David Bridges
Renowned Japanese filmmaker Shinji Higuchi has a unique fascination with bullet trains, particularly relishing the opportunity to portray their destruction on screen—a creative paradox that beautifully encapsulates the essence of his latest film, Netflix’s “Bullet Train Explosion”. This intricate relationship with train imagery has significantly shaped Higuchi’s artistic journey and is a hallmark of his celebrated career in the film industry.
Higuchi elaborates on his passion for this cinematic theme, stating, “The order, the precision that it symbolizes and something that’s stable… That’s something that I’m drawn to, and because I adore it so much, I want to destroy it.” This statement reflects his deep-seated appreciation for the Japanese rail system and the narrative tension it provides, especially in the context of the Japan-set movie showcased at Netflix’s APAC event in Tokyo.
At the heart of the film lies a gripping premise: bombs are set to detonate instantly if the titular bullet train drops below a speed of 100 km/h. The bomber, shrouded in mystery, demands a staggering JPY100 billion (approximately $660 million) as ransom to disarm the explosive devices, igniting a frantic race against time involving the crew, passengers, and railway personnel. This high-stakes scenario elevates the tension and engages viewers in a thrilling narrative.
Before embarking on the journey of “Bullet Train Explosion,” Higuchi established his prowess as a master of tokusatsu (Japanese practical effects, often featuring miniatures) filmmaking, where trains frequently star in his spectacular action sequences. His previous co-directorial venture, “Shin Godzilla” (2016), included the dramatic destruction of a Keikyu 800 series train, while his earlier film, “Doomsday: The Sinking of Japan” (2006), showcased the intense obliteration of a Fujikyuko 5000 series train. His extensive career in visual effects began with the groundbreaking work on “Gamera: Guardian of the Universe” (1995), solidifying his lifelong fascination with stunning visual representations of disaster.
“Bullet Train Explosion” serves as Higuchi’s modern reimagining of a classic Japanese crime film from 1975, which left a lasting impression on him during his childhood. Reflecting on the impact of the original, Higuchi recalls, “It was the first non-kids movie I saw,” recalling how he first watched the original “Bullet Train” at the age of ten after skipping school. “There was a criminal who committed a crime and was going to pay back with their life. That was the story,” he reminisces, highlighting its profound effect on his young mind.
This formative experience proved pivotal for Higuchi, who acknowledges a personal connection to the film’s exploration of themes such as crime and punishment. “Because it was my first time disobeying my parents… I kind of saw myself in there and recognized what happens to someone who commits a crime or does something wrong. So that was very impactful, and I will never forget that experience,” he explains. This deep reflection on his childhood influences showcases the emotional depth of his storytelling.
“Bullet Train Explosion”
Netflix
Celebrated for his groundbreaking work in visual effects and tokusatsu, Higuchi’s artistic vision is driven by the thrill of disruption. “I love the excitement of seeing something that’s not supposed to happen, happen to you,” he articulates. “That really excites me in a strange way—makes me ecstatic.” This passion for unexpected moments fuels his creativity and enhances the cinematic experience he strives to deliver.
Transforming the narrative for contemporary audiences posed unique challenges for Higuchi. He notes the significant changes in Japan’s social landscape over the past five decades, prompting the creative team to reconsider the identity of the film’s antagonist in modern Japan. They ultimately drew inspiration from dialogues with younger generations, who expressed a pervasive sense of hopelessness regarding the future, influencing the character dynamics and plot development.
On the technical front, Higuchi shares insights into his approach to merging practical effects with visual effects. He recalls a time when tokusatsu was often dismissed by filmmakers as juvenile. “They would mock it, poke fun at tokusatsu. You know, ‘These are for kids, so we don’t want to use that in my precious movie,’” he reminisces. His goal has been to bridge this divide, stating, “What I want to do is to take the best out of both worlds and put it together.”
For Higuchi, the element of scale is crucial in cinema. “I love things that are exaggerated. When I watch large-scale productions… I believe that it’s not worth going to the cinema if it’s not that grand in scale,” he asserts, adding that this notion now extends beyond visuals to encompass “the emotional journey that the character, the main character, goes through.” This emphasis on scale enhances the storytelling and emotional impact of his films.
Without divulging spoilers, “Bullet Train Explosion” explicitly acknowledges its 1975 predecessor. When asked whether the new film serves as a homage or a reinvention, Higuchi suggests it has evolved more into the former. “We started off with a different title. The more we created, the closer it became to the original,” he explains, revealing that they eventually decided to retain a similar title. The movie includes subtle nods that Japanese audiences will appreciate, such as a judo team among the train passengers—a detail that resonated in the original film.
Higuchi confirms that he has viewed most adaptations of bullet train disaster films, including the recent Brad Pitt vehicle, which he describes as looking “fun.” He also expresses an interest in watching the 1980 Bollywood version titled “The Burning Train,” which he has not yet seen, indicating his appreciation for global interpretations of the genre.
Despite his extensive experience, the filmmaker remains somewhat mysterious about his next project, hinting that it is “very complex” with “a lot going on.” This intrigue ensures that his audience is eagerly anticipating his future endeavors in the film industry.
“Bullet Train Explosion” will be available for streaming on Netflix starting April 23, providing viewers with an exciting cinematic experience that promises to blend action, suspense, and thought-provoking themes.
