Rush Review

Release Date: 27 September 2013

James Hunt and Niki Lauda's fierce competition in the 1976 Formula One Season is well orchestrated in the epic biopic Rush, starring Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl as Hunt and Lauda respectively. It tells the story of the two racers' dreams, struggles and competitive spirit even in the face of death; Hunt is a talented English playboy while Lauda is a brilliant Austrian technical strategist who's differences morph into strong rivalry as both aim for the title of World Champion.

Praise: Let me get this straight: I wasn't particularly a F1 racing fan nor do I have any prior knowledge on Hunt/Lauda's history as racers before watching this film. However, I found myself immediately captivated by the ever-presence rivalry between the two on screen. The story of their competition is exciting, well paced and presented in such endearing manner with enough jolt of thrill and adrenaline. Even the lives of the racers off track are told vividly, with just the right dose of drama to explain the essence of their individual believes and charisma.

The cinematography is excellent, particularly the racing scenes. Everything is captured with such breathtaking beauty; each angle and frame deliver perfect tension as the cars overtake each other with speed and grease. No nonsensical CGI are used so as to further fixate audience on the 70's period in which the drama took place. The 1976 Japan Formula One set in which the final race was held is illustrated ominously but so ever beautiful, the ever-presence grim atmosphere setting the perfect climatic centre-stage.

This is, in my opinion, Chris Hemsworth's best performance yet. The actor is able to bring such swift expressions and mannerisms on screen; his accent is music to the ears and natural acting highly convincing. This all makes for an authentic James Hunt, worthy of awards. Daniel Brühl too is impressive, his incredible gift in acting cultivate in a Niki Lauda that we can hate, love and feel for at the same time. The two actors share little screen time together, but nonetheless develop a strong, fierce, funny and emotional relationship as Hunt and Lauda; this relationship carries and piece together the film as whole. Several other casts such as Olivia Wilde and Alexandra Maria Lara played their role well in shaping Hunt and Lauda as human being and not just racers.

Director Ron Howard certainly outdone expectations of many with Rush. He established the direction of the film and then hands it over to the actors to guide it to glory.

Complains: There tends to be too much technical terms used in racing throughout the film, and as someone that is not familiar with the industry I tend to get a bit lost from time to time.

Rating: 9.1/10

Hit or Miss: As far as biopic goes, this is an honest interpretation of sports drama without gagging Hollywood-like cliché intervention. The film tells the story and gets the job done without much fanfare. The best biopic I have seen for a very long time. Even novice to the F1 sport like myself is thoroughly thrilled. Hit.