Renowned Japanese filmmaker Shinji Higuchi has a unique fascination with the impressive world of bullet trains, especially when it comes to their dramatic destruction on screen. This intriguing creative paradox forms the backbone of his latest cinematic venture, Netflix’s “Bullet Train Explosion,” which reflects much of his illustrious career. Higuchi’s work often juxtaposes beauty with chaos, creating a compelling visual narrative that captivates audiences while exploring profound themes.

In a statement to Variety, Higuchi expresses his admiration for the order and precision symbolized by bullet trains. He describes them as manifestations of stability and reliability, elements that draw him in deeply. “I am so enamored with them that my instinct is to destroy them on screen,” he reflects, highlighting his creative impulse to challenge and disrupt what is traditionally perceived as safe during Netflix’s APAC showcase in Tokyo.

The gripping premise of “Bullet Train Explosion” revolves around a high-stakes scenario where bombs are set to explode if the titular train’s speed dips below 100 km/h. This ticking time bomb scenario escalates as the antagonist demands a staggering JPY100 billion (approximately $660 million) as ransom to neutralize the explosive devices, propelling the crew, passengers, and railway staff into a frantic race against time to avert disaster and save lives.

Before embarking on “Bullet Train Explosion,” Higuchi established his reputation as a maestro of tokusatsu, the Japanese art of practical special effects often involving intricate miniatures. Trains frequently feature in his thrilling set pieces. For instance, his co-directed film “Shin Godzilla” (2016) showcased the spectacular destruction of a Keikyu 800 series train, while “Doomsday: The Sinking of Japan” (2006) highlighted the dramatic obliteration of a Fujikyuko 5000 series train. His passion for special effects traces back to his breakthrough project, “Gamera: Guardian of the Universe” (1995), which sparked a lifelong obsession with visually stunning portrayals of catastrophe and chaos in cinema.

“Bullet Train Explosion” represents Higuchi’s contemporary reinterpretation of a classic Japanese crime film from 1975 that left an indelible mark on him as a young viewer. He recalls, “It was the first non-children’s film I saw,” reflecting on how he first viewed the original “Bullet Train” at the tender age of 10 after skipping school. The plot revolved around a criminal who committed an offense and faced dire consequences—a narrative that profoundly influenced his understanding of morality and justice.

This pivotal childhood viewing experience shaped Higuchi’s artistic vision, allowing him to connect personally with the film’s themes of crime and punishment. He shares, “Because it was my first act of disobedience against my parents… I saw reflections of myself in that story and recognized the fate of those who commit crimes or make poor choices. This experience was incredibly impactful, and I have never forgotten it,” he explains, illustrating how deeply it resonated with his formative years.

Higuchi, celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to visual effects and tokusatsu, is driven by the exhilaration that comes from witnessing the unexpected. “I thrive on the thrill of seeing something that is not supposed to happen unfold right before your eyes,” he admits. “There’s an almost euphoric quality to it that genuinely excites me,” he shares, revealing his passion for creating moments of surprise and wonder in film.

Adapting a story that resonates with modern audiences presented unique challenges for Higuchi. He notes that the societal landscape in Japan has transformed drastically over the past five decades, prompting the creative team to carefully reconsider who would embody the film’s antagonist in today’s Japan. Ultimately, they drew valuable inspiration from discussions with younger generations, which revealed their pervasive sense of hopelessness regarding the future, a theme that resonates deeply in the film’s narrative.

On the technical front, Higuchi elaborates on his approach to seamlessly blending practical effects with visual effects. He recalls a time when tokusatsu was often dismissed by filmmakers as juvenile. “Many would mock tokusatsu, believing it was only for children and unworthy of serious cinematic treatment,” he reminisces. His aspiration has always been to bridge this divide: “My goal is to extract the best aspects from both realms and combine them harmoniously,” he explains, showcasing his commitment to elevating the genre.

For Higuchi, the concept of scale is an essential element in filmmaking. “I am captivated by the extraordinary. When I witness grand-scale productions, I believe that if it isn’t monumental, it isn’t worth experiencing in cinemas,” he asserts. He emphasizes that this appreciation now extends beyond visual grandeur to encompass “the emotional journey that the main character undertakes throughout the film,” highlighting the importance of character depth in storytelling.

Without revealing any spoilers, “Bullet Train Explosion” pays homage to its 1975 predecessor. When asked whether this film serves as a tribute or a complete reinvention, Higuchi suggests it evolved into more of a homage. “We initially started with a different title. However, as the project developed, it gravitated closer to the original,” he notes, emphasizing that they ultimately opted for a similar title. The film incorporates nuanced references that Japanese audiences are likely to appreciate, such as the inclusion of a judo team among the train’s passengers—a detail that echoes the original film.

Higuchi confirms he has watched numerous adaptations of bullet train disaster films, including the recent Brad Pitt vehicle, which he describes as looking “fun.” He expresses a particular curiosity about a 1980 Bollywood version titled “The Burning Train,” which he admits he has yet to see, indicating his engagement with global cinematic interpretations of the genre.

However, the filmmaker remains somewhat enigmatic regarding his next project, hinting that it is “very complex” with “a lot happening,” which suggests a narrative rich with layers and depth that will keep audiences intrigued.

“Bullet Train Explosion” is set to stream on Netflix starting April 23, offering viewers a thrilling cinematic experience that blends action, suspense, and emotional depth.