Review

Rush

The world of Formula One racing is the background for this excellent drama about the rivalry between two very different men in pursuit of a championship. Based on a true story, the story takes place in 1976 when two race car drivers, Englishman James Hunt and Austrian Niki Lauda compete for the Formula One championship. The story actually starts before that, but the bulk of the film is about the 1976 Formula One season. Both of these drivers went against the wishes of their wealthy families to participate in this dangerous sport and both became top drivers. Hunt is a handsome playboy who enjoys the rock star fame of being an elite driver. He is personable and loves to party. Lauda is a loner, dour, calculating, a master of the mechanics and economics of racing. He knows how to fine-tune and set up a race car better than any other driver. Hunt is more relaxed and less obsessed with racing. He is able to let it go and move on with his life. Lauda is obsessed with beating Hunt, but he changes after he marries Marlene Knaus because suddenly he has something to lose. On the other hand Hunt takes more risks. This film takes a close look at both of these men and their relationships. Of course it is also about racing, and the racing scenes are well-staged.  I have seen a lot of sports racing films but this is the best one about the sport of car racing, primarily because it isn't just about the racing and it has a real solid story. In most films about car racing, the story seems to be neglected. The acting is top notch in this film and the characters are fascinating. I would recommend this film to everyone who is interested in this kind of sport, it’s definitely worth watching.