A bullet train from Shin Aomori to Tokyo is rigged with a bomb that will explode if speed drops below 100 km per hour. As the attacker demands ransom, the conductor, passengers, and rail staff race to stop a disaster.
Bullet Train Explosion (2025) is an interesting ride that tries to bring back the disaster-thriller vibe but falls a little short on the human side of things. The directing by Shinji Higuchi feels like it cares more about showing the technical process of running a train than about telling a story through its characters. You can tell a lot of work went into the production itself, especially with the practical effects, model sets, and tight editing that really keep the tension high. The problem is, while everything looks good and feels intense, the characters end up feeling like background noise rather than the heart of the movie. It feels more like you are watching a really well-made simulation than being pulled into a story.
The acting is decent, especially from Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, who manages to bring some presence even without a lot of material to work with. The script, though, feels a bit thin, like it was written just enough to move from one tense scene to another without really digging into who these people are. The cinematography is clean and sharp, with some really impressive shots during the action sequences, and the sound design does a solid job of keeping you in that high-stakes atmosphere. The score is there but not very memorable, mostly serving the moment without standing out. Overall, it is a movie you can enjoy for the tension and visuals, but if you are hoping to get attached to the characters or dive deep into the story, it might leave you wanting more.
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"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."
Rating: B-
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