1 2013

     This film chronicles the history of Formula 1 Gran Prix Racing.   In the late 1960’s, the sport became terrifyingly dangerous.  The engine size doubled, the fragile car bodies sprouted wings and they became extremely quick and hazardous.  The cars had surpassed the point for the drivers and the tracks to handle them safely.   A generation of young and talented drivers risked their lives during the deadliest period of the sport and many died.  Safety regulations were needed to save the drivers but it took time for that to be realized.  Television broadcasting and sponsorship made the big difference.  Viewers did not want to see drivers dying in their living rooms and the money influx gave a foundation for improvements.  Since 2012, there have not been any driver deaths because technical studies were conducted to provide safety.

     This is good but there is a lot of information in 112 minutes.  It may be better to see this in parts in order to absorb the most from the film.  I kept remembering the movie Rush with Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt and Daniel Bruhl as Niki Lauda.  James Hunt admitted after the tremendous rivalry between them in Formula One that he had taken mores risks than ever to win the championships.  Niki Lauda did not finish a very risky race because of the weather conditions and Hunt was able to win by one point.  Lauda had been badly injured in a previous race and he didn’t want to take this kind of chance again.  The driver’s were under tremendous pressure to race no matter the risks.  There were other driver’s waiting in the wings to take their place.  3 1/2* (I liked this movie)

112 min, Doc directed by Paul Crowder with Michael Fassbender as narrator, Niki Lauda, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Mario Andretti, Jackie Stewar, Jenson Button, Ernie Ecclestone, Sebastain Vettel.

Note:  Imdb 8.0 out of 10, 84% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Amazon 4.7* out of 5* with 252 reviews.

Special Note:  I had a difficult time finding the information about this film because of the title 1.  I used the name of the director, Paul Crowder, to do my searches.