The World's Fastest Indian (2005)

User Rating:

8.0/10   

Director:

Roger Donaldson

Writer:

Roger Donaldson (written by)

Release Date:

13 October 2005 (New Zealand)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | Sport

Tagline:

Based On One Hell Of A True Story

Plot:

The life story of New Zealander Burt Munro, who spent years building a 1920 Indian motorcycle -- a bike which helped him set the land-speed world record at Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats in 1967.

Plot Keywords:

Indian | Makeshift | Motorcycle | Speed | Tire

Awards:

10 wins & 5 nominations

Cast

Anthony Hopkins	...	Burt Munro
Iain Rea	...	George
Tessa Mitchell	...	Sarah
Aaron Murphy	...	Tom
Tim Shadbolt	...	Frank
Annie Whittle	...	Fran
Greg Johnson	...	Duncan
Antony Starr	...	Jeff
Kate Sullivan	...	Doris
Craig Hall	...	Antarctic Angel
Jim Bowman	...	Cook
Alison Bruce	...	Doctor
Phoebe Falconer	...	Janice
Charles Pierard	...	Bank Manager
Barry Ryan	...	Burt's Neighbour

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for brief language, drug use and a sexual reference.

Runtime:

127 min

Country:

New Zealand | USA | Switzerland | Japan

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital EX

Certification:

Brazil:18 | Ireland:PG | USA:PG-13 | Australia:PG | Finland:S | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | Sweden:Btl | Netherlands:AL | Singapore:PG | Hong Kong:IIA | Canada:PG (Ontario) | Argentina:Atp | Iceland:L | Portugal:M/12 | UK:12A

Filming Locations:

Auckland, New Zealand

Company:

2929 Productions

Trivia:

At a post-film question and answer session at the National Film Theatre, London on 20 February 2006, director Roger Donaldson said that four motorcycles were built for the shoot: two replica Indian Scouts for detail shots made by the late motorcycle engineer John Britten's firm and two modified Ducatis for the running shots. He also said all four had difficulties on the salt flats breaking down regularly although the Ducatis reached 150mph for some shots. As for his own exploits, Donaldson admitted that the highest motorcycle speed he achieved was 65mph.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: When Burt is in the United States the tone and type of sirens that can be heard in the background at various times are that of modern day emergency vehicles, and not from the 1960s.

Quotes:

Antarctic Angel: I don't think so, granddad!
Burt Munro: Well, why don't you put your money where your mouth is?

Movie Connections:

References Broken Barrier (1952)

Soundtrack:

Kiss Twist

A Chick Flick for Guys.

A true story with a nice mix of emotion and motorcycles.

At a sneak preview of this movie in Burt Munro 's hometown - Invercargill, I noticed at the end that many of the men had moist eyes -not that the film is weepy or sycophantic in any way - it's simply inspirational.

The hero/underdog here is a social misfit, a self-confessed dirty old man but a lovable one. He loves the ladies and he loves speeding on his vintage Indian Scout "modified somewhat" along the open beach of Invercargill in Southern New Zealand.

Until recently, beach bike racers contested the Burt Munro Trophy and Burt's 1967 record at Bonneville still stands. There is talk of restarting these races soon.

Anthony Hopkins manages to master the problematic Kiwi accent to deliver a touching, funny and realistic depiction of Burt in his quest to be the fastest thing on two wheels. Sir Anthony said that it's the best thing he's ever done and it's hard to disagree based on his laconic and lovable portrayal.

Outstanding cameos by the likes of Annie Whittle and Diane Ladd simply add depth and verisimilitude to the film.

Complete and convincing performances that warm the heart and show true humanity shining through.

The cinematography is clear and precise, the action scenes are mercifully free of special effects.

A new classic from Roger Donaldson.