Based on the incredible journey of gamer-turned-professional racer Jann Mardenborough, the movie grips you emotionally, thrills you right till the end and speeds straight into your hearts. Along with exceptional performances especially by David Harbour and Archie Madekwe, this one’s an absolute must-watch!
Film: Gran Turismo
Director: Neill Blomkamp
Cast: Archie Madekwe, David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Darren Barnet, Djimon Hounsou, Geri Halliwell Horner, Emelia Hartford
Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
There’s something about movies that tell the story of an underdog and see them triumph in the end, the victory of human spirit as it overcomes all challenges, no matter how tough. This emotional hook cast, it then depends on how skillfully the filmmaker can reel in the audience. And there’s an intense sense of gratification when that does happen like it does in Gran Tursimo.
Directed by Neill Blomkamp, this inspiring movie follows the incredible journey of Jann Mardenborough, a passionate and skilled Gran Turismo gamer who harbours a dream of becoming a professional race car driver and wants nothing more than that. But belonging to a struggling working-class family he has no means to actually pursue his passion and faces the choice of either completing his studies or joining his father as a railway worker.
However, Jann gets that one shot to follow his dream when Gran Tursimo’s GT Academy offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gamers to become Nissan’s official GT driver. The idea is the brainchild of Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom) the idealistic motorsport executive at Nissan who wants to explore the concept of launching the career of one avid gamer into the world of racing. Aspirants would be chosen through online races conducted worldwide. The Winners from these races will then be made to go through other gruelling selection processes where they will compete with each other, till one final winner finally makes the cut as the driver.
Mentoring and training Jann during this grueling journey is Jack Salter – a former racecar driver trying to regain lost glory – played flawlessly by David Harbour. Together they all embark on a risk-laden mission to take on and challenge the most elite sport in the world.
It is Jann’s journey as he races towards his dreams that captivates you from the start and has you rooting for the young gamer through every twist and turn that life throws at him very much like the sharp turns and corners of the race-track that await a racing-driver. Fast-paced and interlaced with a strong emotional thread, the movie is as action-packed and visually-appealing as it is emotionally charged! And striking the perfect balance between them is what the director achieves beautifully.
You empathise with every character including that of Jann’s helpless father played by Djimon who is afraid of his son even dreaming big lest he faces disappointment in life, and an encouraging mother who never stops believing in her son. A feeling strongly reminiscent of most working class families!
What personally clicked for me however, was the calm and composed Jann! Exuding a quiet confidence, at no point is his attitude cocky or arrogant, nor is he overconfident, traits that most teenagers often tend to display especially the ones who know that they have it in them. Instead, there’s a self-assured gentleness that Archie has very ably captured in his portrayal of a youngster keen to not lose focus. A sharp contrast with the chaos and the politics that surround him at his trial and entry levels. The emotional scenes are kept subtle, but are impactful. What’s also equally endearing is the chemistry between Jann and his mentor.
As an audience, you will relate to the movie, whether gamer or not. And irrespective of your interest in racing, this one will have you fixed right on to the edge of your seats. There are a handful of really good racing movies, and this one makes the cut.
The movie grips you emotionally, thrills you right till the end and speeds straight into your hearts. All actor brings their A-game here and deliver compelling and emotionally charged performances. But it is the captivating story of passion and dedication alongwith exceptional performances especially by David Harbour and Archie Madekwe that make this one an absolute must-watch.
With an avalanche of movies in theatres, the choice is not easy, but Gran Turismo is my pick for sure for cinema buffs and motorsports enthusiasts alike. A screenplay promising a roller-coaster ride is layered with the thrill of visually well-captured races. So brace yourself for a thrilling, adrenaline-fueled cinematic experience as this inspiring and action-packed film proves that the impossible can become possible when powered by determination and passion.