Highly engaging, great story and well-made

Rating: 9/10 (3 April 2015)

I really like movies like this where I actually feel like I'm learning something. In fact, it interests me enough that I can't wait to look up more information once the movie is finished. I didn't know anything about Niki Lauda or James Hunt or any of the film's events. So everything was fresh and exciting for me. It's quite a cool story. Such a close year between two racers who are so different with so many ups and downs.
It's incredible how perfectly cast this movie is, especially the two leads. They look just like the real people, it's uncanny. It's so great when film-makers can show this level of respect and appreciation for the real people and world their film is based on. Rather than turning to standard Hollywood climaxes and one-liners, they invest time and soul into the story and all of the real details. I believe Lauda was involved with the production and confirmed the end result is very accurate.
There are some great quotes in this movie. All of the dialogue between James and Niki is sharp and surprisingly thoughtful. It's often venomous but even more so, it's truthful and playful. Best mates seem to be expected to insult each-other pretty heavily as a weird kind of way of showing how close they are. Niki and James seem to settle into this kind of a relationship. They get on each-others nerves because they can. At first, they hate each-other but gradually they realise the competition between them can actually be a good thing, something they might even need or desire.
They are opposites and parallels at the same time. They share feelings and experiences that very few others do, risking their lives time and again, being the best at what they do, surrounded by people that don't fully understand. Enemies and personal friends. They have to talk big, that's part of the sport. And they legitimately get angry with each- other several times. But when things are serious, they look out for each-other. In one scene, a journalist asks Niki a rude, personal question and James decides to privately teach him a little lesson. They protect each-other but might not openly admit it.
Their lifestyles are extremely different. James is a playboy, living everyday literally as if it were his last. He believes part of his appeal to women is his closeness to death - that it makes him all the more alive. Niki is much more up-tight. He is efficient and logical. He falls out with his father who won't support his passion for racing. His confidence and focus help him rapidly establish himself independently. It's really interesting when he explains why he doesn't drive fast off-the-track. He's always thinking, aware of all the options he has and picking the best one. He's also very lonely and kind (although he can be harsh and direct). I felt I could relate to him a lot.
I thought the acting was really good all-around. The editing and style of the film were unique and suitable for the story. The way the story built up was very exciting and fascinating especially since you know it's based on a true story. You care even more about the characters than you normally would. There are plenty of funny and sad moments but the movie is never preachy. The pace was appropriately high for a movie called Rush - you never have a chance to get bored. Meanwhile the film itself comes across as anything but rushed. I think it has one of the most entertaining and memorable rivalries in film.