Mini Review: Rush (2013)

Acclaimed director Ron Howard brings to the screen a re-creation of the great 1970s sporting rivalry between Formula One drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda.

Being a huge fan of the documentary film Senna which focused on the rivalry between drivers Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost during the 1980s; the idea of a rivalry equally as great being portrayed on the big screen by a very accomplished director was far too good to resist; and the film definitely delivers. It’s very exciting to watch, it’s a good balance of drama, action and light humour. And importantly the character development of these to extraordinary drivers is given priority. I did a considerable amount of reading about both drivers before seeing the film and it’s fairly accurate. In the film the plot plays out like one big race, very back and forth. It’s a skilfully directed film overall.

The larger than life rock star of racing James Hunt is played by Chris Hemsworth who is actually a pretty good actor when he’s playing proper characters. But it’s Daniel Brühl as the introvert Niki Lauda who gives the best performance by far. I would not be surprised if he’s nominated for an Oscar come award season. The two drivers are almost polar opposites, both in driving technique and personality. They each have likeable and dislikeable qualities which are demonstrated very well so we have neither have a protagonist nor antagonist.

Even if you have no interest in Formula One like me, it’s still a highly entertaining film that accurately portrays one of the greatest rivalries in sports. It’s engrossing cinema at 170mph.