Rush

Director Ron Howard’s Rush is a mesmerizing story of real-life Formula One racing champions Niki Lauda and James Hunt, admirably played by Daniel Brühl and Chris Hemsworth. 

With an excellent script by Peter Morgan, powerful score by Hans Zimmer and precision editing by Daniel P. Hanley and Mike Hill, the story zooms along without letup over a 7-year period in the early-'70s during which the serious Austrian and British playboy are both disowned by their respective upper class families and move from Formula Three to Formula One competition and, ultimately, duel for the world championship.

 

The two drivers could not be more different in looks and temperament, but they both have the same thirst for winning and the film examines their characters, their loves and racing skills with the relentless pace of the track.

 

 

 

 

Having had a one-time experience in a Ferrari on a track at speeds not quite as high as in Formula One, I can attest to the authenticity of Cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle’s capturing of the skill necessary to handle the quickness with which turns come up and the concentration necessary to keep focus lap after lap.

Though the sound of the engines will probably have special appeal to guys, the film should appeal to women, as well as men.

Rush truly lives up to its name and deserves a 4+ out of 5.