Tau man ji D (Initial D) (2005)

33% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
74% of users liked it
(16,927 ratings)

Infernal Affairs powerhouse Andy Lau and Alan Mak bring the most popular manga in Japan screaming to life in this in this live-action look at the high-speed sport of "drifting" that shot straight to the top of the Hong Kong box office. Eighteen-year-old Takumi (Jay Chou) is never late for a tofu… More Infernal Affairs powerhouse Andy Lau and Alan Mak bring the most popular manga in Japan screaming to life in this in this live-action look at the high-speed sport of "drifting" that shot straight to the top of the Hong Kong box office. Eighteen-year-old Takumi (Jay Chou) is never late for a tofu delivery, and though he speeds the tofu to its destinations with the velocity of a landlocked stealth plane, his true aspiration in life is to follow in the footsteps of his formerly fast-driving father (Anthony Wong) -- an ex-adrenaline junkie who eventually gave up the race track for the restaurant business. In his five years delivering meals from his father's restaurant Takumi has learned the streets of his hometown like the back of his hand, and he can take every corner with the needle planted firmly on the right. The trick to Takumi's amazing driving skills is a technique known as "drifting," and in a world where high-risk racing has spilled out of the tracks and onto the streets, this daring driver is about to become a legend. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 48 min.
Directed By: Wai-keung Lau, Alan Mak
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Television, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Oct 14, 2005 Wide
On DVD: Jan 24, 2006

Critic Reviews

V.A. Musetto, New York Post
The racing scenes are well done; unfortunately, they're too often interrupted by a cliché-filled story about one-note characters.
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times
Based on a popular Japanese comic-book series, Initial D is a slick but silly affair unlikely to appeal to anyone over the age of 15.
R. Emmet Sweeney, Village Voice
Alas, the story keeps interrupting with gobs of expectorated exposition, paving the way for the inevitable sequels to come.
Andrew Sun, Hollywood Reporter
For a different ride, Initial D drives a sleek and smooth line.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Bruce B

I rented this because Anthony Wong was in it, He plays the leading star's (Jay Chau) drunken washed up racer father, And he does a great job. But the movie is kind of on the basis?s of Fast and Furious, some young High School Teens are racing their cars down mountains, they call… More
I rented this because Anthony Wong was in it, He plays the leading star's (Jay Chau) drunken washed up racer father, And he does a great job. But the movie is kind of on the basis?s of Fast and Furious, some young High School Teens are racing their cars down mountains, they call it drift racing, don't think they have it here in the Southern US, any Chou is using his Dad's old outdated car to whip the tar out of whoever comes alone. Also contains storylines not seen in most US movies, i.e.: Dad beats son with stick, Teen Girl's Uncle is supporting Girl and her Mom, because her father has died, but old Unc is getting his moneys worth in other ways. All and all its a good movie, Like the fact that Anthony Wong plays his part to the T. I had to listen to Chinese Audio with English subtitles cause the English dubbed voices were so stupid. But if you like the fast and furious type movies, or teen action flix you will like this, and I am sure the young teens will like Jay Chou, sure there is many posters on the walls of young girls bedrooms in the far West. 3 1/2 stars best I can do.
Aliyanto L

Thanks to Infernal Affairs directors who depicted it like its comic books!
Sanjaya &

love it...
Steven V

This review's point of view will be from the cinematic experience, and there will be no comparison on how true it stays to the manga/anime. Despite all the star power in the movie, from teeny boppers Edison Chen and Shawn Yue, to veterans… More
This review's point of view will be from the cinematic experience, and there will be no comparison on how true it stays to the manga/anime. Despite all the star power in the movie, from teeny boppers Edison Chen and Shawn Yue, to veterans Kenny Bee and Anthony Wong Chau-Sang, this still remains a Jay Chou vehicle. There will definitely be comparisons with Hollywood's The Fast and The Furious series, starring Vin Diese and Paul Walker. The similarity is the same cinematography technique used that starts from the driver's POV, pulling back to the dashboard, the rear seat, the boot, and the car from a "helicopter" view. Being based on a comic book offers some depth to the storyline, and it helped by staying true to the setting, being based in Japan. Given this is Jay Chou's debut movie role, it is difficult to critique if his acting skills are up to mark, as his lead character Takumi Fujiwara is a nonchalant man of few words. His co-stars Edison Chen and Shawn Yue could very well be their own persons as well. Chapman To, as usual, brings across the rather light hearted moments. Perhaps the only flaw about the movie was the sappy romance between Jay Chou and Anne Suzuki. Not that she isn't gorgeous, but their scenes together doesn't further the plot much, and slows down the pace somewhat of this movie about the need for speed. This is an enjoyable flick.