RUSH

Fast cars, adrenaline and loads of testosterone. Those three things basically describe the new movie hit “Rush”. Sounds like a movie specifically created for men? Surprisingly, this is not the case. Even though “Rush” tells the story of Formula 1 drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt and the glamorous appeal of Formula 1 driving in the 1970s, it is a movie not only suitable but also highly recommendable to all the women out there. It is exciting, moving and the occasional naked piece of skin does undoubtedly have its appeal as well.
     I would be lying if I said that I knew about or was aware of the rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda. Frankly, I didn’t even know James Hunt existed. But after having heard a little bit about both of them in the run-up to the movie’s release, I became more and more interested and realized that this film is a definite "must-see". After having seen it, I felt like I just came across one of the few movies produced nowadays that don't leave behind a bland impression. It was a refreshing film production that created a beautiful insight into two men’s minds that struggle with their own fears as well as their motives and ways for overcoming them.
     Here goes the plot of the movie: Be warned! If you still plan on going to see it, you might want to stop reading the post NOW!!!!   If that’s not the case, you might as well go on reading.

     Niki Lauda and James Hunt were two icons of the 1970s Formula 1 driving. Both started off like everybody else did, as thrill seeking men wanting to prove themselves to their parents. After having been promoted into Formula 1 they soon develop a rivalry that will change their lives forever. Niki, signed by Ferrari, is a more focused and mathematical driver. He is praised and greatly respected for his knowledge about setting up his car and his precision. James, signed by McLaren, is a more impulsive but precise driver that was still undefeated. They soon discover their dislike for each other but secretly admire some of the other’s qualities. Niki admires James’ bravery and his attitude towards life (“Live every day like it’s your last”) and James envies Niki’s dedication and devotion to formula 1 driving.
    In a course of a couple of years both become the most successful drivers with both of them having won several races. Their ongoing fight for the first place on the podium finish still becomes even more heated until one fateful race comes to an unforeseen end. A race at the “Nürburgring” in Germany almost ends lethal for Niki Lauda. Despite the horrendous weather conditions, the majority of Formula 1 drivers competing want the race to take place. James Hunt was one of them while Niki Lauda voted against it. Niki said that he accepts the 20% chance that he might die in a race, doesn’t want to tolerate a single percent more though. James, who is aware of this fact, wants to drive anyway. The vote ends in James’ favour and the scene ends with James saying: “Let’s race”.
     The unspeakable happens as Niki crashes against the crash barrier and his car bursts into flames. He is trapped in the 800° C hot burning inferno for a minute and sufferes from serious second degree burns all over his face and in his lungs. James, feeling somewhat guilty for what has happened, tries to write a letter to apologize but doesn’t seem to find the right words. To everybody’s surprise, Niki recovers and watches James win all the upcoming races from his hospital bed. Seeing him win makes Niki want to recover even faster because after all that happened he still wants to go back to Formula 1 racing.
     The Japanese Grand Prix takes place 42 days after his accident and at that point Niki was still world champion. That was the day he chose to return to race driving and this race also represents the  climax of the movie. Niki, still in a quite bad condition, wants to compete with James even though the weather conditions are horrendous AGAIN. Before the race starts they salute each other out of respect and the race begins. Niki, struggling to see through the visor because of his burns, decides to end the race after two laps. James, coming in 3^rd succeeds in getting enough points to win and becomes world-champion. A few months later they meet again at the airport and have a talk. In the end, both of them seem to have succeeded in what they wanted to prove or to do. James did become champion and beat Niki, and Niki succeeded in recovering and proving his strength and abilities the whole world.

Daniel Brühl as Niki Lauda & Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt

    The farther ahead you get in the film, the more obvious it becomes that both James and Niki walk a very fine line between friendship and rivalry. Hatred would be a too harsh word to call their dispute because at the end of the movie they seem to have great respect for each other. Certain scenes during the movie also make the viewer aware of the fact that Niki and James weren’t enemies as much as they were friends e.g. the one where James beats up a reporter that asked Niki whether or not he thinks his wife Marlene will leave him now that his face is so horribly disfigured. Also an interview with Niki Lauda explains that the movie rivalry between James and Niki is a bit exaggerated. For dramaturgical reasons the tension between the movie characters was heated up. They were in fact very good friends and according to Niki Lauda, James was the only person he’d tolerate to be defeated by.
    In total, the movie is simply fantastic.There is no more suitable word to describe it. Ron Howard exceeded in making the film not only exciting and refreshing, but also created a rivalry that consists of two equally lovable characters. Both of them deserve to become world champion and as a viewer you can’t really decide for who it should be in the end. To my mind, creating such a strong relationship between the audience and the characters is simply unbelievable: And for that, I raise my hat to Ron Howard.

Niki Lauda and James Hunt