Initial D

Takumi Fujiwara is a quiet high schooler who stumbles into a new kind of race after scoring his first win. He has quietly learned to dominate drift racing while driving his father's Toyota AE86 on nightly tofu deliveries, a skill he never set out to master. Word spreads as his precision and instinct on mountain passes outpace seasoned drivers, drawing rivals like Kyouichi Sudou and Takeshi Nakazato into his orbit. His father Bunta Fujiwara watches with a mix of pride and worry as the legend of Takumi grows. The story follows a collision of family life, friendship, and a dangerous passion for speed. He weighs the thrill against the quiet life he knows, a choice shaping what lies ahead there.

Directed by Andrew Lau Wai-Keung and Alan Mak Siu-Fai, Initial D adapts Shuichi Shigeno's manga with a screenplay by Felix Chong Man-Keung. The film translates street racing to the big screen, spotlighting Takumi Fujiwara and his iconic AE86 on screen today.

Box office revenue totaled 7,096,000 dollars worldwide, reflecting a modest but positive reception for a lean production. Made on a budget of about 1.55 million, the film found an audience among drift racing fans and action cinema viewers worldwide today.

Initial D helped bring drift racing visuals into the mainstream, with mountain pass races and the AE86 becoming recognizable motifs beyond the film. Jay Chou's Takumi turned into a pop culture touchstone for car enthusiasts, inspiring posters, cosplay, and discussions about the genre. It influenced video games and car culture. The energy lingers after the credits for fans.

Critics offered mixed judgments about the pacing and character depth, but many noted the film's kinetic action and brisk storytelling. Core themes include balancing family obligations with personal ambition, mentorship and rivalry, and the lure of risky speed contrasted with everyday life. The film invites repeat viewings with its energy and concise character moments.