[2025.09.20] ANDREW LAU REMEMBERS SHOOTING 67 SETS OF CAR CHASES FOR INITIAL D

courtesy of mingpao.com

On the 20th anniversary of the Andrew Lau Wai Keung and Alan Mak Siu Fai directed movie INITIAL D (TAU MAN JI D), its 4K restoration of the Dolby Atmos version returned to the big screen and the premiere ceremony was held a few days ago. The venue set up "Fujiwara Tofu Shop" and "AE86" photo spots, and many fans drove AE86 to show their support and filled the parking lot.

Lau Wai Keung and Mak Siu Fai shared interesting stories about filming, and Lau Wai Keung jokingly introduced himself, "I am Jay Chou." He also joked that the biggest change in 20 years was the "body swap" with Mak Siu Fai. Mak Siu Fai said, "People asked you if you had a rough time back then. Everyone knows why no sequel was made!" Lau Wai Keung explained, "Due to copyright issues we could not start filming on the second installment. As Mak Siu Fai said, 'With good things one is enough'." Mak Siu Fai said that he has assembled a very good team at that time and spent more than 40 working days to complete the shoot. Lau Wai Keung smiled and said, "No wonder I felt so tired every day at that time. I set 67 sets of car chases a day. Everyone was fighting for their lives." Mak Siu Fai said, "If Mrs. Lau is here, she will definitely not permit the movie to be made!"

After the screening the audience applauded, and the two directors took the stage again to share. Mak Siu Fai said, "Although I have seen it many times, the sound effect is completely different this time, the three-dimensional sense is so strong, I am so excited! The Hong Kong film market right now is a bit poor, but the most important thing is the production. Lau Wai Keung, I and the whole team hope to keep it going." Lau Wai Keung said, "After watching it I thought I was very impressive. My son sat next to me. He is studying film, and he said it was great. I said, 'Of course, I shot it!' Some effects could not be achieved 20 years ago, but this time I had the chance to restore them. The shooting angles, sound effects, music and special effects are presented again, so the movie doesn't look like it was shot 20 years ago. Today I feel as happy as the first release 20 years ago!" He hoped that INITIAL D would attract the audience and set off a boom in watching movies in theaters. Philip Ng Wan Lung is a loyal fan of INITIAL D, from the comic, animation to the movie version he has rewatched it many times. He said, "Because I drive very slowly, watching the movie can make up for things I can't do!"