Review of Rush (2013) by Mandela W — 09 Aug 2016

Rivalries are born mainly in sports. Some of the great rivalries include Ali and Frazier, Magic vs Bird, Yankees vs red sox's, The rock and stone cold steve Austin, the list goes on and on. One of the great rivalries I never knew about (mainly because I don't watch this sport) was between James Hunt and Niki Lauda in formula one racing. These two were fierce competitors despite being for the most part, polar opposites of each other. Ron Howard beautifully tells the story of these two icons in the racing world.

It's 1970 and the formula one racing world is the battleground for two future legends James Hunt and Niki Lauda. James Hunt is a playboy but one with all the talent in the world. Niki Lauda is a quiet more focus person who knows the workings of a car inside and out and has resources to help him get where he needs to be. Both men however share the love and will to win races. The movie chronicles their battles in the 70's era and of course Lauda's near fatal crash than burned part of his face.

Rush is absolutely incredible. The racing scenes are filmed so intense like. you feel the adrenaline and the rush no pun intended of the races. incredible cinematography so visceral and well shot. the score by hans zimmer is as expected, Phenomenal!!! Ron Howard uses a really unique method of full on telling both sides of their story instead of going from the perspective of someone who witnessed it all or just one side. the writing as well is amazing. I mean these guys couldn't have been more opposities of each other but both had that drive to go hard or go home.

Daniel bruhl was excellent as Niki Lauda. Lauda was someone who worked hard but was also smart and found his own way into the higher ranks. He was an asshole but only because he wanted focus and precision with his racing way of life. That same focus really came to his aid after his burn incident. Chris hemsworth was sensational as James Hunt. This is one of the most impressive performances of his career so far. Hunt was a real playboy but had real talent too and surprisingly worked his way up the ladder. But just like any person of this kind they still got hurtles to get passs and he did. Olivia wilde's british accent was spot on. probably one of the best I've heard from an American actress ever. She also did a pretty good job here as well.

The sound design is incredible. you get the real slashing of tires and engine horsepower. the end race is so gripping and you feel the rush no pun intended. this is a pure example of how Ron Howard is one of today's greats next to Spielberg in making epic moments on film. By that point it becomes clear that they both had everything to gain and everything to lose as well. the footage of the real niki and james was a nice add in too.

Go check out Rush when you can its hella worth the watch.