Bakudan
Movies watched in 2026
Bakudan (2025, Japan)
Director: Akira Nagai
Writers: Hiroyuki Yatsu and Masahiro Yamaura (based on the novel by Katsuhiro Go)
Mini-review:
It had been a moment since I last watched such a satisfying crime thriller. The setup is already super intriguing, and the buildup of the mystery keeps you hooked. I'll admit the ending is somewhat underwhelming, and maybe the movie runs a bit too long, but it doesn't take away from what comes before. Jiro Sato is a force of nature in this role, giving a performance that honestly took my breath away at times. Yuki Yamada more than held his own too, showcasing a side of him I hadn't seen before. The rest of the ensemble is great as well. I also loved the cinematography. Akira Nagai had a clear vision for the movie and it fits the story to a tee. I'll wrap this review up by saying Bakudan is an explosive (pun intended), clever and thoroughly entertaining thriller.
