One was a meticulous racer having profound knowledge on the technical nuances of cars who had to break from his sophisticated lineage to pursue F1 racing; the other was a carefree casanova in whose view Formula 1 was ‘meant for him’. One shies away from distractions to focus on his career; the other feels happy distractions are the ends to look for through the ‘F1 fame’ means. They had two things in common though! Passion for racing & the belief that the other one was an ‘Asshole’; One was the Austrian Niki Lauda, the other was the Brit James Hunt. The film shows their epic rivalry that blossoms in F2 racing in early 1970s and reaches its apex in the 1975 Formula 1 season!
Language:
English
Running Time:
122 mins
Rating:
R
Release date:
27 September 2013
Directed by:
Ron Howard
Produced by:
Ron Howard
Brian Grazer
Andrew Eaton
Written by:
Peter Morgan
Starring:
Chris Hemsworth
Daniel Brühl
Olivia Wilde
Alexandra Maria Lara
Pierfrancesco Favino
Music by:
Hans Zimmer
Shot by:
Anthony Dod Mantle
Editing by:
Daniel P. Hanley
Mike Hill
Distributed by:
Universal Pictures

What’s Hot

  • Ron Howard is one film-maker who can take Game theory to the common man & Boxing to the hearts of the soft-hearted! Here, he takes Formula 1, the heat/tension & risks surrounding racers’ lives to even the one who is not even remotely inclined to the sport.
  • The screenplay is so intelligently planned that it gives a layer on what experiences a typical F1 racer goes through underneath the exterior layer that provides a record of how Lauda & Hunt set the tracks and their egos ablaze.
  • Hans Zimmer’s grand background score uplifts the action on screen & provides the complete AV experience.
  • In bringing the cars and tracks of the 70s, the Art & VFX team deserve special mentions.
  • It is Daniel Brühl who comes up with the best performance. His Austrian-scented English accent, mannerisms etc. show the dedicated effort he has taken while Chris Hemsworth effortlessly showcases James Hunt. Olivia Wilde, with some nice expressions in emotional sequences after marriage & Lauda’s accident, scores.
  • The climax at the airport hangar expresses classily how perspectives & the impact of them on priorities can alter champions’ careers!

What’s Not

  • Ironically, the film ends with the 1975 season and doesn’t go beyond to show the brilliant comeback triumphs of Lauda after his spectacular life-threatening Neurburgring accident in the season of ’75. We would have loved to see more, Ron!

Badges

Verdict

Verdict Stamp

If you don't get pumped up watching this one, Consult a doc on the way back home!