In `60s New Zealand, at the bottom of the world, Burt Munro takes a 1920 Indian motorcycle and, delightfully without resources other than his own obsession and a Kiwi #8 wire mentality, spends his retirement rebuilding the bike and following his dream to go to Speed Week at Salt Lake in Utah. Under funded, without the support of a team and against all the odds he not only makes it to Bonneville, he sets a world land speed record, not once, but again and again.
For years I have been saying to make New Zealand films people actually want to see, we need to look at our stories, and if they are based on books (In My Father's Den), or plays, (No. 2), or real stories, as evidenced here, it really does seem to be the way to go. How delightful that Roger Donaldson chose to make this film based on a story that has obsessed him for years. Bert Munroe is a minor New Zealand figure (let’s face it, most of us had never heard of him before the film), but his story is a true delight very much in the style of David Lynch's 'The Straight Story", but the pleasure here is that it is all true. I have said some horrible comments about Anthony Hopkins in my 11 years as a film reviewer (the worst being that he hasn't given a good performance since he stopped drinking in 1979), but he really has raised to the challenge here. His Kiwi accent is mostly believable, but the real charm is the way he plays Munroe as just a nice guy having an effect on people who seem starved for any kind of straight up human connection. I must say I loved the way they only used the few action scenes in the trailer to make the film look like the normal Hollywood rubbish. It is a film about people connecting at the most basic level; talking and doing what you can to help your fellow man. And isn't that what life is all about?
A really inspiring movie that shows it doesn't matter how young or old you are, if you set goals and have a dream, you can achieve that no matter what the circumstances. Would highly recommend this movie to anyone.
Do I really need to say anything? Mind you, even at a sweet old age one does not have to give up life and act old when one has the passion to live it! Awesome inspirational movie with a New Zealand... Read more
twist. If he can do it so can we if we just have faith and lady luck on our side.
My family knew him well and it was wonderful to see his story become so big. The likeness to his shed and they things he did at home were spot on to the reality of Bob. The story is absolutely gripping... Read more
and holds your attension and heart the entire way.
Believe the hype - this movie is brilliant! Its very funny, very kiwiana, and the story itself is so inspiring! When it ended both my boyfriend and I had tears in our eyes! Burt Munroe is a true... Read more
kiwi hero and if I hadn't watched this I would never have known to what extent he was! Just goes to show that if you want something bad enough then it really is possible!
I will be very surprised if this movie does not become a classic. Excellent plot, Brilliant acting, and fast motorcycles. I laughed I cried, husband laughed at me while I yelled at the TV. Very engrossing... Read more
movie. Really well made and produced. Highly recommended.
An absolute must see (and I hate that cliche) for any New Zealander, motorbike fan, and lovers of great cinema. Slick guest appearance from Tim Shadbolt compliments film nicely. Fanatstic film about... Read more
a real No8 wire Kiwi taking it to the rest of the world, casual as, but using initiative, determination, and a likable personality to overcome all problems and set the record. Anthony Hopkins does a master act as real kiwi bloke, awesome
Fabulously filmed story that New Zealanders' in particular will appreciate - it's a great testimony to our No. 8 wire kiwi ingenuity and 'she'll be right' philosophy . Anthony Hopkins does a stand-out... Read more
job of portaying an aging 'Kiwi bloke' - the sort of bloke that has helped make this country what it is today. I was glued, a great feel-good movie for all ages, not to be missed.
What an excellent film which has been very well made, seemingly accurate and good acting throughout. Anthony Hopkins fits the part well as Burt Munro and the film never lets up on the true story. It... Read more
was so good I would see it again in the future. 5 stars.
This movie is great. Funny, sad and exciting. Great kiwi story that kept my attention all the way through (and I am easily distracted) - recommend this movie.
