The World's Fastest Indian Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Based On One Hell Of A True Story
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 Kiwi #8 wire mentality, spends his retirement rebuilding the bike and following his dream to go to Speed Week at Salt Lake in Utah. Under funded, without the support of a team and against all the odds he not only makes it to Bonneville, he sets a world land spend record, not once, but again and again.
| Anthony Hopkins | Burt Munro |
| Iain Rea | George |
| Tessa Mitchell | Sarah |
| Aaron Murphy | Tom |
| Tim Shadbolt | Frank |
| Annie Whittle | Fran |
| Greg Johnson | Duncan |
| Antony Starr | Jeff |
| Kate Sullivan | Doris |
| Craig Hall | Antarctic Angel |
| Jim Bowman | Cook |
| Alison Bruce | Doctor |
| Phoebe Falconer | Janice |
| Charles Pierard | Bank Manager |
| Barry Ryan | Burt's Neighbour |
| Roger Donaldson |
8.00 out of 10 (7959 votes)
Visitor Reviews
"The World's Fastest Indian" is an incredible underdog story about following your dreams
posted on 29 Aug 2009"The World's Fastest Indian" is based on the true life story of Burt Munro (Anthony Hopkins) a man who is in love with speed. Set in New Zealand during the 1960's this movie follows Burt as he builds and repairs his old 1920's Indian Motorcycle. One day Burt faints and is rushed to the hospital where he is put on pills and is told that he is dying. Burt then follows his dream by going half way across the world to Salt Lake City, Utah to compete in the Bonneville motorcycle competition where he wants to race his Indian motorcycle and break the national land speed record. A real life underdog story ensues… What a great movie! Is what I said to myself as I walked about of the theater tonight after watching "The World's Fastest Indian." This movie is not only about a true underdog but also rather inspiring. This movie reminds people to follow your dreams and always believe in yourself even when majority of people think your going to fail. This movie which is based on true events is a remarkable film about a man who just never stopped no matter what obstacles got in his way. This is a powerful film that we see too few of in my opinion.Anthony Hopkins is just terrific as the good spirited Burt Munro. Anthony Hopkins should have gotten an Oscar Nomination for his performance here. I really think the academy overlooked this film because it was definitely worthy of some attention just for Hopkins performance alone. The whole supporting cast was also great. There are to many smaller roles to name but all did a fine job with the part they were given to play. Great acting jobs all around.This film is director and writer Roger Donaldson's best work to date. He has been doing films for some time now and has directed films like "Dante's Peak" and "The Recruit" but none have the greatness that this film delivers. The character development and production values are excellent and Donaldson does a great job capturing Burt's happiness and struggles. I think this movie could really make Donaldson a well known director in Hollywood.In conclusion, if you want a movie that is smart and interesting see this film. If you want to see some great performances along with a great screenplay see this film. This movie is truly a great depiction of an ordinary man who does extraordinary things in order to follow his dreams and live life to the fullest. The movie is definitely a feel good movie that will make its audience think and ask question "When will I follow my dream?" The performance by Anthony Hopkins is worth the price of admission alone but then when you add on the great screenplay and good supporting roles well you got a film that I feel we see to few of. I highly recommend this movie to those who like well made movies that have substance.MovieManMenzel's final rating for "The World's Fastest Indian" is a 8/10
Roger Donaldson put his heart in this movie
posted on 23 Aug 2009I didn't know anything about this movie when I picked it up. I just wanted to see an indy film. It was between this film and end of the spear. I took it home and was wonderfully surprised! Roger Donaldson has been working on this movie for over 25 years so for him to get the project done,he can already die happy. It made no money in the box office but he doesn't care.The movie is about an old man played by Anthony Hopkins that wanted to take his dream into reality. That is to have the world's fastest Indian (motorcycle). His own believer was the little boy next door and all the people he met in America rangeing from a used car salesman to a drag queen! Everyone he met had the hearts touched by the gentle old man.Anthony Hopkins was just amazing. Constantly asking the question "What" to everyone he met because of his hard hearing.The movie had its few flaws such as when you fall off a motorcycle going over 150mph you will get more than a simple bruise but who cares. Other people criticize that the movie is off target from the events shown in the movie. Again who cares! Its a movie, not a documentary. Watch Domino! Anyways I believe this movie had a lot of heart and it wasn't just a typical go after your dreams type of movie. It had a lot more. It even had humor in the movie such as how he built the motorcycle. I give the directing a 8,editing a 7, acting a 10, storyline a 8, and message a 9. Watch this movie!
