Initial D: The Movie; or, It needs Eurobeat!
You're a really good driver, Takumi. I always get carsick on
long rides, but I didn't even need to take my pills today. I had a great time
today.
After months of continuous resentment, I finally gave in and
watched a live action adaptation of one of my favourite anime shows. The
opinions about this film are very polarised, but I approached the matter with
an open mind and a lot of optimism. After all, what can go wrong with a movie
about racing, right? Let’s just say that Initial D: The Movie left me quite disappointed.
Release Info
Directed by: Andrew Lau, Alan Mak Starring: Jay Chou, Anne Suzuki, Edison Chen, Anthony Wong
Language: Cantonese Original Title: 頭文字 D Runtime: 110 min
Plot
The story focuses on Takumi Fujiwara (Jay Chou) a young
driver who is helping out his father, Bunta (Anthony Wong), in delivering Tofu
down the mountain pass of Akina. Fujiwara has been driving this route for 5
years in Toyota “Hachi-Roku” AE-86 and unknowingly became an expert at downhill
racing. He is challenged by fearless, both amateur and professional, drivers who
wish to defeat the legend of Mount Akina. The problem is that Takumi never
loses in his old 86.
Running in the 2000s
Well, after checking this movie out, I can’t blame Initial D
fans for their unfavourable opinions about this movie. To be honest, it felt
like a fan-film that tried to condense as much references to the anime as
possible, while at the same rejecting many of the hallmarks that made it so fun
and popular.
Most importantly, unfamiliar viewers should know that the original Initial D tells the ultimate underdog story. There is that kid, the
son of a legendary racer, who does not even know that he became a racing
genius. Heck, he does not even care about racing. Only due to many challenges
and adventures along the way, Takumi realises that he wants to go pro and, as a
result, proceeds to rage his dream. This 80-episode long series depicts a
wonderful coming-of-age journey with a touching message of never giving up,
even against all odds.
Initial D: The Movie, on the other hand, struggles to
present the same storyline, but shoves it in a very idiotic manner. First of
all, the racing culture is depicted not as the environment of young drivers in
pursuit of larger-than-life greatness, but rather as a gathering of thugs.
Secondly, many supporting characters are either altered or missing (the most
painful absence is that of Keisuke Takahashi). Thirdly, there are obvious name
changes, unfunny toilet jokes (lots of puking), and… no Eurobeat.
Why this movie doesn’t work is partially due to the fact
that it tries so hard to cram the first three stages (seasons) of the anime
into a 2-hour time span. At the same time, it doesn’t do proper justice to its
source material. The most vivid example is the character of Bunta Fujiwara in
the movie. From a caring father in the anime, he was turned into a repulsive
alcoholic and child abuser. Outrageous is also the filmmakers’ overconfidence
in the success of this film. Not getting into any spoilers, there is an open
ending which suggests a sequel (that never got made).
Don’t even get me started on the lack of Eurobeat, the music
score of every self-respecting driver. That’s another reason behind the failure
of this picture. Instead of recreating the thrill of gutter run, unexpected
overtake, and epic drift, pumped up by the cool vibrations of Dave Rodgers, Mega NRG Man, and Leslie Parrish, the filmmakers went for the hip-hop vibes, because
nothing feels better to them than that gangsta atmosphere of ghetto racing
(Fast and Furious flashbacks). Guess what: this movie could have been saved in
the edit by adding so much needed Eurobeat. Refer below to a fan video of one
of the race scenes:
That being said about the disadvantages, I have to be fair
and point out some of the good stuff. What was done well? Two things: the usage
of classic cars from the anime (Toyota AE-86, Nissan Skyline R32, Mazda RX-7,
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV) and the way how the racing scenes were shot.
These were done in a very natural style with a camera attached to a vehicle
that followed the racing cars. Very little usage of CGI, only a couple of
shots, is commendable. In addition, I appreciated the scene in which, just for
a moment, 86 turned into an animated version of itself.
With regard to performances, many actors seem miscast. Jay
Chou tries his best as Takumi, but comes off as tired and bland. Anthony Wong
does not do well as Bunta either, but that’s due to a bad script writing. Wong
is a great actor and he would probably make a great Bunta if given a proper
chance. Chapman To is embarrassing as the playboy amalgam of Itsuki and Iketani.
The only actors who understood their parts were Anne Suzuki and Edison Chen as
Natsuki Mogi and Ryousuke Takahashi, respectively. Especially Edison Chen did so well that he should reprise his role in a new movie adaptation.
Recommendations
If you are an Initial D fan, give this film a pass. It left
such a bitter taste in my mouth, that I had to aid myself with a couple of
Super Eurobeat albums and Carx Drift Racing. If you need to check it out
nonetheless, keep an eye on the racing action, because this is a redeemable aspect
of this motion picture. As we all know: Initial D is love, Initial D is life.
This movie is related to Initial D by name only.
Overall score: 5/10 (generous points for the cars and racings)
