Shuto Kousoku Trial (1988) [Film Review]

Shuto Kousoku Trial; or, Whatever It Takes

     A professional driver must have luck too apart from skill. If you’re lucky, you get sponsors, skill alone won’t get you the chance to race. Luck, skill, and money for racing. I have none of that! If I can’t beat 5’13”, I should just forget it!

Today, I would like to review a movie that was purposely pushed into the abyss of cinematic non-existence, placed at the bottom of the straight-to-video heap by censors who hoped that it will become forgotten in time. I’m talking about Shuto Kousoku Trial (a.k.a. Megalopolis Expressway Trial) from 1988. The first live action movie that focused on the controversial subject of illegal highway racing in Japan, way before the development of The Fast and the Furious franchise.

Release Info

Directed by: Katsuji Kanazawa Starring: Gitan Otsuru, Yumiko Masuzaki, Toru Sakai

Language: Japanese Original Title: 首都高速トライアル Runtime: 95 min

 

Synopsis

Rokuoo (Gitan Otsuru) is a young and ambitious driver who aspires to become a professional F1 racer. In order to achieve his dream, Rokuoo, together with his girlfriend Yoshiko (Yumiko Masuzaki) and mechanic Yuji (Toru Sakai), attempts to break the time records set on national highways by a famous racer Nakajima. With a specially modified Nissan Skyline R-30, Rokuoo quickly starts setting new records one by one. Friends cheer for the rising champion, but there’s one road which he dreads the most: the 13,9 km track on Shuto Expressway which Nakajima beat in 5 minutes and 13 seconds.

 

“To hell with heroes! To hell with Shuto!”

I became aware of the Shuto Kousoku Trial series quite accidentally when I saw a fan music video with Meiko Nakahara’s song superimposed on the awesome racing clips. I started searching for the source of these scenes and that’s how I discovered the series. The first movie was made at the height of the street racing era in Japan and the popularity of Mid Night Club. Although it was intended for a theatrical release, it was ultimately banned by the authorities due to alleged promotion of illegal racing. Nevertheless the movie was successful on home video and Toei Company Ltd. commissioned direct-to-video sequels to be made.

 

The information on the making and history of the series is scarce and mostly outlined by motorisation fans. All I managed to find out was that the sequels were received warmly by the authorities as the pro-illegal racing message was toned down and a professional racer Keiichi Tsuchiya was brought on board in the supporting role. Shuto Kousoku Trial is also considered to be not only the first series about racing, but also the one which has influenced Initial D and Wangan Midnight manga series (and The Fast and the Furious as well!).

 

However, all of this stemmed from the first movie, which can now be perceived as an underrated 80s classic. It has the heart and passion due to its story, interesting characters, and unforgettable racing scenes. In addition, the implementation of rock instrumentals and City Pop soundtrack also significantly adds to the viewing experience. The movie was banned for advocating illegal racing, but, ironically, it is the only one in the whole series to feature a police chase!

 

Honestly, I did not find the movie to be pro-illegal at all. It is an engaging story about a driver coming to terms with his fears and sacrifices he had made. The movie also touches upon the themes of friendship and love for the road while objectively depicting the exclusive circle of street racers. In the end, it’s all about making a successful trial run, overtaking the Ajima bend, and losing the heat. That’s what kept me on the edge of my seat.

 

Gitan Otsuru is excellent as Rokuoo, the first driver of the series, and his performance is backed by a brilliant supporting role of Yumiko Masuzaki. Additionally, Toru Sakai is great as a know-it-all mechanic. Additionally, Ryo Kinomoto comes to notice as crazy police officer, Kawakita, who is determined to put the racer behind bars.

 

Recommendations

If you like racing, you will definitely love Shuto Kousoku Trial. Grab some snacks and relax during the 95-minute long spectacle of incredible speed. I will definitely review the sequels, but I have to think in which form (one review or each separately). As for the first movie, I’m glad that I came across it. I will frequently sit back and enjoy its ride. Feel the force of Skyline R-30, feel the nostalgia for the 1980s and; most importantly, feel the power of Shuto Express!

Overall score: 9/10