Hopkins meets the Hallmark Channel
posted on 19 Aug 2009Anthony Hopkins is, in "Indian" simply a great actor in a mediocre film. I don't understand how they talked him into it, but there he is. Though the role surely didn't tax him, without him, "Indian" would sink from mediocre to trite. The story follows Bert Munro, a 70-ish character from New Zealand who lives in a squalid shed, has no life outside his obsession with his 40-year old motorcycle, rarely washes, and rails against smoking and drinking at every opportunity. Of course, the whole town adores Ol' Bert and every old woman he meets just can't wait to bed him. Sure.I'm not quite sure if we're supposed to notice that Ol' Bert is a walking disaster zone. Strangers have to continually intercede to protect him from his own foolish and dangerous decisions. When he finally bumbles his way to the Salt Flats, he remains true to form and relies on sympathy to get him past the safety rules. If they'd have put thick glasses on Hopkins, they could have titled it "Mr. Magoo's World Speed Record". That the Kiwi crackpot actually made some speed records somewhat diminishes my respect for the endeavor. The movie is slow and quite two dimensional considering its 2+ hour length. Movies this corny usually have furry stars. Visually, its on par with made-for TV stuff. The bonus material has a brief tourist promo on New Zealand that's visually far better than anything in the movie. Hopkins is the only positive, but he could've done this one in his sleep. On second thought, he did. His name, however, undoubtedly provided cover for many to heap undeserved praise on this thoroughly forgettable two hours. Somebody should check their passports.
Great film with a superb performance
posted on 11 Aug 2009I think that Anthony Hopkins makes the best performance of his career on The world's fastest Indian.His performance is simply awesome,full off details and I think he deserves an Academy Award nomination for his role in this film.The world's fastest Indian is a great movie.The film is very emotive.But the emotions this films brings are real,they are not false like in another movies.The film is pretty fun,too.After the crap of The recruit,Roger Donaldson is totally redeemed with this film.The world's fastest Indian is a great movie with an awesome performance.Rating:9
A new favorite
posted on 22 Jul 2009The Worlds Fastest Indian may never be on my list of greatest movies, but it went on my list of favorites after about the first 10 minutes. I'll save the great list for Citizen Kane, the Godfather and other aristocrats. The favorite list is for "real" movies, like Some Like It Hot and Breaking Away, and now The Worlds Fastest Indian.Anthony Hopkins was superb. I forced myself back to reality at one moment, and tried to envision Hannibal Lecter or Richard Nixon. They were nowhere in the theater. It was just Burt Munro, and like everyone he met in the film, I was his new best friend. The supporting cast was just that, there to move the story and bring out the best in Hopkins. They were a perfect gathering of veteran and new talent, each ideally cast. Aaron Murphy as Tom in particular was a spot on casting call.Here's a movie with little swearing, no violence, and no bad guy. It doesn't rely on special effects or CGI. The plot is driven by motorcycles and going fast, but that's not at all what the movie is about. It doesn't get into pistons and valves, and the words horsepower and torque are never uttered. It's about a man who has the perfect storm of a goal, a can-do attitude and unyielding determination. You can't not like the guy.That said, if you're a motorsports fan you'll find even more to like. If you're a motorcycle buff, even more, and if you're a classic motorcycle enthusiast, there's a scene on a New Zealand beach that will give you goose bumps. A more ambitious opening and marketing should have made this movie far more noticed, and would have undoubtedly garnered Hopkins an Oscar or other award nomination. It's not a blockbuster and it's not an art-house gem, and in a way it's almost fitting that this movie remains a semi-secret, hidden beneath the shadow of the politically driven films that dominate this year. I just hope it makes enough money to encourage the studios to keep making these good, character driven tales that completely absorb the viewer for a couple of hours. The 2005 season will be remembered for the Academy Award nominated bunch, and blockbusters like Star Wars Episode III and The Wedding Crashers. But one day, years from now, when someone asks what my favorite movie is, this will be one of first that comes to mind.
