The World's Fastest Indian (DVD)

This film WILL bring you to tears or at least very close. Yes, that descriptive line of 'One man's journey on a search for his dreams' etc, we have heard it so many times but this film really is a rollercoaster of emotions and filled with tense race scenes.

It's amazing that Anthony Hopkin's bravura performance in The World's Fastest Indian didn't merit more of an Oscar consideration. The movie features one of Hopkin's all time great performances. One can only wonder why the Academy overlooked this small gem of a movie when it was released in theatres.

Although only occasionally trite - which may be a bit much for some viewers - there is a real nail-biting suspense as we witness the eccentric New Zealander Burt Munro (Hopkins) travel to America with his soaped up 1920's Indian motorcycle in the hopes of breaking the world's land-speed record in 1967 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah

The movie is great entertainment, beautifully directed by Roger Donaldson and features Mr. Hopkins in an endearingly gruff and off-kilter performance that is sure to win both hearts and minds. Bert is determined not to let his infirmities deter him from achieving his dreams - he has a bad "ticker" and prostate problems - and he lives in the pretty isolated southern New Zealand town of Invercargil.

Bert's a crusty old guy with a big dream, endlessly tinkering in the garage of his eyesore of a home and drinking tea with an adoring young neighbor (a very cute Aaron Murphy). He's obsessed and absentminded and his neighbors are exasperated by his unmowed lawn and all the early morning hammering, but there's something magical about him too, and when he sets out on his journey, working his passage in a steamer, he ends up getting a teary send-off.

Armed only with naiveté and good-natured optimism, he meets a variety of eccentric characters along the way - including a kindly drag queen, a latino used car salesman, a lonely lady who invites him into her bed, a fresh-faced soldier on leave from Vietnam and a real live Indian who helps Bert out on the road and gives him a natural remedy for his prostate problems. There's something to be said for this charming senior - and enthusiastic lover - who overcomes one obstacle after another to go an impossible distance.

Upon reaching the Utah racing ground, Burt is faced with seemingly intractable obstacles. It looks as though bureaucracy is going to get the better of him - the official registration date was months earlier, and his motorcycle has none of the required safety features. But with the help of Jim Moffet (Chris Lawford), a gracious and kindly biker who's on good terms with the officials, the rules are bent, and Burt is allowed to race.

Donaldson directs this ironic, inspirational allegory without a single gimmicky, phony or contrived moment and the 60's period recreation is beautifully done. Hopkins is all-natural, really nailing the New Zealand accent - and in the process proves that it's all about watching the joy of a man who has nothing left to prove. It's a charismatic and entirely internalized performance that sneaks up on you to deliver an enriching life lesson that it's important to live life to the fullest and to follow your dreams. Great stuff!

excellent movie, Anthony hopkins plays the lovable colourful character Burt Monro a kiwi who lives his dream at the age of 68 of racing his beloved red indian motorbike across the utah salt plains . A film for all the family and all interests a must see you'll watch again and again. A must for your dvd collection.

A FANTASTIC TRUE STORY ABOUT A SINGLE PERSONS DREAM TO RACE HIS MOTORCYCLE

ON THE SALT FLATS IN THE USA HE TRAVELED FROM HIS NATIVE NEW ZEALAND,

AND IT JUST SHOWS NEVER LOOSE SIGHT OF YOUR DREAMS THEY CAN COME TRUE !

I just like films about old times and historical things such as film portrays,
the motorbike ans the rider, excellent film.

very fascinating film to watch time and again, saw it on tv and thought i want to see that again so i did! great !!

One of the worse deceptive names for a movie!
A film about something I usually have ZERO interest in!
And a true story film about a man, I have never heard of before!

BUT,

One of the most surprising heart-warming beautiful adventures I've yet seen put on film.
It has the warmth and enjoyment factor that I felt watching say Forrest Gump, but without the silliness. An adventure road movie about an old guy with a zest for life, the kind of guy that tinkers with oily metal bits in his shed like many grandpa's. But Burt monroe, has a dream to follow. And follow it he does, from New Zealand to America. It is funny and charming throughout. My only gripe with this film was that it ended. Not the way it ended, that was amazing! But the fact that it ended at all. I wish there was another hour tagged onto this film as it was such a pleasure to watch.
I recomend this film to EVERYONE!!! Especially those who do not know what its about, as I didnt, it will surprise you! Young or old!

A very well acted Film by Antony Hopkins and indeed by all of the cast. A film about a mans passion to forefil a dream, and show a time when a freindly face truth and honesty won you alot of friends. The worlds fatest indian is a motorcycle. Not a man! you do not have to be a petrol head or a motorcyclist to enjoy this film. Give it a watch.

If you want to enjoy the endevour of a man with a dream, there are few better ways than watching this film. A great story (as most true stories are) without the need for sex or violence that has something for everyone.
Highly recommended!

i have had no trouble byeing on ebay and all things bought ihave needed
all primus stoves bought i use for camping in the winter as the gas stoves do not heat up

One of the nicest things about the film was the sense of nostalgia for a lost age. There was a nice balance with the journey leading up to the climax of the bike runs which, although we knew he would set a new record, was still exciting.
Some of the characters that he meets seem too good to be true but, with no bad language or violence, it provides a refreshing antidote to modern, gritty movies.
A great movie for anyone who is interested in motorbikes and their history or, just likes a gentle road movie.
Cap'n

Absolutely excellent film. Brilliantly acted and a lovely heart-warming story about a man's obsession with speed. Antony Hopkins plays an elderly New Zealander who has spent 25 years modifying an old Indian motorcycle in his shed, and he manages to fulfil his life's dream of taking his bike to Speed Week on the Bonneville salt flats. Following lots of reluctance and scepticism from the event organisers he eventually runs his bike to set a new land-speed record for his class.

