Before *Fast & Furious* or *Initial D*, there was *Shuto Kousoku Trial* (aka *Megalopolis Expressway Trial* or *Freeway Speedway*.)
Released at the height of the Mid Night Club in Japan, Shuto Kousoku Trial is a series of films about illegal highway racing on the Shuto Expressway during one of the most notorious eras of street racing. The first film was intended for a theatrical release, but was banned by Japanese authorities due to promotion of illegal racing. Regardless, the first film was successful enough that 5 more sequels were commissioned as straight-to-video releases to avoid a ban. Keiich Tsuchiya, a professional racing driver also known as The Drift King, was brought in for the sequels to promote an anti-street racing message.
With most of these films being straight to home video, the writing and acting is about on par for what you can expect from them. Very cheesy. Some of the drama scenes were laughable at times. But still, there is something magical about these films that makes you want to continue watching the franchise. They feel like a time capsule of Japanese pop culture/car culture in the ’80s/’90s. If anyone knows any additional information about the production of these films then feel free to share. There’s not a lot of information out there about them.
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Before *Fast & Furious* or *Initial D*, there was *Shuto Kousoku Trial* (aka *Megalopolis Expressway Trial* or *Freeway Speedway*.)
Released at the height of the Mid Night Club in Japan, Shuto Kousoku Trial is a series of films about illegal highway racing on the Shuto Expressway during one of the most notorious eras of street racing. The first film was intended for a theatrical release, but was banned by Japanese authorities due to promotion of illegal racing. Regardless, the first film was successful enough that 5 more sequels were commissioned as straight-to-video releases to avoid a ban. Keiich Tsuchiya, a professional racing driver also known as The Drift King, was brought in for the sequels to promote an anti-street racing message.
With most of these films being straight to home video, the writing and acting is about on par for what you can expect from them. Very cheesy. Some of the drama scenes were laughable at times. But still, there is something magical about these films that makes you want to continue watching the franchise. They feel like a time capsule of Japanese pop culture/car culture in the ’80s/’90s. If anyone knows any additional information about the production of these films then feel free to share. There’s not a lot of information out there about them.
Watch all 6 films here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6jZH_2s9ZVYCYSBzq4GGGUbKUn6WmV85