Gran Turismo

Putting aside the fact that the idea of a nerd gamer wanting to be on par with professional drivers within weeks is endearingly naive, I have to humbly admit that this film won me over from the start and I'm more than satisfied. And I say that as a NON-fan of cars, the game and this hobby in general, so for anyone more into cars and racing, this is pretty much a clear five star. In fact, the racing is clearly the biggest asset, and it is without question confidently and hellishly well filmed, the cinematography is excellent, the sound design and tuning can be felt from your seat literally all around you, and all the races have such a vibe that I found myself tensing up and almost not breathing – and again, I remind you that I don't even consider myself the target audience for the film. The acting trio of Orlando Bloom, David Harbour and Archie Madekwe are full of feeling, emotionally the film is also appropriate to the genre, everything simply works as it should, and this is all perfectly complemented by the kick-ass racing in the filler scenes. It's a huge adrenaline ride full of cars, action and solid music that knocked my balls off and which I actually regret missing in the cinema. With the final realization that this is a story based on real events (lol, I really thought this couldn't realistically happen), I have to raise the rating to full because this is insane :D Neil Blomkamp is a clear guarantee of quality. (10/01/2023)

Dynamic, lively, emotive and technically brilliant. The plot is formulaic and the dialogue is ridiculously straightforward, but all of that is overcome by the fact that this is a true story that we wouldn’t believe if it hadn’t actually happened (!). The incorporation of gaming elements into the real world is done so tastefully and skilfully that it make Gran Turismo the best and, mainly, most meaningful film adaptation of a video game so far. Therefore, let’s not compare it to the more mature and thoughtful, but diametrically different racing dramas Rush and Ford v Ferrari. (04/02/2024)

If you're expecting just another average game adaptation because you're familiar with Gran Turismo, you might be in for a pleasant surprise. I went in not knowing much about the film's plot and was delighted by the direction the creators took. They told a story based on real events, which added depth and authenticity. With Neil Blomkamp at the helm, the film is executed with style, creativity, and plenty of engaging moments. (03/26/2024)

More of a nice fan-service than a full-fledged drama with emotional charge and theses from life like Rush. Gran Turismo has some nice moments, decent circuit racing scenes, solid unobtrusive visual effects and new faces, plus the old ones are cool and don't get in the way. Hounsou and Harbour do what's expected of them, and Bloom is just Bloom. The relationship line, however, is completely unnecessary. This film isn't talked about much probably due to weaker promotion or a specific target audience, it certainly won't become as popular as Nikki Lauda's story, but it has passable qualities. (10/13/2023)

Considering that this at its core it is a long, slightly intrusive commercial for a Sony product, it's very good. Although it didn't cost much, it manages to disguise itself thanks to Blomkamp's skill and looks like a substantial piece. The racing scenes have verve, they have fantastic sound design, and the editor gives a superhuman performance during them. The scenes that don't involve racing also manage to grab you by the heart thanks to the acting. Leaving aside Orlando Bloom, who looks like the witch from Hansel and Gretel with that impossible haircut and scowling expression, you can believe the former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and her maternal feelings (very unexpected casting), Hounsou is fine and his tearful reaction when meeting his son is a very nice scene. Harbour makes a poem out of his mentor role (and I like his old-school penchant for walkmans and Black Sabbath), but I’m especially surprised by the unknown Archie Madekwe, the boy does a great job. I wouldn't have expected to be so invested in a gamer story, but it happened. Blomkamp is like a magician who can pull golden rabbits out of a hat for little money. PS: I was looking forward to seeing the basic idea of the film "video game gamer turned professional racer" being fucked up as nonsensical, only to have the final photo collage slap me in the face and knock my jaw off. I really had no idea. (11/13/2023)