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Rush, 2013
This film follows the rivalry between Formula One racers James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl). The film opposes Hunt's brash style with Lauda's more calculating approach. After tragedy strikes during a race, the rivalry takes on a deeper intensity and forces both men to reevaluate their desire to win and what they are willing to do.
I am not really big on cars and/or car chases. There are exceptions, of course, but generally they really fail to light my fire. I will say, however, that watching the documentary Senna gave me appreciation for racing, and specifically Formula 1.
I liked this film. Hemsworth and Bruhl (but especially Bruhl) really sink into their characters, and the film strikes a pretty good balance between narrating the historical events and giving moments for character beats and emotional arcs. I felt that the movie captured both the excitement and rush of racing, and at the same time captured the dangers inherent in the sport. And while it isn't the main focus of the film, there is also a point made about the way that sports as commerce can lead to athletes taking risks (or being borderline forced into taking risks) beyond what is acceptable.
The only downsides to me were some dodgy moments with Hemsworth's accent and a handful of choices that were kind of odd to me (like some uses of slow motion during the racing sequences that seemed strangely timed).
I know literally nothing about James Hunt and Niki Lauda, but I found Lauda's narration to be really compelling. I liked the thematic arc about the unique relationship that is a rivalry and how it can drive competitors. I really appreciated the way that the film made the distinction between rivalries and enemies.
Rush, 2013
This film follows the rivalry between Formula One racers James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl). The film opposes Hunt's brash style with Lauda's more calculating approach. After tragedy strikes during a race, the rivalry takes on a deeper intensity and forces both men to reevaluate their desire to win and what they are willing to do.
I am not really big on cars and/or car chases. There are exceptions, of course, but generally they really fail to light my fire. I will say, however, that watching the documentary Senna gave me appreciation for racing, and specifically Formula 1.
I liked this film. Hemsworth and Bruhl (but especially Bruhl) really sink into their characters, and the film strikes a pretty good balance between narrating the historical events and giving moments for character beats and emotional arcs. I felt that the movie captured both the excitement and rush of racing, and at the same time captured the dangers inherent in the sport. And while it isn't the main focus of the film, there is also a point made about the way that sports as commerce can lead to athletes taking risks (or being borderline forced into taking risks) beyond what is acceptable.
The only downsides to me were some dodgy moments with Hemsworth's accent and a handful of choices that were kind of odd to me (like some uses of slow motion during the racing sequences that seemed strangely timed).
I know literally nothing about James Hunt and Niki Lauda, but I found Lauda's narration to be really compelling. I liked the thematic arc about the unique relationship that is a rivalry and how it can drive competitors. I really appreciated the way that the film made the distinction between rivalries and enemies.