Directed by:
Neill BlomkampCinematography:
Jacques JouffretCast:
Archie Madekwe, David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Darren Barnet, Djimon Hounsou, Geri Horner, Josha Stradowski, Emelia Hartford, Thomas Kretschmann (more)VOD (4)
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Gran Turismo is based on the unbelievable true story of a team of unlikely underdogs – a struggling working-class gamer (Archie Madekwe), a failed former racecar driver (David Harbour), and an idealistic motorsport executive (Orlando Bloom). Together, they risk it all to take on the most elite sport in the world. Gran Turismo is an inspiring, thrilling, and action-packed story that proves that nothing is impossible when you’re fueled from within. (Sony Pictures)
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Reviews (8)
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.
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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.
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I'm not a fan of PC racing games or real GT racing, yet I enjoyed Gran Turismo in the cinema immensely. Blomkamp's film has an incredibly dynamic energy thanks to the premise, which balances out the fact that it's a fairly simple story: about a young man who manages to cleverly apply his extensive virtual world experience to real racing. Watching it in the cinema, I felt like I was right on the racetrack, where a single hesitation or ill-advised move can have fatal consequences. Of the cast, David Harbour impressed me the most, but Archie Madekwe in the lead role managed to appeal to me as well (btw, Orlando Bloom, who I haven't seen in anything for a long time, has really aged). In the end, I left the cinema, where the audiovisual qualities of the film stood out, extremely satisfied. A bonus was the classic hit song Orinoco Flow.
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I don't think I've ever played Gran Turismo. I didn't have a PlayStation, and Need For Speed or Forza were my thing. Fortunately it's not an adaptation of the game per se, but rather Rocky in a racing setting. Plus, it works great. From the flying Nissan passage onwards, it picks up and doesn't let go. Blomkamp feeds off beautiful shots of race tracks and has everything under control. Harbour keeps the story moving along and it all moves along well. Great music. It's just that Bloom doesn't quite fit. Schulin is flying through the air...
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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.
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