The World's Fastest Indian [2005]

See Larger Image	Manufacturer: Warner Home Video (Icon) Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Todd Emerson, Phoebe Falconer, Tim Farmer, Diane Ladd Directed By: Roger Donaldson Average Customer Rating:


Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1 Audience Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over Binding: DVD EAN: 7321900800822 Format: PAL Label: Warner Home Video (Icon) Manufacturer: Warner Home Video (Icon) Number Of Items: 1 Publisher: Warner Home Video (Icon) Region Code: 2 Release Date: 2006-07-03 Running Time: 127 Studio: Warner Home Video (Icon) Theatrical Release Date: 2005
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Editorial Reviews: A movie that exudes affection and goodwill, The World's Fastest Indian is an unabashed mash note to a lovely character from New Zealand's recent past. Burt Munro, played by Anthony Hopkins, is a cantankerous Kiwi with an obsession: he's been tinkering with his 1920s-era Indian brand motorcycle for years, pushing it to ever-faster speeds. It's the 1960s, and Burt has the utterly mad idea of taking the bike to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, site of world records for speed racing. The movie takes a while to get to the journey--and then the journey takes a while--but the genial atmosphere prevails. (People of a certain age, for whom the word "Bonneville" evokes pleasant associations with hotrods and world-speed records, will not be disappointed in the film's location shooting, or its sense of awe.) Hopkins is not quite on-the-money casting for the jovial, happy-go-lucky Munro, and his accent wavers, but he nails the emotional scenes and the fascination with speed. Smaller bits are well-filled by Diane Ladd and Christopher Lawford (son of Peter), who looks uncannily of the era. New Zealand director Roger Donaldson doesn't take any chances here, but the story clearly means something to him, and that sense of commitment carries the film through its sleepier moments. --Robert Horton
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: Heart warming Hopkins Comment: The true story of Burt Monro, a man who travels to America from New Zealand to attempt to break the fastest speed record on his 1920's Indian motorcycle. What can you say about Anthony Hopkins? The man is simply indescribable. If you have ever seen Silence of the Lambs, you wouldn't believe it was the same actor starring as Burt Monro in this 2005 picture. Hopkins captures the essence of a man who changed the speeding of all motorcycles in the 60's. Hopkins swift and charming elegance is exquisite in capturing Monro's personality and to this day, I am still baffled as to why Hopkins wasn't at least Oscar nominated performance. Though Hopkins is exceptional in the central role, the star of this picture is Monro. This man went through hell and back and defied all odds to reach his destination. The sheer determination to do what you've wanted for your entire life is a true testament to the human spirit and is beautifully moving. The fact that Monro kept pushing despite his drawbacks makes him a real life hero and a man anyone in the world can look up to. Based on Monro's life story, director Donaldson is able to create that realism to bring the story to life. Fast and smart shots are used for the riding sequences, encoded with some wonderful music makes some heart warming memorable moments. There isn't as much bike riding as many hoped for, but when there is, it is heart stopping excitement, The screenplay is very concise and contains all the important information to achieve the ultimate effect in helping achieve and recognizing Monro's passage and achievements. There are many twists and turns in the narrative, executed in a strong realistic effect to gain the ultimate shock, brining the viewer to reality. The drama and use of everyday issues brings us into the picture and we can identify with the central character. There is a consistent likeability about this film as well as the strong realistic drama. Humour is encoded to create light hearted moments, such as burning lawns, peeing on lemon trees and arguing with cab drivers. A smile will be planted on your face whenever you see Hopkins on screen with a complete stranger. Hopkins performance is one of the finest of his career with an elegant charm in a well written plot which is significantly important to any one who abides by rules 9/10 Customer Rating: Summary: Best movie I've seen in ages - a must see!! Comment: I bought this DVD as a small gift for my husband who loves watching motor bike races on TV. He is not a movie buff &, reluctantly, popped it into the requisite slot. After a somewhat slow start we both found the film riveting, funny yet realistic. This is the true story of Burt Munro, a New Zealander, who was determined, against all odds, to fulfill his dream of setting the world land speed record on an old banger of an Indian bike which he took across to the States (he had to work his passage!!) He melts hearts wherever he goes &..... well, you just have to watch this film or you will miss out on a real classic!! Very entertaining & yet another triumph for Anthony Hopkins. Customer Rating: Summary: wonderful Comment: I saw this film last night having picked up the dvd from a local supermarket for £3. I only got it as I thought anything with a recent Anthony Hopkins performance has got to be worth £3. As it happens I would have paid £30 for it. Beautifully written and shot, great story, great acting, Hopkins is a legend on the strength of this alone. My wife loved it too. It's not about motorbikes or speed it's about dedication and commitment and honesty. Charming, endearing, funny, emotional, uplifting. It's got it all. I'd never heard of it so was delighted to see all the 5 star reviews here on Amazon. Get it and if you don't like it (unlikely but possible) you'll be able to pass it on to someone who likes a bit of humanity and quality in a movie. 5 stars all the way. Customer Rating: Summary: BUY IT OR RENT IT - A MUST WATCH FILM I DEFY YOU NOT TO LOVE Comment: Whatever your taste in films, you'll love this one. I was so disinclined to watch this when our local video shop owner (and rarely off the mark guru who recommends new titles to us) suggested we'd like it, but my husband convined me to give it a go - you know the old bikes and boys thing. I objected on "green" ethics, as well as not being even slightly interested in land speed records. But even I didn't just keep thinking "what a waste of fossil fuels", which I was convinced I would, and didn't experience a second of boredom! This is a story of determination, unquenchable drive and indomitable spirit. Teaches us all that if we really want something, and it's not hurting anybody else, we just have to keep at it and never take no for an answer. From peeing against his favourite tree to making a monkey out of everyone who laughed at him, Hopkins is fantastic in this film. Customer Rating: Summary: Excellent film Comment: I too saw this film at The Rex in Berkhamsted, with my bike loving husband and my son who was 8 or 9 at the time (who I thought would struggle to sit still). We all loved it. None of us knew anything about the film as there was very little by way of promotion. It was only screened at one cinema in Oxford (local to us) and we missed the opportunity, then I saw it was on at The Rex - the perfect venue for a film such as this. It is a truly excellent film and a flawless performance by Hopkins. To reach such a wide audience it should rank as an all-time classic. It stays with you for a long time. More Reviews