Bullet Train Explosion

2025 2h 17m JA

👍

6.8

SOLID

★6.8TMDB · 342

ActionThrillerCrimeDrama

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

When panic erupts on a Tokyo-bound bullet train that will explode if it slows below 100 kph, authorities race against time to save everyone on board.

“Some stories are better left unspoiled.”

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Where to watch · US

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Cast

Tsuyoshi Kusanagi
Kazuya Takaichi
Machiko Ono
Yuko Kagami
Jun Kaname
Mitsuru Todoroki
Non
Chika Matsumoto
Kanata Hosoda
Keiji Fujii
Daisuke Kuroda
Kodai Hayashi
Satoru Matsuo
Masayoshi Goto
Suzuka Ohgo
Ichikawa

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Shinji Higuchi
Writers: Kazuhiro Nakagawa, Norichika Oba
Languages: Japanese
Countries: Japan

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 7

ERA

Did you know

Released last year.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 7

CINEMA

Did you know

Part of the "Bullet Train Collection" — so the characters or world continue elsewhere.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 7

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Shinji Higuchi, shot by Keizo Suzuki. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 7

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Original score by Taisei Iwasaki. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 7

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Kaori Umewaki shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 7

CAST

Did you know

Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and Machiko Ono and Jun Kaname carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 7

WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt33452974 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Shinji Higuchi directs. Keizo Suzuki behind the camera. Taisei Iwasaki scores. Kaori Umewaki cuts. Produced in Japan. Dialogue in Japanese.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

1Released last year.
2Part of the "Bullet Train Collection" — so the characters or world continue elsewhere.
3Directed by Shinji Higuchi, shot by Keizo Suzuki. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
4Original score by Taisei Iwasaki. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
5Editor Kaori Umewaki shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
6Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and Machiko Ono and Jun Kaname carry the top of the cast.
7IMDB entry: tt33452974 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
8Classified under 13 themes, including "japan", "police", "bomb", "remake".

The technical file

Cinematography: Keizo Suzuki
Original score: Taisei Iwasaki
Editing: Kaori Umewaki
Production design: Eri Sakushima
Costume design: Daisuke Iga
Stunt coordinator: Keiya Tabuchi
Runtime: 137 min · 2h 17m
Status: Released
Original language: JA
Certification (US): PG-13
IMDB: Bullet Train Explosion (2025)

Part of

Bullet Train Collection

Also by

Shinji Higuchi

Trailers & featurettes

Watch the pieces

Community reviews

What people are saying

Manuel São Bento2025-04-25
★ 6/10
FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://movieswetextedabout.com/bullet-train-explosion-film-review-visually-sharp-strong-direction-narratively-safe/ "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-
RalphRahal2025-05-05
★ 6/10
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.