Gran Turismo
Rating – 4/4
*SPOILERS*
Gran Turismo poster made using in-game photo mode by Michael Russillo
When it comes to movies about racing, many people tend to think that you have to know a good amount about motorsports to enjoy it. As I do enjoy racing, I can’t really speak from this perspective… but I have other people who I have watched racing movies with who can relate to the above perspective.
My point is, they love the movies as much as I do. Gran Turismo (2023) is one of those films where you can just watch and enjoy it, no matter your racing knowledge.
The film, directed by Neill Blomkamp, states it’s based on a true story and is very interesting overall. It has a great mixture of comedy, action, romance, and many heartfelt moments. You don’t typically see all of these in racing films, which is why I think this film is special.
Archis Madekwe as Jann Mardenborough
The film starts out with an introduction to 19-year-old Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), who has a hobby that he wants to turn into a dream… sim racing. The problem is that he has no support for this dream from his father, Steve (Djimon Housou), his mother, Lesley (Geri Horner), or his brother, Coby (Daniel Puig).
Nissan GT Academy Contestants training on the Gran Turismo 7 sim-racing game
As he continues his hobby of sim racing on Gran Turismo 7, he is invited to take part in a sim racing competition, open to the best Gran Turismo players in the world, that could lead to a real racing opportunity. This competition is dreamt up by Nissan Marketing Employee Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom). Following the success of the competition pitch from Moore, he needed someone to coach the incoming racer-wannabes. He turns to an old friend, race mechanic, and former racer Jack Salter (David Harbour). With some convincing, Jack agrees to help coach these “scrawny little gamer kids” in their attempt to become professional racers through the Nissan GT Academy.
Some of the Nissan GT Academy Contestents
With some very different personalities and competitive characters that Jann has to go against in the academy, he is able to prove himself to be the best of the 10 drivers that were selected from around the world for this experience. He is then entered into a professional racing championship where he has a limited number of races to finish 4th place or better… or his dreams will never come to fruition.
Gran Turismo 7 - created photo of Mardenborough’s car lifting off at the Nürburgring.
Photo made by Michael Russillo
In a race at the most dangerous race track in the world, the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany is the host of one of the races in which Jann has a goal to finish 4th or better to receive his professional racing license. That race ended in tragedy after Jann’s Nissan GTR took flight and ended up going over the catch fence, killing a spectator. Remarkably, Jann survived the crash. The rest is history that I’ll let you find out in theaters for yourself.
Behind the camera!
My favorite thing about this film is the cinematography by Jacques Jouffret. From some behind-the-scenes videos that Sony posted, we know that most of the racing shots were actually filmed on real race tracks, with real cars, and real racing speeds. Yes, that means the shots where a car is going 160 mph are absolutely real… and that takes talent. The many stunt doubles used in the film are actual race car drivers. Fun fact: the real Jann Mardenborough did stunt driving for his own character, which I love that he was involved in.
Visual Effect still of Jann’s car flipping in the air
With films like this, you almost have to have special effects. Whether it be recreating Jann’s terrifying flip at the Nürburgring or showing every detail of the car as it expands, the visual effects crew of more than 150 talented people deserve huge recognition for their work.
The editing crew was also able to suck in the viewer’s attention using all of the amazing cinematography, special effects and sound. Editing in a film like this cannot be understated.
As I wrap this review up, I have to tell you to go watch this film. Whether you’re a racing fan or not, you'll find a way to enjoy many aspects of this film and learn so much in the process.