Good values! Good mentor!
posted on 22 Jul 2009What a heart-warming, life-assuring and valuable film. It left me feeling utterly privileged to have met Burt Munro. The film leaves you a much wiser person. This is how films should be. It is about one man's determination, hand in hand with his Scout Indian motorcycle. An incredible portrayal of a single man, and in actual fact, equally as much a portrayal of a single motorcycle. To me the Scout Indian motorcycle is personified and is as much a personality as Burt Munro is. They feed each other with their strengths; they are each other's oxygen and are inseparable. I see these two as a parallel being dependent on each other, where they both take a similar course. I.e. by starting out younger then growing older with the necessary repairs that take place during the process of aging and pursuing a goal.Unorthodoxy is a key word – Burt's personality is unorthodox, the bike is unorthodox and Burt's methods of repairing his cycle are unorthodox. The culture shock aspect of the film, namely the contrasts between New Zealand and USA are hilarious, and remind me of the culture shock aspect in the film Crocodile Dundee.There is a long "string of pearls" to describe Burt. He is unpretentious, unprejudiced, moral, authentic, true to himself, a fatalist, an individual, a super enthusiast, charming, inquisitive, has a colourful personality, can laugh things off oozing wisdom as opposed to naivety, has an appreciative sense of humour, can at any time maintain his equilibrium, lives his passion but most of all I loved how he won everyone's heart. With his charm and nonchalance he got himself out of every, and I mean every, predicament, trial and tribulation he came across, and believe me there were many.His life wisdom, philosophy and passion show us resources we can personally learn a lot from. For instance Burt's quote: "You live more in five minutes on this bike than others do in a lifetime". He teaches us how to make a dream come true without exploiting others in the process. He is such an excellent example of a person having faith in and respecting himself, as well as others and the World.The neighbour's son Tom is a lucky boy to have had him as a mentor and model. I couldn't help wondering how the real Tom has benefited from having known the real Burt Munro. The real Tom as well as Aaron Murphy, who plays the role of Tom. What a privilege for the real Tom to have personally known this man, but also Aaron Murphy having gotten to know Burt Munro indirectly with Anthony Hopkins' vivid portrayal of this man. It must have almost felt like "the real thing".
True to life story, emotional, Anthony Hopkins was wonderful
posted on 28 Jun 2009True to life story. Emotional. Anthony Hopkins was wonderful in this movie. This movie is not playing in the cinema that i usually go to so i had to drive a little ways to see it and glad i did. This movie has inspired me as i am a Bonneville racer at heart and has motivated to pursue my dreams (since i was younger to go to the Saltflats). I have been in the last several years working on a twin engine motorcycle to race at the salt flats and basically following how B. Munro pursued his dream. I am 50 yrs old and am pleased to know that i am able to pursue my dream. I can not hardly wait for this movie to come out on DVD with behind the scenes so i can watch it over and over again and see what Anthony Hopkins has to say and why he was interested in this movie in particular and his ventures during the film making and why this movie was chosen to be filmed currently. Again, i love Anthony Hopkins in all his movies but this is far the best. Absolutely a great and exceptional movie. I give it 100 stars.. My wife feels the same way. She wishes that she can email Anthony Hopkins and just let him know what a wonderful job he did. Hooray!!
Burt Munro
posted on 12 Jun 2009The World's Fastest Indian I had read about this movie about 4 months back when it was released in Amsterdam. I did not see that movie at that time. After that the movie was running in other cities in Holland, where I could not go to see it. So when I got to see this movie in the North West Airlines while traveling from Amsterdam to Sydney – I did not miss this opportunity.At the prime age of 70 this multi talented actor, director, composer, writer, and producer does not stop amazing you with his talent. I am talking of Sir Anthony Hopkins. He plays the role of Burt Munro – a real life old character who took part in World War I, and is staying in eastern corner of a peaceful town in New Zealand. His passion in life is his old Indian motorcycle of 1920s that he is innovating to participate in the American speed racing. The year is 1967, and the story is about Munro's weird ways and eccentric character; his journey from New Zealand to USA and his charm with which he wins hearts of people to give him help and a way to stubbornly participate in the motor speeding event. The movie culminates in an unbelievable thrilling exciting finish.Anthony Hopkins plays this memorable role with ease. The role is so alive that it inspires all of us even in the most painful moments of his old life. When we see him suffering from weak old legs, persisting heart ailments, and breathlessness and sagging body – Munro remains natural and at ease without bothering about such things – rather keeping his focus on the event.There are many different characters who meet Munro along the way to reach the event location - who laugh and doubt at his dream. Each sub-plot of different characters is presented with exact length without making any portions of the film boring.I liked the cinematography - some shots and photography are very well executed. Sadly Anthony Hopkins has not been nominated for any "Best Actor" category in any awards.Just a few trivia - the director – Roger Donalson - made his debut as a director in a TV series for the same story in 1971, where he played Burt Munro's old character at his prime age of 26. It has been 37 years since then and 16 movies later the Roger at the old of 62 requests 70 years old Anthony Hopkins to make this character immortal on screen – and does he succeed? Yes he does.Last note for our readers – the actual record set up by Burt Munro in 1967 of racing at more than 200 Kms per hour speed by a less than 1000 cc bike still remains unbroken till date after 30 years – and that too Burt Munro used 1920 bike model and he was 58 years old when he set that record.Is not this absolutely amazing and inspiring? Thanks Roger Donalson for bringing back to life Burt Monro through Sir Anthony Hopkins.(Star 7 out of 10)
How movies should be made
posted on 06 Jun 2009You'll come across so many positive superlatives when reading pretty much any review of this movie. I saw it in the cinema as soon as it came out, and couldn't wait to own a copy. I admit to owning a motorbike, but in truth the bike part of the film is almost incidental; the story is really about a great man, with the kind of will to succeed that perhaps we all wish we could muster. As with all the best movies, it is alternately funny, sad, exhilarating, scary, but always moving and entertaining. Often these days labeling a film as "family friendly" can be warning of a mediocre or boring experience, but not with this one. Despite a couple of moderately adult situations, I'd have no hesitation in allowing kids to see it. The theme, the perseverance, the kindness and strength of character displayed, all have much to teach younger viewers - and older ones too!
