* In an all true Initial D spirit, I have decided to place their opening theme song as the opener to the post. Just like an anime episode. I found this highly entertaining and I so wanna learn those dance moves he does at the beginning! LOL!
author: Shuichi Shigeno
director: Tsuneo Tominaga
review type: anime
status: completed
genre: Shonen, Racing
studio: Frontline, Gainax
original run: October 17, 2004- February 1, 2006
episodes: 24
Synopsis
Ryosuke has finally fulfilled the task of forming Project D; a street racing team featuring the best in the Gunma district. The lineup consists of Ryosuke (leader and racing strategist), Takumi (downhill specialist), Keisuke (uphill specialist), and a staff that compromised mostly of the Red Suns racing team. Their main agenda simply is to be the best street racing team in the region. As they go around defeating them, the race results would be posted up on their website.
Ryosuke, being a master strategist, arranges each race accordingly so that each driver from Project D would be able to improve on their driving skills after each challenge. Takumi, by this time begins to develop into a more mature street racer. His contemporary, Keisuke, begins focusing on the technical aspects of his driving. Ryosuke acts as a mentor for the up and coming Takumi by encouraging him to explore new and unconventional driving techniques during races.
But Ryosuke would also have something else troubling him. This would be his final moments in the street racing arena, as he would be off to medical school. Project D then, would be his last moments of bliss. Before it decrescendos into a more formal and rigid life of a university student.
The experiences Project D would go through are challenging. There would be many tough teams wanting to inflict damage on the maverick attitude brought about by Project D. They would meet tough opponents such as Team Purple Shadow. Takumi, would also undergo a change in perspective when he learns of the capabilities of the Four-Wheel Drive when he was outwitted during his tofu delivering routines by a Subaru Impreza. Takumi would be in for a surprise when he finds out who was that person who creamed him during the downhill of his favorite Mt.Akine course.
With all these, Project D will no choice but to weather through the storm. In order to be the best there is to the Japanese street racing world.
Rempit's Vrooming Comment
Being the last installation to date; I hope this wouldn't be the finale for the entire series!, I think much has developed through time. And the anime got really good, here in season 4 of the Initial D franchise. This time the only thing that you can afford to complain is still well the typical shonen attitude of win all, lose none. But you must admit, that each race does entitle you to break a sweat here and there. Simply because the races are really good. The challenges are real and the handicaps of the drivers; Takumi and Keisuke are more evident and known to most of their opponents.
Takumi undergoes a real rollercoaster in his pursuit of being the best downhill driver in the region. The character development done on this one, is probably the best among the four previous installments. The fact that he is even challenged to expand his horizon, by an old man, is simply a play of irony and sensibility. Most people would complain and say that well you need to be young to be technologic. But this anime allows some old rusty senior citizens to do the teaching ( I will allow you to guess who's the one who'd teach Takumi on the Four-Wheel Drive complex!). So in the light of Takumi learning from all angles and at times breaking a sweat and coming up with random ways to win, is a delight.
The anime begins to now focus on the bigger picture too. Besides Takumi, you have Keisuke and Ryosuke. I can't help but think that Keisuke is a pure sucker. He got his ass kicked by Takumi on the downhill and now can't help but be included in Project D as an uphill driver? Well I'd say the reasons are more filial and substantial than from my point of view, but it's a shame isn't it. Ryosuke on the other hand delivers some of the most interesting tactics and leadership strategies around. He is a more calmer and nicer version of Hiruma from Eyeshield 21 and again he is the embodiment of many Asian males; forgoing their passions for the workforce.
The races are excellent as I'd mention in the beginning. The graphics and art have improved! Phew! But the characters still possess a bean-shaped fixture which I still find it annoying. But overlooking that, there are interesting bits and pieces of the way the races are depict which would make you think that it takes an absolute genius to get you hooked on to it. Which I do agree.
This anime does well, as the ending leaves you with a "I want more!" feeling. Definitely deserves a sequel at this point in time; which I have been faithfully waiting for. So do watch this one and give it a shot. I think this would have the makings to be one good and exciting anime franchise.
Rempit Rates:
Storyline: 4/5
Character Development: 4/5
Art: 5/5
Originality: 4/5
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