Rush

Rush is a biographical sports drama film directed by Ron Howard. It stars Chris Hemsworth in the role of the British Formula One racing driver James Hunt.

The movie focuses on the intense rivalry between Hunt and Austrian driver Niki Lauda, played by Daniel Brühl, during the 1976 Formula One season.

Rush catapults you into the 1970s in an adrenaline-fueled and thrilling story of two competitors who are pushed to breaking point in this finely crafted sports drama.

So what is it all about and, more importantly, is it worth watching?

What Is Rush About?

The story revolves around the contrasting personalities and approaches of the two drivers. James Hunt is depicted as a charismatic and reckless playboy, known for his charm and flamboyant lifestyle.

On the other hand, Austrian perfectionist Niki Lauda is portrayed as a highly disciplined and methodical driver, who prioritises precision and strategy.

The film explores their intense competition both on and off the track. It delves into their different approaches to racing, their personal lives, and the challenges they face throughout the season.

Rush showcases the risks and dangers involved in Formula One racing and the physical and mental toll it takes on the drivers.

One of the central events depicted in the film is the 1976 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring. During this race, Niki Lauda suffered a severe crash that resulted in him being trapped in his burning car.

So Hunt wins the Championship? Nope! Despite his injuries, including severe burns to his face and lungs, Lauda made a remarkable recovery and returned to racing just six weeks later. It was a testament to his physical and psychological endurance.

The film not only focuses on the thrilling and exhilarating race sequences but also delves into the personal lives of the two drivers. It highlights their relationships, love interests, and the sacrifices they make to pursue their passion for racing.

Rush Official Trailer

Is Rush Worth Watching?

The attention to detail in Rush is just incredible. Motor racing movies have historically been quite weak in the script and have always been somewhat disappointing. But Ron Howard takes this difficult story and delivers an exhilarating true story.

The cast of Rush is excellent – James Hunt is played by Chris Hemsworth (In The Heart Of The Sea, Spiderhead) with Nikki Lauda being played brilliantly by Daniel Brühl.

The film successfully captures the intensity of their rivalry and the glamorous golden age of the Formula One world. Overall, Rush is a compelling and dramatic film that combines the thrill of racing with a character-driven story.

It provides insight into the lives of two iconic Formula One drivers and their battle for supremacy during one of the most memorable seasons in the sport's history.

If you are into motorsport and incredible racing sequences are your thing then this is the film to watch.

But even if you are not a fan of the sport, the film will still grab you as the story is equally focused on the struggles within us all and how humans can rise to the extreme challenges of life.

Rush Movie Cast

Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt. A British Formula One racing driver known for his charismatic and reckless nature.

Daniel Brühl (The Alienist) as Niki Lauda. An Austrian Formula One driver who is portrayed as highly disciplined and methodical. His near-fatal accident at the 1976 German Grand Prix racetrack and his remarkable recovery are pivotal moments in the film.

Olivia Wilde as Suzy Miller. A British model and actress who becomes James Hunt's wife.

Alexandra Maria Lara as Marlene Lauda, Niki Lauda's wife. She supports her husband's career but also experiences the difficulties and emotional strain of his dangerous profession.

Pierfrancesco Favino as Clay Regazzon, a Swiss F1 driver and one of Niki Lauda's teammates at Ferrari.

David Calder as Louis Stanley, the owner of the Hesketh Racing team, for which James Hunt initially races.

How Accurate Is The Movie Rush?

Rush is generally regarded as a dramatised retelling of the events and characters it portrays. While the film captures the essence of the intense rivalry between Hunt and Lauda during the 1976 Formula One season, some elements and details have been fictionalised or exaggerated for dramatic effect.

Overall, the film strives to capture the spirit and emotions of real-life events and the drivers' personalities. It highlights the contrasting styles and approaches of Hunt and Lauda as the drivers push themselves to the limits in the world of Formula One racing.

However, it's important to note that certain aspects of the film may not align precisely with the actual historical events.

For example, the film rearranges the order of some races and compresses the timeline to fit the narrative structure. Overall the outcome of the 1976 Formula One season is accurate. However, the specific sequence and timing of races have been adjusted for storytelling purposes.

Also, the movie portrays the rivalry between Hunt and Lauda as an intense feud right from the beginning of their careers. While they were indeed competitors, the film heightens the animosity between them for dramatic effect.

And while the film accurately portrays Niki Lauda's terrible accident, some details, such as the weather conditions and the involvement of other drivers in the accident, have been altered for dramatic purposes.