Watch Initial D Legend 1: Awakening

Initial D Legend 1: Awakening is a Japanese animated movie released in 2014, directed by Masamitsu Hidaka and Tomohito Naka. It is the first film in the Legend trilogy and is based on the popular manga and anime series Initial D, written and illustrated by Shuichi Shigeno. The movie follows Takumi Fujiwara, a high school student who works at a gas station, delivering tofu early in the morning to different locations. Unbeknownst to his friends, he is also a highly skilled driver, having inherited the skills from his father who used to be a street racer. Takumi's life takes an exciting turn when he is challenged to a race by a group of street racers who are part of an infamous racing team in Akina. This team is known as the Akagi RedSuns, and their leader is Ryosuke Takahashi, the older brother of Takumi's love interest, Natsuki.

Initial D Legend 1: Awakening is a coming-of-age story that focuses on Takumi's journey as he discovers his passion for racing and his own identity as a driver. The movie is set in the late 90s, and the story is intertwined with the music and culture of that era. The animation is visually stunning and showcases the adrenaline-fueled races that take place on the winding mountain roads of Akina.

The voice acting in the movie is top-notch, with Mamoru Miyano portraying Takumi's character with depth and nuance. His performance captures the conflicted emotions of a young man who is struggling to understand his own potential. Daisuke Ono delivers an equally impressive performance as Ryosuke Takahashi, the composed and analytical leader of the Akagi RedSuns. The chemistry between these two characters is one of the highlights of the movie, as they share a mutual respect despite being on opposite sides of the racing scene.

Initial D Legend 1: Awakening is perfect for fans of the Initial D anime series and manga, as it offers a fresh take on the story while remaining true to the source material. However, it is also accessible to newcomers who are looking for an exciting and engaging racing movie. The pacing of the movie is well-balanced, with several intense racing scenes peppered throughout the story. These scenes are complemented by a strong soundtrack that features classic J-pop and rock songs that will have viewers tapping their feet and nodding their heads along with the beat.

Overall, Initial D Legend 1: Awakening is an excellent start to the Legend trilogy that offers a thrilling and emotionally resonant story about a young man's journey to discovering his passion and potential. The animation, music, and voice acting are all of a high standard, making this movie a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Initial D Legend 1: Awakening is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 6 minutes.