- Format: PAL
- Language English
- Subtitles: English
- Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 - 1.77:1
- Number of discs: 1
- Classification: 12
- Studio: Warner Home Video (Icon)
- DVD Release Date: 3 July 2006
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (89 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B000FIGF38
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 3,164 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)
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Reviews
Amazon.co.uk Review
A movie that exudes affection and goodwill, The World's Fastest Indian is an unabashed mash note to a lovely character from New Zealand's recent past. Burt Munro, played by Anthony Hopkins, is a cantankerous Kiwi with an obsession: he's been tinkering with his 1920s-era Indian brand motorcycle for years, pushing it to ever-faster speeds. It's the 1960s, and Burt has the utterly mad idea of taking the bike to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, site of world records for speed racing. The movie takes a while to get to the journey--and then the journey takes a while--but the genial atmosphere prevails. (People of a certain age, for whom the word "Bonneville" evokes pleasant associations with hotrods and world-speed records, will not be disappointed in the film's location shooting, or its sense of awe.) Hopkins is not quite on-the-money casting for the jovial, happy-go-lucky Munro, and his accent wavers, but he nails the emotional scenes and the fascination with speed. Smaller bits are well-filled by Diane Ladd and Christopher Lawford (son of Peter), who looks uncannily of the era. New Zealand director Roger Donaldson doesn't take any chances here, but the story clearly means something to him, and that sense of commitment carries the film through its sleepier moments. --Robert Horton
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
62 of 63 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I saw 'The World's Fastest Indian' at the local cinema in Berkhamsted, Herts. Without a doubt it was the best film I have seen for twenty five years. It made me laugh, sit on the edge of my seat, and get very emotionally involved.
For once the Americans were not the stars and history was not being rewritten. Anthony Hopkins plays the part of a real man who had great asperations and an almost niave belief in the goodness of people, an attitude which helped him to achieve his goal after a series of setbacks that would have daunted most folk.
In a word, brilliant. I can't wait to see it again on DVD.
For once the Americans were not the stars and history was not being rewritten. Anthony Hopkins plays the part of a real man who had great asperations and an almost niave belief in the goodness of people, an attitude which helped him to achieve his goal after a series of setbacks that would have daunted most folk.
In a word, brilliant. I can't wait to see it again on DVD.
76 of 78 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I was lucky enough to see this film at the one cinema in the country that showed it. I couldn't believe that such a family friendly and feel good film was given the shoulder by the distributors. It cost $25m to make so I cannot imagine why there was no general release for it. Certainly the audience I was with REALLY enjoyed it. Hopefully this DVD will find the audience it deserves.
There are many reasons why this film is great. Firstly, the "true" story of Kiwi Burt Monro - one of life's innocents, dropping all and heading off to the Salt Lake flats, is really an inspiring and moving one. I suspect that the incidents that happened on his journey have been dreamt up for the film, but we can forgive them for it. As a racer myself, I recognised the atmosphere there is at an event, with all the signing on, scruitineering, the adrenalin, the people etc.
Secondly, the script is very good. Burt Monro has some wonderful one liners, and the many characters that greet him on his long journey are interesting and show us more about Monro's character each time. This is the kind of film where you know the ending, but it's the journey and the small details that make it a delight.
Thirdly, the locations are awesome. I love road movies that travel the beautiful locations of America, and here you get the fantastic vistas, but of course with Burt pounding through them on his motorbike. The direction and the music, the thematic material and the shot in the arm the film gives you is really something - and there's one final element to congratulate for it...
Anthony Hopkins. Since his big Hollywood break Hopkins was on a roll. Then he started drifting towards the typical Hollywood roles that didn't suit his talents. And in recent years his creditability was at it's lowest ever, thanks to rubbish like Instinct, MI:II and Bad Company. I assumed he'd given up 'acting' for the easy paycheck. However, in this film he delivers what is probably one of his best ever performances, easily his best since 1994. He totally inhabbits the character, and he does what he does best - SHOW us the character in the small moments, and not repeat mannerisms. According to Kiwis his accent is particularly good, which was always a challenge for Hopkins. Had this film had more fanfare upon release he would have easily gotten an Oscar nomination, without a doubt. If his career goes back to below par as it was before this, we can be glad at least that he gave us the character of Burt Monro.
The World's Fastest Indian will not appeal to the ultra-cynical of person, but it should be an entertaining and uplifting experience to those who are able to give it attention. The film's message is simple: Life doesn't have to be as bad as people make out. Honesty's good. Being genuine is good. To me, this film is both of those things.
