RUSH : my movie review

Saying that rush is one of the best movies I have seen in recent times is an understatement. I would like to correct myself. It is THE BEST movie I have seen in recent times. Just pondering on the fact that a real life story has so much depth and so much gut makes me love this movie even more.

I was not just awestruck by the amazing story line this cinematic roller-coaster has to offer, but mesmerized by the stellar performances by Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl. The main characters are ably supported by the supporting actors who despite of being handed over short screen time utilize it to the fullest. The set, the cars, the energy, the adrenaline; they all make up for one hell of a movie.

The story is so inspiring that it made me go on Wikipedia right after finishing the movie to check for its resemblance to real life. To my surprise this treat for the eyes and the brain is a spot on imitation of the real life.

SPOILERS AHEAD!! PROCEDE WITH CAUTION!!

The story revolves around the lives of two racers Niki Lauda (believe me, this movie is so good and gripping that this name didn’t even make me laugh :/) and James Hunt and their rivalry and eventually friendship in a very competitive arena.  Both start off their careers from formula 3 where their rivalry begins when Hunt veers into Lauda during the race only to deny Lauda a finish. Lauda soon realizes that his destiny lies in Formula 1 and he sponsors himself into team Ferrari with a bank loan. His move pays him off as he proceeds to win the championship that year. Seeing that his rival has made it big and the confidence that he can do better than Lauda, Hunt finds himself a spot in McLaren, not before his formula 3 team backs out of the contention due tolack of sponsorship. With both having fast cars of equal caliber this part of the movie sees an incredible competition between the two with Lauda immerging victorious in most of the races. Here comes the great tragedy. During the German grand prix Lauda ties to prevent the race from happening citing bad conditions and a dangerous track. But the vote doesn’t go in his favor and the race remains on. During the race Lauda tries to catch up  and make up for his lost time and steers dangerously on the corners and much to his bad luck his car breaks down and the fuel tank catches fire, engulfing the car in an inferno. Lauda makes it out alive from the jaws of death but is seriously injured by the burns and the toxic fumes. While he undergoes treatment to get him back in shape he watches Hunt win one race after another. Determined to get back on the track he rushes the doctors to speed up his treatment and returns to the track in just six weeks to stun everyone. He finishes an impressive fourth in that race. Cut to the final race of the championship in Fiji where heavy rains mar the track kind of makes you want to stop the race from happening just to save the two leads. Hunt trails behind Niki by just three points for the championship the race begins with rains lashing the track. But to everybody’s surprise Lauda retires from the race after just two laps saying that the track is too dangerous. This clears the route for Hunt who just needs a podium finish for the big cup. But things look bad when his tires wear out and has to make an emergency pit stop. Trailing behind at no. 6 he drives to his full potential in a gripping finish. This part makes you hold as tightly as possible to your pants as Hunt makes his way up the race. In one of the best anticlimaxes I have seen, where everybody wants the comeback lad Lauda to win, Hunt finishes third to win the championship. It’s the kind of an end to the movie that doesn’t make you sad or make you hate the movie for not letting the protagonist win. In fact, in my opinion both of them are protagonists. The movie ends with Niki getting ready for the next season of racing and an epilogue.

I know most of you might say that I am jobless for having written such a long review for this movie. But I just knew after watching the movie that I had to do something to fulfill my heart after such an endearing watch. This movie is about friendship, competition, rivalry, relations will power, hard work and most importantly dedication. I’m going for 4 and a half stars for RUSH and it is a must watch for all those sitting their lazy asses on the couch. If this doesn’t get you fired up, then God help you!