OVER DRIVE (2018)

Genre: Action
Director: Eiichiro Hasumi
Cast: Mackenyu Arata, Masahiro Higashide, Aoi Morikawa, Takumi Kitamura, Keita Machida, Kaname Jun, Kotaro Yoshida
RunTime: 1 hr 54 mins
Rating: PG
Released By: Encore Films
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 28 June 2018

Synopsis: Two brothers Naozumi (Mackenyu Arata) and Atsuhiro Hiyama (Masahiro Higashide) are the racer and chief mechanic of SPICA Racing Factory respectively. Aiming for the World Rally Championship, Naozumi has to beat his rival Akira Shinkai (Takumi Kitamura) at the Seiko Cup Rally Series (SCRS), in order to qualify for it. Desperate to win, Naozumi drives recklessly, often crashing his car, much to Atsuhiro's dissent. Naozumi believes that speed is all it takes to win, but to Atsuhiro, it is more than that. Their conflict in opinions causes their relationship to sour. Will the brothers work through their differences to win the ultimate race?

Movie Review:

If you’re entering the cinema with the expectations of catching a Japanese version of Fast & Furious, you’ll be utterly disappointed. Over Drive is not about sexy cars, unmatchable speed and endless thrills. Instead, it’s a movie about two brothers, whose relationship happens to built around cars.

Over Drive revolves around the two brothers - a hot headed rally car driver (played by Mackenyu) and a passionate lead car mechanic (played by Masahiro Higashide). In his bid to enter the World Rally Championship, Naozumi joins SPICA Racing Factory, after making a name for himself in other regional competitions. However, he faces stiff competition with Akira (played by Takumi Kitamura). Being overly zealous and eager to win, he got into conflicts with his brother Atsuhiro as their opinions clash. Their relationship is strained and Naozumi goes on an emotional roller coaster as he recalls their past…

The narrative of the movie is built on the relationship between the two brothers. Naozumi and Atsuhiro both hold similar regrets, as they both didn’t tell the ‘truth’ to their childhood sweetheart (and yes, sense rivalry). Having promised her that he’ll be the quickest, Naozumi appear ruthless and cold-blooded towards his rally races. However, having experienced the letdowns during the races, Atsuhiro uncovers the truth behind his motivation and also sees a new perspective in supporting Naozumi in his aspiration to represent Japan in the World Rally Championship.

Although the movie was mainly about the brothers, the side arcs about the mechanic (played by Keita Machida) and the new sports manager (played by Aoi Morikawa) also complemented the movie. Since the theme of the movie was about ‘realising dreams’, the development of the supporting characters and each of them inching towards their goals was a good touch to the main narrative.

In terms of the cast, there’s almost nothing to nit-pick at! Mackenyu is one of the young rising stars in Japan, who returned to Japan after graduating from Beverly Hills High School, a renowned high school known for its many celebrity alumnae. He not only won hearts, but also won recognition with his acting in the Chihayafuru series. Coupled with talented Masahiro, who has also bagged many awards over the years, their on-screen chemistry and brotherhood was natural and genuine.

Some people may find that it is yet another construct of a typical Japanese human drama and can even get overly sappy. But overall, the movie was an enjoyable one. Not only do you get to learn more about the motorsport, the unique relationships (e.g. driver and co-driver, driver and mechanics etc.) and bonds formed through it is one heartwarming story.

Movie Rating: 

(Speed, thrill, sex? More like sweat, tears and determination. Who knew brotherhood could be strengthened through a motorsport?)

Review by Tho Shu Ling