CAN ONLY BE DESCRIBED AS AN EXCELLENT FILM.BE PREPARED TO WATCH FOR THE FULL 127 MINUTES.
ANTHONY HOPKINS AT HIS BEST.

Anthony Hopkins plays an aginf Kiwi with a passion for an old Indian motorcycle to go fast! Brilliant acting by Hopkins, a true to life story with what all of us would like to end our lives doing..... what we want to do!

This is one of those films with the "aaahhhhh factor". Its a heart warming film where you will meet many delightful charactars. Anthony Hopkins plays the kind of old man that you would love to have living next door to you. You will cheer him all the way, then drive with him to its conclusion. Watch it and feel good.

Anthony Hopkins stars in the true story of Burt Munro, a motorcycle enthusiast from New Zealand who designs and builds one of the fastest bikes in the world. The story includes his legendary 1967 performance at the famed raceway at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, where he set the land speed record.

The life and triumph of Burt Munro, the elderly Kiwi man who, at the far from spritely age of 68, broke motorcycle racing records in Utah, has fueled director Roger Donaldson's creative energy for years. In the early 1970s, just a few years after Munro's incredible triumph, Donaldson directed OFFERINGS TO THE GOD OF SPEED, a documentary on the sensational senior. Here, with the help of the fine actors Anthony Hopkins and Diane Ladd, the director brings the story to vivid, dramatic life yet again, constructing a gripping and inspirational narrative.


Hopkins's Munro is a rich and magnetic character, a man who wears his notable physical ailments (which include an embarrassing prostate condition and deficient eardrums) like quirky idiosyncrasies rather than debilitating defects. An active playboy, Munro is a lovable character in his small New Zealand town, an attractively unique old man with a zest for life and a love of his vintage motorcycle--a bright red 1920 Indian model. After racing his own times obsessively every day, he becomes determined to live out his dream of participating in the annual Speed Week motorcycle event at Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats. Through local support and innovative fundraising, Munro is finally able to afford the long nautical journey across the world to Mormon-land and, beating all the incredible odds, not only enter the race but break its records with a jaw-dropping speed of 201 miles an hour. Besides telling a classic tale of individual triumph, THE WORLD'S FASTEST INDIAN offers a sociological look at the American West of the late 1960s, an iconic landscape peppered with colorful characters that include a wizened Native American and a generous drag queen, both of whom help the eccentric elder on his quixotic quest.

Credits
Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Diane Ladd, Paul Rodriguez

Editorial Reviews
"Reunited with the director some 20 years after the two worked together on THE BOUNTY. Hopkins savors every bit of business as his Burt charms everyone in his path." -- Grade: B-
Entertainment Weekly - Lisa Schwarzbaum (12/16/2005)

"This is a film that wears a smile button on its sleeve along with its happy heart. It believes that most people are absolutely wonderful, and it is well enough made so that a dusting of that dogged optimism is bound to rub off on you."
New York Times - Stephen Holden (12/13/2005)

"Anthony Hopkins gives a super, understated performance; he never begs for sympathy as he disappears inside the crusty character."
Movieline's Hollywood Life - Stephen Farber (01/01/2006)

"[Q]uite irresistible, largely thanks to the most cherishable performance that Anthony Hopkins has given in years."
Sight and Sound - Michael Brooke (03/01/2006)

"[The DVD] exhibits a generally soft easy-on-the-eyes quality that is complementary to the period of the story."
Widescreen Review - Widescreen Review Staff (07/01/2006)

5 stars out of 5 -- "[B]oth a hugely entertaining sports adventure and a touching biopic that will have you cheering at the screen."
Ultimate DVD - Natalie Braine (08/01/2006)

What can you say about a man that does what he believes in, A truly inspirational example to follow, A great film, portraying a great character, played by a great actor.

Absolutely great film that should give us all hope and optimism, wether you are into motorcycles or not. Hopkins plays lead role brilliantly, what a versatile actor he is. Just makes you feel good!

i can only say that this film is one of the best ive seen in a long time its about one old man trying to make a world record all you have to do is type burt munro in on your internet and have a good read about him then watch the film its great

I brought this DVD for a friend and havn't seen it myself. He has told me that he has\ watched it about 10 times and never gets board with it. In view of this it is very good value for money. I must make time to see it.

Perfect family fun. All the family enjoyed watching this. Has jokes, excitement and even love, although you need a strong stomach to like it ;-)

Recommend to all

I bought this DVD as am a biker and like films based on true stories. Looked good from trailers and particularly as Anthony Hopkins was involved. It turned out to be a must see movie not just for bike fans. An easy going true story of a real character's journey to fulfill a dream. Not that much bike action involved but still very entertaining. Great performance by Hopkins who really captured the spirit of this character.

A great movie showing Anthony Hopkins is once again a really versatile actor. His convincing protrayal of the Kiwi engineer, Burt Monro, was second to none. Set in a time of innocence when hard graft instead of hard cash made champions. A must see for all ex-pats and vintage motor cycle enthusiasts

A great film from the best living film actor Anthony Hopkins - gentle, humorous, uplifting. A wonderful change from normal Hollywood dross, the film tells the story of an ageing Kiwi, Burt Munro, who fulfills a lifelong dream of racing his classic Indian motorbike at Bonneville Salt Flats. No murders, rapes, drugs or motherf.....s, none of the sub-imbecilic Stallone and Schwarzenegger swaggering so beloved of the American film industry, just a straightforward story of a real - and he is real - hero who overcame real odds, met real people who helped him on his way and eventually, in 1967, set a world speed record for his class of bike which still stands today. An intelligent film.....they are made now and then!!!