Initial D (2005)

An exciting, often funny live-action adaptation of the popular Japanese comic book and anime series, Initial D comes across like Rebel Without a Cause with a slight superhero twist. Starring a largely Chinese cast led by Taiwanese music star Jay Chou, and made by the co-directors of Infernal Affairs, Wai Keung Lau and Siu Fai Mak, Initial D (a huge hit in Japan) is the story of Takumi (Chou), the reserved, adolescent son of a former racing champion turned tofu maker (Anthony Wong). Since his mother's recent death, Takumi has been on the receiving end of his father's frustrations, causing him to withdraw and tell no one that in the wee hours, while he's delivering tofu to his dad's sleeping customers, Takumi's secretly mastering the art of "drifting," a form of racing that gives a driver an advantage on curving roads. Pressured into competing with aggressive street racers looking for a bout, Takumi comes out into the open about his skill, leading to a renewal of his relationship with his dad and an unexpected collision with the girl (Anne Suzuki) he loves. A visual treat that keeps finding novel ways of shooting multiple challenges between the same drivers over the same road on pitch-black nights, Initial D is a fine entry in the racing genre, seasoned with snappy comic relief. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com

Never seen the original Inital D anime, but I think this film is great

Like the title says, ive never seen the anime Initial D, but i really enjoyed this movie. Its based on just doing what you enjoy.

Initial D Bluray

Video: 4/5
Bluray transfer isnt perfect. Grainy during some parts, but overall a nice looking film.

Sound: 4/5
The english dubbed isnt bad, but for most foreign films, i prefer to read subtitles and watch them speak in their native tounge.

Movie: 3/5
Not much of a plot, but captured the feel of an obsessed car lover. Still wouldnt stop me from buying it. I love this movie September 20, 2008

Not as engaging as Legend of Speed but still very entertaining!

When word came out that INITIAL D was being made into the live movie, I was very anxious.

Knowing that directors Andrew Lau Wai-Keung and Alan Mak Siu-Fai would be directing this film (especially since their collaboration has led to the critically acclaimed film INFERNAL AFFAIRS), this film had a great chance to be adapted correctly from its anime and manga bretheren.

The main hype of this film was because of the main star, popular singer Jay Chou who would be playing the main character of Takumi.

The reviews of the film from reviewers throughout Asia was 50/50. Many who had no knowledge of the anime or film and simply hated the fact that Jay Chou's character was the way it was and many felt his acting was just wooden.

Many felt that the film featured too much on car racing and thus, those who got it and knew what INITIAL D and also have watched many Hong Kong films respected the film for what its worth.

I enjoyed the film. I was excited when I watched it and when it ended, I wanted more.

Was it faithful to the anime or manga? I think the directors did very well with the film, capturing the geekiness of Takumi's friends and the racing was just fun to watch.

I enjoyed the fact that there were a lot of HK stars who participated in this film and with the DTS soundtrack, enjoyed the sound of the engine roaring all over my speakers.

But I'm an INITIAL D fan, I'm also a Jay Chou music fan and I like watching cars race and drift.

But since Initial D focuses a lot on the racing, this is going to turn many viewers off who are not into it.

Oh well. I enjoyed it.

The DVD features a making of featurette, deleted scenes, outttakes, photo gallery, TV spots and trailers and promotionals done in Shanghai and Japan. As well as several Easter eggs.

Video is anamorphic Widescreen 2:35:1 and for audio a DTS-ES and Dolby Digital EX Surround tracks are available.

All in all, if you are open to something new and have an interest in import racing, I say give INITIAL D a chance. For a racing film, it's not as engaging as Full Throttle or Legend of Speed but I found it very entertaining.
September 4, 2008

The best in the world!!!

This has truly been an experience from searching for the product to ordering it on AMAZON and have it delivered to my home and watching it on my TV. Thank you so much! July 31, 2008

An enjoyable racing movie

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I did enjoy this movie. I found the characters interesting, enjoyed the storyline, and the races were exciting. Now, I know nothing of the original Initial D manga nor the anime; reviewers familiar with the series' history are better suited to compare and contrast with the film. But if you're just looking for a fun movie and like to watch cars go zoom, I recommend you watch this! June 25, 2008

Rockon D'

`Initial D' comes up with all the ingredients that a drift lover looks for. The scenes were taken so immensely and were so paddle-to-the-metal. This one flick is a must for those who are in to `drifting' and for those who may fall in love with the passion after paying this flick an credit by watching it. Don't go for the storyline, just see how they do the thing. Four Stars indeed! June 2, 2008

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