Car movies from Japan are few and far between, which is strange given the huge automotive industry and millions of car lovers here. Now industry leader Toyota has joined forces with Toho, Japan's biggest film distributor and exhibitor, to fill that gap with "Over Drive," a full-throttled cinematic ode to speed set in the world of rally racing.
Based on Sayaka Kuwamura's original script, "Over Drive" is over-the-top in everything from its roaring action to its ripe theatrics. Both are trademarks of director Eiichiro Hasumi, whose credits include the smash-hit "Umizaru" films about the heroic adventures and weepy tribulations of Japan Coast Guard divers.
His heroes are Atsuhiro Hiyama (Masahiro Higashide) and his younger brother, Naozumi (Mackenyu Arata) — the former the chief mechanic and the latter the ace driver for Spica Racing Factory, a top team in the fictional Seiko Cup Rally Series for younger drivers. The winner of this Japan/Asia race series will advance to the World Rally Championship, a real-life circuit.