Watch Initial D: Third Stage

Initial D: Third Stage is a 2001 animated movie based on the popular manga and anime series Initial D. It continues the story of high school student Takumi Fujiwara, who works at a gas station by day and races his modified Toyota AE86 by night on the winding mountain roads of Gunma Prefecture in Japan. In this movie, Takumi faces his toughest opponent yet: a professional racer named Ryosuke Takahashi, who drives a Mazda RX-7. Ryosuke is a member of the legendary racing team Project D, which is attempting to conquer all of Japan's mountain passes. Takumi, meanwhile, is struggling to balance his racing hobby with his new job at a tofu shop, and he finds himself lacking the motivation to give it his all on the road.

As Takumi considers retiring from racing, he gets a call from his old rival, the street racer who calls himself the Emperor. The Emperor has returned to Gunma and is looking for a rematch against the man who beat him years ago. Takumi agrees to the race, but he soon realizes that the stakes are higher than he thought. If he loses, he will have to give up his beloved AE86 forever.

Amidst this drama, Takumi also has to deal with his complicated relationship with his girlfriend, Natsuki Mogi. Natsuki is starting college and wants to focus on her studies, but Takumi feels neglected and worries that he is losing her. Meanwhile, Natsuki's ex-boyfriend is still lurking around, causing trouble and threatening to tear them apart.

The race between Takumi and the Emperor is the centerpiece of the movie, and it does not disappoint. The two drivers battle it out on a treacherous course in the pouring rain, with both of them pushing themselves to the limit. The animation is top-notch, with thrilling camera angles and dynamic action sequences that perfectly capture the excitement of street racing.

But the movie is not just about racing. It also explores themes of maturity, responsibility, and what it means to grow up. Takumi is forced to confront the fact that he can't be a street racer forever, and he has to make some difficult choices about his future. He also learns that relationships are not always easy and that he needs to communicate better with Natsuki if he wants to make things work.

The voice acting is excellent across the board, with Chris Ayres delivering a standout performance as the cocky and charismatic Ryosuke Takahashi. Greg Ayres brings his usual energy and enthusiasm to the role of Takumi, while Christopher Bevins is a perfect fit for the wisecracking mechanic and Takumi's friend, Itsuki.

Overall, Initial D: Third Stage is a worthy addition to the franchise and a great standalone movie in its own right. It has all the high-speed thrills and emotional depth that fans have come to expect from Initial D, and it will leave you wanting more. Whether you are a longtime fan of the series or just looking for an exciting and heartfelt anime movie, Initial D: Third Stage is definitely worth checking out.