Customer Reviews
Heart warming Hopkins - By: Stampy, 05 Nov 2008 
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 Monroin this 2005 picture. Hopkins captures the essence of a man who changed the speeding of all motorcyclesin the 60's. Hopkins swift & charming elegance is exquisitein capturing Monro's personality & to this day, I am still baffled as to why Hopkins wasn't at least Oscar nominated performance.
Though Hopkins is exceptionalin the central role, the star of this picture is Monro. This man went through hell & back & 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 & is beautifully moving. The fact that Monro kept pushing despite his drawbacks makes him a real life hero & a man anyonein 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 & 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 & contains all the important information to achieve the ultimate effectin helping achieve & recognizing Monro's passage & achievements.
There are many twists & turnsin the narrative, executedin a strong realistic effect to gain the ultimate shock, brining the viewer to reality. The drama & use of everyday issues brings us into the picture & 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 & 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 charmin a well written plot which is significantly important to any one who abides by rules
9/10
Best movie I've seen in ages - a must see!! - By: Katie, 06 Oct 2008 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.
wonderful - By: happy film fan, 06 Oct 2008 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 & 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 & commitment & 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 & 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 & qualityin a movie. 5 stars all the way.
BUY IT OR RENT IT - A MUST WATCH FILM I DEFY YOU NOT TO LOVE - By: fimac, 26 Aug 2008 Whatever your tastein 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 & boys thing. I objected on "green" ethics, as well as not being even slightly interestedin land speed records. But even I didn't just keep thinking "what a waste of fossil fuels", which I was convinced I would, & didn't experience a second of boredom! This is a story of determination, unquenchable drive & indomitable spirit. Teaches us all that if we really want something, & it's not hurting anybody else, we just have to keep at it & 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 fantasticin this film.
Excellent film - By: Mrs. A. Druce, 13 Jul 2008 I too saw this film at The Rexin Berkhamsted, with my bike loving husband & 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 cinemain Oxford (local to us) & 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 & 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.
