'éX-D the Movie' review: A fusion of action and story

"éX-D Exdriver the Movie" - Movie review and details

Movie Overview

"éX-D Exdriver the Movie" is an animated feature film released on April 20, 2002. It was written by Fujishima Kosuke, directed by Nishimori Akira, and animated by Actas. The 63-minute film is a sequel to the OVA series. It was distributed by Nikkatsu, and the copyright belongs to ©2002 Fujishima Kosuke, exd, BV/D.G.A.

story

Endo Rona, who will be representing Japan in the "Exdrivers Race World Championships," arrives in the Americas with Kanno Souichi and Sakakino Risa. However, on the night before the final race, an unexpected incident occurs. An unmanned cleaning car starts to run out of control on a circuit where no one is supposed to be, and oil scattered on the road surface catches fire, causing the stands to burst into flames. Who is the person who is disrupting a race that is attracting the attention of the whole world? Souichi and his friends end up getting caught up in a huge incident after helping a girl named Angela.

Commentary

"éX-D Ex-Driver the Movie" is a work that depicts the efforts of the Ex-Driver to stop evil that runs wild. It is one of a double feature film series planned, drafted, and created by Kosuke Fujishima, and is a movie adaptation of the sequel to the OVA series. It is a work that allows you to fully enjoy the world of the Ex-Driver.

cast

• Runichi Sugano - Yumiko Kobayashi
• Risa Sakakino - Miki Nagasawa
• Endo Rona - Asada Yoko
• Angela Gambino - Miyuki Sawashiro
• Rico Gambino - Masatane Tsukayama
• One - Kozo Shioya
• Joe - Bin Shimada
• Kane Tokioka - Ryotaro Okiayu
• Kelly - Kotono Mitsuishi
• David - Wataru Takagi
• Ralph - Shinichiro Miki
• Michael - Kenichi Suzumura
• Fitz - Kenji Nomura

Main Staff

• Director - Akira Nishimori
• Assistant Director - Tetsuya Watanabe
• Screenplay: Shinzo Fujita, Takeshi Mochizuki
• Animation director: Takeshi Ito
• Mecha animation director: Yoshio Mizumura
• Director of photography: Mitsuru Sugiura (Rare Trick)
• Character design cooperation: Nishi Keiko
• Supervisor - Jun Kawagoe
• Planning, original concept, character concept - Kosuke Fujishima
• Character design: Takeshi Ito, Kenichi Hamasaki
• Mechanical design - Takeshi Takakura
• 3D Director: Kenichiro Sakuno (Studio A-CAT)
• Art director: Mitsuharu Miyamae, Yoshiko Kitamura
• Color setting - Satoko Asai
• Sound Director - Toshiki Kameyama
• Music - Hikaru Nanase
• Sound effects: Masahiro Shoji, Masami Kitakata (Fizz Sound Creation)
• Edited by Jun Takuma
• Animation production - ACTUS
• Produced by: Bandai Visual, Dentsu, Genco, Actus

Main Characters

• Soichi Kanno - A returnee from Kent, England. A brilliant young woman who skipped grades and transferred to high school.
• Sakakino Risa - A straightforward, impulsive character with a masculine personality.
• Endo Rona - A laid-back, airheaded character who sometimes appears to be thinking but is not really thinking at all.
• Angela Gambino - Rico's only daughter, she is a competitive and free-spirited girl despite her cute face.
• Rico Gambino - Angela's father, he owns a supermarket chain that specializes in pasta.
• Wang - A supermarket chain owner on the West Coast of the US, sponsor of the Xdriver China team.
• Joe - An elite businessman who was adopted by Rico at a young age and raised with Angela as if they were biological siblings.

Main Robot Items

• Caterham Super Seven (Ver. Soichi) - This is the vehicle that Soichi Kanno rides in.
• Lancia Stratos (prototype body) [Risa Evo specification] - This is the vehicle that Risa Sakakino drives.
• Lotus Europa SP modified (47 type body) [Lorna Special] - This is the vehicle that Endo Lorna rides in.

Related Titles

• éX-D EXT DRIVER
• Exdriver Clip
• Nina&Rei Danger Zone

Theme songs and music

• TM1 - crucial spirits
  • Lyricist: Shiina Karen
  • Composer: M Rie
  • Arrangement - Yogo Kono
  • Song - MILK
• IN1 - LET ME GO!
  • Lyricist: Chang Jung
  • Composer - Yogo Kono
  • Arrangement - Yogo Kono
  • Sung by: Masaaki Endo

Movie Review

"éX-D X-Driver the Movie" is a must-watch for fans of the X-Driver series. As it is a sequel to the OVA series, you can enjoy new adventures of the existing characters. In particular, the scene where an unmanned cleaning car goes out of control on the night before the final race gives you a sense of tension and thrill. Also, the huge incident that Soichi and his friends get involved in when they save the young girl Angela adds depth to the story.

The character portrayal is also excellent, with Kanno Souichi's intellect, Sakakino Risa's straightforward personality, and Endo Rona's naturalness being well expressed. The new characters Angela and Rico are also charming, and Angela's competitive personality in particular breathes new life into the story.

The mecha designs are also one of the highlights, with the vehicles each character drives, such as the Caterham Super Seven, Lancia Stratos, and Lotus Europa SP Custom, being drawn with great attention to detail. The visual expression by 3D director Kenichiro Sakuno is also excellent, adding to the intensity of the race and battle scenes.

The music also adds to the atmosphere of the movie, with MILK's "crucial spirits" and Masaaki Endo's "LET ME GO!" stirring emotions as the story unfolds. "LET ME GO!" in particular is a powerful song that conveys the determination of Soichi and his friends, and livens up the climax of the movie.

Overall, "éX-D X-Driver the Movie" is a work that can be recommended not only to fans of the X-Driver series, but also to anime fans who enjoy action and racing. The story and characters packed into the short 63 minutes, as well as the powerful visual expression, are well worth watching. Please experience it at the theater at least once.

Recommendation

After enjoying "éX-D Exdriver the Movie," be sure to check out the related works. In particular, the OVA series "éX-D Exdriver" can be enjoyed as a prequel to the movie. "Exdriver Clip" and "Nina & Rei Danger Zone" are also works that allow you to learn more about the world of Exdriver.

Furthermore, if you are a fan of the Xdriver series, we also recommend other works by the original author, Kosuke Fujishima. In particular, you can enjoy Kosuke Fujishima's unique worldview in "Oh My Goddess" and "Combat Fairy Yukikaze."

The appeal of the X-Driver series is the races, battles, and character growth. "éX-D X-Driver the Movie" is a work that condenses that appeal, and is a work that we would like many people to see. Experience the world of X-Driver and enjoy the adventures of Soichi and his friends.