Come along for the ride

Rating: 8/10 (4 February 2007)

"The World's Fastest Indian" has two main characters: A man and a motorcycle. If Burt Munro - the eccentric New Zealander for whom the movie is about - had been the actor in this saga, I believe he would have insisted that his motorcycle get top billing.
One man's improbable, unyielding quest to accomplish his dream is at the heart of this heartwarming film. Burt Munro was a real person and the events of the movie are based on real events (with a few liberties taken). Briefly, the backyard tinkerer living near the bottom of the world set out to set the land speed record with a 45-year-old motorcycle held together by things such as a door hinge and a cork.
I, of course, have never met Burt, but watching Anthony Hopkins absorb his life makes me feel that I know him as well as his friends, neighbors and fans across the world did.
Hopkins is perfect as the 68-year-old coot who charms his way through life simply by being himself. People are enamored of him; the man seems to be totally without guile.
Though some may liken this to a fish-out-of-water tale such as Crocodile Dundee, that is an unfair comparison. Burt is out of his element in the United States, yes, but he is also a bit out of place in his Down Under hometown. He may be an eccentric of sorts, but he is impossible to dislike.
I admit: I have a weak spot for uplifting movies about real people doing extraordinary things. And "Indian" is one of the better ones. If you decide to go along for the ride you won't be disappointed.