Initial D: Third Stage

Basically you can consider it as the last longer episode of stage 2 or the 1st long episode of Stage 4. It doesn't stand alone like the extra stage with its own story. In this 'movie' version, you will see that Takumi is facing the wind of change. He will need to decide how move on to improvise his driving skills, technique and his knowledge in car.

In this movie, he is graduating from his high school(?), and due to his by far unmatched downhill drifting driving skills, he need to decide on how to move on. In the meanwhile, he was invited to join the Project D, initiated by the two Takahashi brothers to challenge all others skilled drivers from other areas in Japan and re-set the fasted driving time in all those areas, then the team dismissed. Before he came to his decision, he had raced the leader of the lancer evolution team, Emperor team and the son of Takumi's father's old time challenger (who had lost to Takumi's father last time). And at the end, he had also raced with Keisuke for his decision making of joining the Project D or not. Not to forget also, this movie also had showed more development of Takumi's love life. In short, its a very good movie with this time more emphasis on the emotion of the main characters. A must match for the Initial D die hard fans.

For all those fans of drifting, (yes that small population in Australia that I'm apart of) this movie will definitely take the cake. If you are one of the many active fans of the initial d cartoon series then you have more than likely already seen the movie or otherwise keep ready. The movie is about a Young boy (Takumi) who is a delivery boy for his dads tofu store. To complete his deliveries he has to drive this mountain pass everyday at about 4am were no one is actually on the road. His route is a downhill mountain pass which he soon learns how to drift. His expert techniques guide him as he begins to challenge and defeat racers in his local and regional area. However, all that I have just said is recapped at the start of the film to fill anyone in. This film however is rather just tying up all the loss ends that he would like to conquer before he moves on. It shows Takumi graduating from school, and in a way mirrors his graduation from sort of racing school. There are some incredible races within this film that will keep you on the edge of your seat right up until the very end. There is one particular race between the AE86 and a SW20 (MR2) that is just incredible. This movie is definitely one to see for anyone who has petrol flowing through their veins or a brick for a foot.

"Initial D: Third Stage" takes the wheel with another round of improved CGI, building on the visual upgrades from the previous stages. The soft and warm aesthetic brings a nostalgic touch reminiscent of classic anime movies, especially those from Studio Ghibli. It's like a visual embrace that adds a layer of charm to the intense racing scenes.

It's fantastic to witness the continuation of the Initial D series, and this stage serves as a pivotal moment in Takumi's journey. The awakening of Takumi's interest in cars goes beyond just getting from point A to point B. The attention to detail regarding racing techniques and mechanical parts is, once again, nothing short of incredible. The show delves into the intricacies of racing, offering a deeper understanding of the sport.

Takumi's character development shines in this stage as he matures and develops a greater passion for racing. It's not just about the thrill of the race anymore; there's a clear evolution in his mindset. The narrative takes a breather from the constant races, allowing the characters to grow and the audience to connect with them on a more personal level.

The storyline unfolds as Takumi chooses a clearer path forward, driven by a newfound passion for cars and racing. It adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a series of high-speed chases. The characters are stepping into maturity, and the storytelling reflects this transition effectively.

However, a slight quibble remains - the racing animations, while improving, still don't quite align with the consistency of the rest of the character and world animations. It's a minor hiccup that, while noticeable, doesn't detract significantly from the overall experience.

In summary, "Initial D: Third Stage" revs up the engine with improved visuals, a charming aesthetic, and a storyline that goes beyond the racecourse. Takumi's evolution as a character and his deeper connection to the world of racing make this stage a standout in the Initial D series. It's a great break from the relentless pace of constant races, offering a more nuanced and mature look into the lives of these racing enthusiasts. As the animation continues to evolve, the stage is set for even more thrilling adventures in the world of street racing.