RUSH (2013)

Genre: Drama
Running Length: 2:03
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Bruhl, Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara
Director: Ron Howard

Ron Howard'a RUSH is a very different kind of sports movie. The ones I have been exposed to are usually about the underdog going against all odds to beat the giants and wins the championship in the end. The "good guy" and "bad guy" are clearly defined. I love those movies so I was pleasantly surprised that I actually enjoyed this movie - a true story which presents a balanced view of the rivalry between two race car drivers in Formula One racing, an inherently non-cinematic sport. The movie's strength lies in the character study of the two drivers (James Hunt vs Niki Lauda), the forces that motivate them and the mutual love/hate for each other. Oh, it's not all serious drama as it balances out with plenty of tension in the racing sequences especially the rainy finale in Japan (probably fuelled by Hans Zimmer's booming score). Ron Howard's filming approach is very different from his previous movies; it's actually "refreshing" although the film is set in the 1970s. The details given to that period is impeccable especially the recreation of the 1976 Formula One season. It also educates the viewers of the dangers of F1 racing circa 70s/early 80s. There are many personal leadership lessons one can learn from the two characters but the biggest lesson I walked away from this film - although we know that the majority of the time the race of life is against ourselves, sometimes we need a challenger to push one another to the glorious finishing line.

Rating: 8.5/10