“Rush,” Ron Howard’s gripping drama, recounts the true story of a near–deadly rivalry in the world of Formula 1 racing. Set in the mid–seventies, it follows the lives of two drivers, James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl), as they speed towards inevitable collision.
The film opens en medias res. We see two drivers preparing to race in treacherous conditions, but, before the race starts, we are taken back to six years earlier. From there we meet the gorgeous, confident James Hunt and the shrewd, tactical Niki Lauda as they enter the scene of Formula 1 racing for the first time.
While thrilling for its intensity, Rush is most compelling for its development of Hemsworth and Brühl’s characters. The film jumps back and forth between their respective lives, allowing the viewer to get to know each driver on a more personal level. This way, when the time comes to pick a side, it is nearly impossible. We are drawn to each character for different reasons; consequently, it is hard to root for one or the other.
The film is certainly well done. Lack of knowledge of Formula 1 racing does not prevent the viewer from understanding the course of events or from grasping the intensity of the rivalry between the two drivers. Howard does an excellent job of conveying the appeal and the danger of the sport through the eyes of the athletes—presenting crash scenes and graphic injuries a common sight in the sport, which only adds to the suspense of every race.
Ultimately, “Rush” is a charged ride that shares with the viewers one of the greatest rivalries in the sport’s history. The characters are well developed, and the plot is highlighted by the special effects, rather than drowned out by them. All in all, “Rush” is a good opener to the Oscar season.
GRADE: B RATING & RUNTIME: R, 123 min. SEE IF YOU LIKED: “The Blind Side”
