel to younger passengers who seem more captivated by their peers and electronic devices than the grandeur of the journey. Keiji Fujii (Kanata Hosoda), Takaichi’s young apprentice, shares his mentor’s ambition but is often sidetracked by intriguing passengers such as Mitsuru Todoroki (Jun Kaname), a businessman and social media sensation, and Yuko Kagami (Machiko Ono), a politician attempting to recover from a scandal.

Following the train’s departure, Commander Yuichi Kasagi of Japan Railways (played by Takumi Saitoh) receives a threatening call stating there’s a bomb on the Hayabusa No. 60. The bomb will explode unless the speed drops below 100 km/hour, which is significantly slower than the train’s usual pace. Kasagi rallies his team and sets off to handle the situation. He enlists Takaichi and the train crew to keep passengers calm and, if feasible, organize a rescue mission. However, when the culprit posts their intentions on social media and demands a 100 billion yen ransom to avert the explosion, not only do government officials intervene but also the passengers themselves, collaborating to find a solution that avoids mass casualties.

In a fresh take on action-packed movies, “Bullet Train Explosion” follows a theme similar to the “Godzilla” series, where human strategies are employed to deal with an overwhelming threat. However, unlike its predecessors that primarily focused on humankind’s battle against the titular monster, this film delves into the intricate workings of emergency responses at both local and national levels, giving it a tangible and authentic feel. Despite featuring a Godzilla-like character with googly eyes, the movie maintains a sense of realism. In contrast to its somewhat humorous title, “Bullet Train Explosion” presents an honest portrayal of collaboration between personal, corporate, and legislative entities, making the seemingly implausible concept feel surprisingly plausible.

In the hands of Tsuyoshi Kusanagi’s portrayal, Takaichi emerges as the exemplary hero for Shinji Higuchi’s interpretation of this sensational concept. He is skilled and composed, and his traditional values of professionalism and empathetic humanity serve as a cornerstone in managing the escalating crisis. The other characters mirror his demeanor, and the script penned by Kazuhiro Nakagawa and Norichika Ōba treats each character with great respect – bestowing them with an abundance of dignity and grace regardless of their actions’ merit. As the narrative unfolds, these individual aspects become a recurring motif, underscoring a profound truth: everyone, regardless of their misdeeds, has the potential for redemption, even if they are the one who planted a bomb on the train.

If the film “Explosion” seems reminiscent of the movie “Speed”, it’s because the latter served as one of its inspirations, particularly Jan de Bont’s 1994 film. While not widely recognized beyond circles of Japanese genre cinema enthusiasts, Junya Sato’s “Bullet Train”, starring Ken Takakura and Sonny Chiba, has only been released a few times on limited edition physical media. Although “Explosion” provides a quick summary using clips from the original film in its ‘archival footage’, its cinematic lineage is more closely tied to movies like “Apollo 13”. In this film, characters portray resourceful and dedicated individuals working collaboratively to resolve a crisis through teamwork and clever improvisation. However, whenever a new character enters the scene and disturbs the systematic approach to handling the runaway train – be it an arrogant government official or a disgraced pilot hidden among the passengers – they actually detract from the movie’s immersive quality.

Despite adhering to the conventions of contemporary “legacy sequels,” where past mistakes haunt future generations, the movie’s plot for the bomber lacks complete logical coherence. However, the filmmaking is polished and refined, meticulously unfolding each twist with a rhythm and spatial precision that keeps the suspense high. Higuchi was granted access to real trains and equipment for several scenes, which underscores the authenticity of its portrayal of train personnel and government operations. This cooperation results in a palpable sense of urgency and realism as the train hurtles at incredible speeds through crowded stations or narrowly escapes catastrophic collisions.

In the eyes of viewers accustomed to sequels from the original movie, Higuchi’s new work might seem too simplistic or sophisticated to generate the same level of excitement. However, “Bullet Train Explosion” appears to be a mature blockbuster that caters less to the broadest audience and more to those who appreciate intricate plots over sensational conflict. It’s a story where characters face obstacles and complications instead of relying on simplistic narrative devices or poor, even foolish choices. While some might find the portrayal of a bureaucracy as efficient as Japan’s in this film more far-fetched than an alien invasion or superhero battle, Higuchi’s focus on intelligence, teamwork, and a semi-realistic approach underscores that even when following conventional blockbuster principles, filmmakers don’t always have to compromise on certain beliefs.

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2025-04-24 00:47