Gran Turismo: Film Review
I’m not gonna lie, I thought this was a literal movie adaptation of the racing game Gran Turismo so my expectations were seriously low. So I was pleasantly surprised to find the film tells a crowd-pleasing true story.
Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madewke) is a young man from Cardiff who clocked up thousands of hours on the Gran Turismo racing simulator in his bedroom. But can this experience translate to the real race track? That is put to the test when Nissan marketing executive Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom) organises a contest for sim racers.
We’ve seen plenty of films about racing or competitive sports and while it does tread familiar ground, there’s still a lot to make it feel interesting and fresh. I love an underdog story and Mardenborough is the perfect example of that. He’s not the glossy, press-ready candidate and real racing drivers and mechanics aren’t impressed with his inclusion in races. That makes us get behind him even more and want him to win.
The film, directed by District 9’s Neill Blomkamp, is long by virtue of the fact that there are a lot of stages to Mardenborough’s story, from his early days to the initial contest and all the subsequent races. They could have perhaps cut some of the earlier backstory but it all feels necessary to make us support Mardenborough.
The highlights are the racing sequences, which are exciting, and Mardenborough’s relationship with his trainer, former race driver Jack Salter (David Harbour). Salter is a tough coach who doesn’t believe in sim racers at first, but over time, they form a sweet bond. Madekwe gives Mardenborough vulnerability and sensitivity, while Harbour’s Salter has a gruff exterior but a heart of gold. Harbour grounds the drama and his charismatic performance holds it all together. Djimon Hounsou also moved me in one scene as Mardenborough’s father Steve.
There were a couple of dodgy casting decisions though. Bloom felt like he was obviously “acting” here compared to his co-stars. Also, Geri Halliwell-Horner will never be anything other than Ginger Spice so seeing her as Mardenborough’s mum Lesley really pulled me out of those scenes.
I felt very cynical about Gran Turismo but it slowly but surely won me over. A truly inspiring and feel-good story. I’m as surprised as you!
In cinemas from Wednesday 9th August