There are many reasons why this film is great. Firstly, the "true" story of Kiwi Burt Monro - one of life's innocents, dropping all and heading off to the Salt Lake flats, is really an inspiring and moving one. I suspect that the incidents that happened on his journey have been dreamt up for the film, but we can forgive them for it. As a racer myself, I recognised the atmosphere there is at an event, with all the signing on, scruitineering, the adrenalin, the people etc.
Secondly, the script is very good. Burt Monro has some wonderful one liners, and the many characters that greet him on his long journey are interesting and show us more about Monro's character each time. This is the kind of film where you know the ending, but it's the journey and the small details that make it a delight.
Thirdly, the locations are awesome. I love road movies that travel the beautiful locations of America, and here you get the fantastic vistas, but of course with Burt pounding through them on his motorbike. The direction and the music, the thematic material and the shot in the arm the film gives you is really something - and there's one final element to congratulate for it...
Anthony Hopkins. Since his big Hollywood break Hopkins was on a roll. Then he started drifting towards the typical Hollywood roles that didn't suit his talents. And in recent years his creditability was at it's lowest ever, thanks to rubbish like Instinct, MI:II and Bad Company. I assumed he'd given up 'acting' for the easy paycheck. However, in this film he delivers what is probably one of his best ever performances, easily his best since 1994. He totally inhabbits the character, and he does what he does best - SHOW us the character in the small moments, and not repeat mannerisms. According to Kiwis his accent is particularly good, which was always a challenge for Hopkins. Had this film had more fanfare upon release he would have easily gotten an Oscar nomination, without a doubt. If his career goes back to below par as it was before this, we can be glad at least that he gave us the character of Burt Monro.
The World's Fastest Indian will not appeal to the ultra-cynical of person, but it should be an entertaining and uplifting experience to those who are able to give it attention. The film's message is simple: Life doesn't have to be as bad as people make out. Honesty's good. Being genuine is good. To me, this film is both of those things.
35 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I first heard about this film from some biker friends and decided to see what the fuss was about. I was slightly confused at first at who the "indian" was but soon discovered it was the motorbike belonging to Burt Munro (Hopkins). From then on i was captured by this old gentlemans charisma and excentricity. The film was directed by a man who knew Burt Munro personnally and has given Munro an epitaph to be proud of. Hopkins plays Munro so well that by the end of the film you will believe that you know Burt intimatly. This quirky old gent had a dream to see how fast his "indian scout" motorbike would go, not to brake records not to race but simply a passion. The only place on earth Burt can achieve his dream is to take himself and the "indian" on a trip half way round the world to Utah salt flats in america for speed week to time his bike. His trip is not lavished up by big budget stunts but simply tells his story to reach his dream. Everyone he touches he befriends by being himself and honest and by the end of the film i was willing him on. Sadly only once in a while do films like this come along, but with such a small budget by todays terms (35 mil) this film was not shown in too many cinemas world wide, but i urge you if you love true storys and enjoy hopkins at his best you cannot go much wrong to watch this "indian" journey of life.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
One of the best movies ever!
The best movie you can buy, if you are a gearhead and you want to see a movie with your wife or girlfriend
GO FOR IT!
GO FOR IT!
Published 1 day ago by tim kirkegaard
What a film. What a life and what a story
(THE FILM)
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... Read more
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... Read more
Published 1 month ago by S. F. husseiny
Really enjoyable
A really good "feel good" film! Loosely based on a true story it was one of the most uplifting and enjoyable films I have seen in a long time.
Published 3 months ago by Richard
God
This film is an absolute must. It is amusing and entertaining while telling an intriguing story. The story tells the endeavours of a wonderful man in a sympathetic way. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Was
A smashing film
I don't often review films, because I watch them to be entertained, and usually I don't pick up on the finer points of film making. Read more
Published 4 months ago by What The Dickens?
Hopkins best?
Happened across this fantastic gem by chance one Christmas, always a big fan of Anthony Hopkins I have to admit to knowing nothing of this. Read more
Published 5 months ago by N. Kilbey
The worlds fastest Indian.........
A nostalgic look at speedway from the 20's !!
A quick jibe at authority and 'the little guy wins.'
I loved it.
A quick jibe at authority and 'the little guy wins.'
I loved it.
Published 7 months ago by Dusty
A Inspiration for ages
I love the movie. Every time I watch this movie it has inspire me the same. Full of courage, determination and hard work in life. extra ordinary performance by Anthony Hopkins
Published 9 months ago by rashojaan
Hopkins at his best.
Fantastic film, suitable for all ages. My 6 y.o loved it as much as my husband. There are plenty of gentle humerous interludes. Only one minor profanity in the whole film.
Published 10 months ago by C. Hearne
Bikers delight
If you are a biker you will love this film, it lets you into the mind of Burt Munro. Anthoney Hopkins portrays the part to a tee. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Johno
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