Over Drive (2018) Review

Movie: Over Drive
Romaji: Over Drive
Japanese: OVER DRIVE
Director: Eiichiro Hasumi
Actors: Masahiro Higashide, Mackenyu Arata, Aoi Morikawa, Takumi Kitamura
Writer: Sayaka Kuwamura

This is a brotherly love type of story so don't expect any romance in this movie. Not to give much of the story away, let's just say something happen or someone involved that resulted to their conflict, I would say it's very cliché, but not in a bad way. Naozumi Hiyama (Mackenyu Arata), the younger brother, handles it with anger which is obvious with the way he drives, aggressive, reckless and dauntless. On the other hand Atsuhiro Hiyama (Masahiro Higashide), the older brother and also the chief mechanic, runs away and brushed it off as if it didn't happen, he just dedicate his time and works tirelessly with his team.

Some may compare this movie to fast and the furious but it is closer to a Ron Howard movie Rush. The pacing is similar to that movie where the story develops after each leg and while Rush is about rivals it's also somewhat similar to brotherly love.

Though with its heartful theme, the highlight of the movie are still the race scenes. I would say those racing sequences are executed really well, the camera shots are nice, the car zoom, skid, aerial shots and adrenaline pumping car crashes are brilliant. Though the visuals are very pleasing, there still some unrealistic events in this movie, like after a massive car crash you would see one character shirtless without any blood or bruises, but who gives a damn right as long as the movie is enjoyable and thrilling I am fine with that.

The acting in this movie is very impressive especially Higashide, never thought he could act this way. He is very expressive and you could feel his intensity as he shouts while giving instruction to his team. Mackenyu as the angsty younger brother did a good job too, I've seen him in Fugitive Boys, Todome no kiss and JoJo Live action so I already knew he was capable to play this type of character, I love his versatility as well.

I enjoyed watching this movie; time flew fast without realizing it's about to end. I wouldn't say it's the best racing movie though but compared to mainstream Hollywood movies such as fast and the furious I enjoy this better. Lastly if you are a girl this movie would be a heaven for you, lots of Ikemen from leads to supporting leads and would you ignore a shirtless Mackenyu? As a guy seeing that body inspires me to work out.