Superbly crafted biopic with an outstanding execution of human competition

Rating: 9/10 (1 November 2016)

There's always an interesting story to be told, and with directors like Ron Howard, the mastermind behind the Academy Award-winning 'A Beautiful Mind', working behind the camera to bring these compelling tales to life; a powerful biopic supplemented with solid craftsmanship and stellar performances can only be expected. To all justice, Howard gracefully accomplishes this feat. Howard's telling of the historical events of the fierce competition between two Formula One racers comes off as a compelling thrill ride that not only feels original rather than your average sports underdog story, but also boasts plenty of substance as well as some graceful performances by its two likable leads including Chris Hemsworth of 'Thor' and Daniel Bruhl of 'Inglourious Basterds'. Set in the 1970s, this film tells the story of the rivalry between James Hunt (played by Chris Hemsworth), a handsome English Former One driver, and Niki Lauda (played by Daniel Bruhl), a methodical Austrian Formula One driver. WIth both men desperate of earning the championship title on the Grand Prix tracks, Hunt and Lauda go to great measures to outdo each other on and off the tracks in a fierce competition that threatens to not only hit the brakes on their careers, but destroy their own personal beings.
This Ron Howard biopic is not an extraordinary picture, at least on the level of his magnum opus 'A Beautiful Mind'; but there is no doubt Howard sparks honest ambition in his translation of the compelling story of the legendary race car drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda to the silver screen. Teaming up with the fine director is Peter Morgan (previous collaborator with Howard in 'Frost/Nixon') who breathes strong energy in the story with his screenplay. As the beautifully crafted plot sprawls through the friction between the two lead characters, we are introduced the complexities that define who these two are and builds up their labyrinthine relationship. Neither of them come as heroes as they both demonstrate flaws that conflict with not only each other but also themselves and their loved ones, one of which is thinly demonstrated in James Hunt's unrest relationship with his wife Suzy Miller (played by Olivia Wilde). Arguably the biggest irony that comes between their rivalry is the respect the two eventually gain for each other towards the final stretch, especially after one of them is involved in a horrible accident; and Ron Howard makes solid effort on illustrating this without executing it in a way that feels contrived. Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl are both phenomenal in their roles, and the performances they are the driving source of the film's emotional resonance. And lets not forget the slickly edited racing sequences which provide the thrills and exhilaration, though one of them take place in the rain which ends in not-too-pretty results.
Rush is superbly crafted blessed with an outstanding execution by director Ron Howard and screenwriter Peter Morgan, and demonstrates an incredible deliverance of powerhouse performances by Hemsworth and Bruhl. This is brilliantly crafted film that does not require the viewers to be fans of Formula One Racing(or any motor sports for that matter) to appreciate. Overall, this film certainly delivers what it needs to.