Initial D

This anime has left a very deep impression on the way I see myself up to this point and the way I want to see myself from this point onward. It is surprising how an anime on something as extravagant and flashy as racing on mountain passes can have characters and plots that translate in a shockingly direct way into everyday life.

The characters, especially, are so ideal yet believable. Though there are several impressive characters, here I will just focus on three. The innocent and strong minded prodigy Takumi  Fujiwara who the series is built around, is a perfect example of a fearless executor, given the right guidance. His ability to grow from every challenge faced or every sticky spot he is put in is remarkable and makes one wonder if it is possible to grow so fast in the absence of a prodigious talent. This question is deftly answered by the determined and hot-headed Keisuke Takahashi who ultimately proves that exceptional natural talent is not the only way to reach the top. His masochistic attitude toward attaining perfection is definitely not viable to everyone but it doesn't take a genius to see that it certainly shows results. The fierce unspoken competition between the two only makes each of them grow more.

The third and perhaps the most ideal character (yes, its not the prodigy) is the charismatic Ryosuke Takahashi who is a brilliant logical and calculating machine, besides being one of the fastest street racers, nicknamed 'Akagi's white comet'. He is shown to be exceptional at deducing and copying driving styles of his opponents only by observing them drive ahead of him for a very short time. The brain of  'Project D', he is instrumental in developing winning simulations for both Takumi and Keisuke on each of their expeditions. He pushes both to their limits by setting rigorous training regimes for Keisuke and making sure Takumi doesn't rely only on his natural driving talent while being oblivious to the technicals of his machine.

These characters take shape revealing more about them in each battle. Their thought process and course of action instantly makes them believable and thoroughly enviable. How is all this applicable to real life, you ask? I think the ability to relate comes from the emotions experienced by the characters in troubled and challenging times which are bound to have come to everyone of us at some point in life, and the tactics used to overcome them and more importantly learn from them. For the rest, watch this epic series for yourself. If you have a thing for fast cars, this shouldn't be disappointing. I conclude with one favorite from arguably one of the best anime sound track.