Explosive Entertainment: A Review of ‘The Bullet Train Explosion’
Pop quiz, hot shot! You find yourself on a bullet train with a bomb threat looming. The stakes are high: if the train drops below 100 kilometers per hour, it will explode. What’s your move? If you guessed "sit back and enjoy the ride," you may just be on the same track as The Bullet Train Explosion, the latest offering from Netflix that calls back to the adrenaline-fueled chaos of Speed.
A Cinematic Remix: More Than Just a Remake
At first glance, The Bullet Train Explosion may seem like a straightforward remake of the iconic 1994 film, Speed. However, this slick action thriller actually draws its roots from the 1975 classic starring Ken Takakura and Sonny Chiba that laid the groundwork for many disaster films that would follow. While it borrows a familiar premise—an explosive train journey—Shinji Higuchi’s modern retelling pivots away from mere suspense and veers towards themes of professionalism and moral integrity in a crisis.
An Ode to the Train Culture
One of the standout features of The Bullet Train Explosion is its unexpectedly warm portrayal of the East Japan Railway Company. Gleaming with visual charm and featuring nods to the Shinkansen (the bullet train), the film works as a moving tribute to the culture of train travel in Japan. The film’s protagonist, veteran train conductor Kazuya Takaichi (played by Tsuyoshi Kusanagi), embodies this spirit. His heartfelt reflections on train travel as a "sacred expression of human solidarity" serve not only as dialogue but as the film’s emotional backbone. As Takaichi muses to a group of high school students, “Although each of us has our own reasons for boarding the Shinkansen, we’re all heading in the same direction.” This blend of nostalgia and professionalism weaves seamlessly throughout the chaos that ensues.
The Colorful Cast: A Collection of Archetypes
As Takaichi faces off against a looming terrorist threat, a colorful ensemble of characters races against time onboard the Hayabusa 60. From the egotistical novelist Mitsuru Todoroki (Jun Kaname) who views himself as the protagonist in a live-action drama, to Yuko Kagami (Machiko Ono), a National Diet member leveraging the crisis for political gain, the characters add a layer of farce to the dire situation. Even a disgruntled electrician is thrown into the mix, showcasing a delightful array of personalities that, while lacking depth, collectively highlight one urgent truth: no one deserves to perish on a train hurtling toward disaster.
High Stakes, But Low Tension
Despite the bombastic premise and a villain with a hefty ransom demand of $698 million, the film often feels more like an exaggerated corporate ad than a gripping action thriller. The director’s vision thrives on the contrast between the impending train explosion and the calm demeanor of the railway employees grappling with the chaos. It’s a thrill ride, but one that often sacrifices tension for a sanitized depiction of crisis management. The emotional stakes feel dulled; while viewers should be riveted, a lingering sense of safety undermines the film’s ability to deliver true suspense.
Visual Appeal and Corporate Sponsorship
What lifts the film slightly above standard fare is its visual richness—thanks to a rare collaboration with the East Japan Railway Company. Higuchi was granted an exclusive opportunity to shoot on real Shinkansen trains, lending an authentic backdrop to the narrative. However, the integration of CGI in action sequences detracts from the visceral impact one might expect from a movie focused on high-speed drama. The corporate partnership showcases not only train travel’s safety measures but also emphasizes passenger integrity, resulting in a film that, while entertaining, leans toward corporate propaganda.
Conclusion: A Train Without a Destination
In conclusion, The Bullet Train Explosion, while visually appealing and rich in cultural nods, ultimately fails to deliver the gripping tension that thrill-seekers might crave. Grade: C+ — It may not rival the edge-of-your-seat suspense of Speed, but it offers a intriguing glimpse into the ethos of Japanese train culture and the human spirit determined to prevail against overwhelming odds.
Mark your calendars: ‘The Bullet Train Explosion’ will make its Netflix debut on April 23, 2023.
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