Brilliant and dramatic

Rating: 9/10 (24 June 2015)

This fact based drama centres on the rivalry between Formula One drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda during the 1976 Formula One motor-racing season. In a modern era of boring, faceless sports stars it's hard to believe that in the mid 1970's, most sports had at least one maverick personality. Amongst others, Football had George Best, Snooker had Alex Higgins, Motor cycling had Barry Sheen and John McEnroe was emerging in tennis. Along with Hunt they were The Peoples' Champions of their day, not just for their talent but the thrill of watching an individual whose brilliance was as likely to surface as his ability to self destruct has always been irresistible to the public. Any volatile talent requires a nemesis. In the case of James Hunt it was Niki Lauda. Rational, calculating and the epitome of professionalism, Lauda was an earlier prototype for the modern day athlete. His commitment and focus was a far cry from the flamboyant personality of his rival.
The two main actors are superb in the roles. Not only do the actors look like the drivers they are representing, the portrayals are believably acted. The season was so dramatic and controversial that the script needed little deviation from the truth. In fact the only small criticism of the film is the odd scene thrown in for dramatic impact that actually didn't historically occur.
It's hard to believe that the director Ron Howard was acting in a cheesy American 50's nostalgia show when these two driving legends were sparring for the World Drivers Title back in 1976. This was a time before Formula One became F1. Happy Days!