by ECI Released : 2023-08-10
Gran Turisimo is the latest in a long line of live action video game adaptations and by far one of the best. The film is based on the true story of Jann Mardenborugeh who won GT Academy and became a professional race car driver based on his level of play in the Gran Turismo video game which was originally designed as an extensive driving simulator for professional drivers. The film's standout performances include Orlando Bloom as the creator of GT Academy, David Harbour as Janns trainer, and Archie Madekwe as Jann Mardenborugeh.
The movie is a racing movie and delivers the intense racing scenes you expect from movies such as Rush or Ford v. Ferrari. Brisk action, very good direction from Neill Blomkamp (District 9, Elysium), and an aesthetic that separates it from other movies in the genre by embracing the video game roots. The film does montage through some of its racing scenes in the second half of the film and makes some odd decisions with its loose story telling of the actual facts and these two aspects were certainly disappointing and unnecessary. The film is also a sports movie at its core and definitely embraces the narrative structure and tropes that come with this genre. However despite these flaws Gran Turisimo delivers an entertaining fast paced film for racing and non racing fans alike.
