R, 123 minutes
Starring- Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Brühl, Olivia Wilde
5/ 5 Stars
Firstly, I’m not a big fan of cars. Secondly, I really don’t like movies based in the 1970’s, it’s just an awkward hiccup between the historically defined ‘60’s and the rock and drug infused ‘80’s that we all know and love. With that said, Rush is fantastic. The true story of racing legends British James Hunt (Hemsworth) and Austrian Nicki Lauda (Brühl) and their fierce rivalry in the Formula One race car championship. Their rivalry only escalates more after Lauda crashes in Germany and is caught in an inferno, scorching his face and burning his lungs, yet the devoted racer refuses to give up.
Rush isn’t really a race car movie. Yes it is about a rivalry between two race car drivers, but that is just the background to the main plot, which goes much deeper and dives into inner human emotion. Much like The Social Network, it’s not the racing or the website that is the main focus, but the relationship between the two leads and this is done with gusto and brilliance by Hemsworth and newcomer Brühl. That’s right, Thor can act. The polar opposites that is brought out through the two leads is captivating and the director Ron Howard is majestically able to craft two remarkable rival characters, and you want to root for both of them. Bringing up their flaws and strengths only makes them that more relatable and human, and these traits are brought out from the terrific acting.
Also helping some of the best acting of the year is the script and direction. This is a tightly woven, exciting true story that keeps one guessing and hoping until the very end. Howard is able to craft a beautiful and stylized journey through the 1970’s with his elegant pallet of colors and strong music propels the heavy action racing scenes into gorgeous works of art through metal and steel. This is an action film for grownups and is not simply another race car movie, but a terrific story with heart.
Anguish, envy, loss, pain, suffering, and triumph are all felt throughout the fast paced thrill ride that has brains to boot. Terrific acting, a strong script, masterful directing and editing along with a heart pounding, knuckle gripping score propels Rush above the average rivalry film. Sweeping landscapes while globetrotting with the Formula One racers and seeing them rise or fall the occasion is breathtaking. Oscar season kicks off with Rush and this film will certainly be seeing nominations for Best Picture, Director, Editing, and Score in the months ahead. Rush races for the win, and achieves gold.