one of the best movies i have seen in a long time
posted on 04 Jun 2009Anthony Hopkins plays his part so well,you think he is going to die before he sets the world record. Everything in the movie is so believable it seems as though Burt is directing it from above. Although this movie is about getting the land speed record for the class of motorbike or as Burt says motorcicle(sic),it is far more about a man with a dream which he is determined to fulfil. Every character is cast well. I especially liked the Indian man. The movie gives a view of a time When people respected and helped each other and gave their time willingly.Something sadly laking today. Hopkins deserves all the awards going!
Burt Munro, a great Kiwi
posted on 04 Jun 2009I went to see this movie not only with someone who knew Burt's family but whose mother also used to ride an Indian! Burt rode an Indian Scout, she rode and Indian Chief bike and never aspired to break records but we had some expectations (and criticism at the ready) when we walked into the cinema, not least of which was 'why didn't they pick a Kiwi actor for this role?'We walked out having seen a slice of life as we knew it and with cheers on our lips for a good old Kiwi bloke who loved speed, loved the ladies and showed what it was like to dream dreams.We wondered how Anthony Hopkins would tackle the difficult Kiwi accent, most actors end up sounding like Aussies, which is a totally different accent but he managed it just fine, even with a slight Scottish burr which many Southlanders have.He's an absolute master, an expert in his field - as Burt was in his and Mr Hopkins' understated rendition (how did he know we Kiwi's are so laid back about our achievements?) was first class, so we felt the casting director was justified after all!In spite of what the world believes, WE Kiwis were the first to fly more than 1km - Richard Pearse flew almost a year before the Wright Bross. WE split the atom and we've been first past the post in many other technological and scientific achievements...we just don't crow about it and this film exactly captured the way someone like Burt Munro broke records which haven't been bettered 40 years on and yet is relatively unknown, even in Aotearoa. (Incidentally, Hopkins/Burt said 'Aotearoa' wrong in the movie, but many New Zealanders do that anyway so it was probably an accurate mistake!)Not only did Anthony Hopkins do a darned good job for us in portraying an innovative Kiwi, he captured the spirit as well.A wonderful movie, inspiration and superbly low-key.
The legend of Anthony Hopkins
posted on 31 May 2009Anthony Hopkins is the perfect choice for this role. this film have the perfect ending. My eyes get fulled many times but when they became free there would be a gag and It was stopped it. There are perfect collaboration between dram and comedy. thanks for this working. I will more appreciate to my life and I will be more understanding against older people.I want to see more, Anthony Hopkins in the movies. He is a legend. We should appreciate himhe was in action films when he is younger but now he is in emotional film. I couldn't think that he will take role in like this film.
Real Motorcycle Passion
posted on 23 May 2009As a motorcycle enthusiast for almost 40 years, and the President of the Ghost Mountain Riders (a local club on the Central Coast of California), I've got to say this movies captures the pure essence of what man and machine are about. Forget all the tough guy bullshit, the "Wild One" hype, this little gem speaks to the heart of every guy or gal that's touched the other side of the century mark, to every gear-head that's made their own parts, and every rider who's more about the riding than the image. A feel good movie for the non-motorcycle riding public, an excellent job of casting, and location, period autos and slang. Forget the slight imperfection of an Arby's that didn't exist in Hollywood! Anthony Hopkins is brilliant! 10 thumbs up!
Excellent film for those who want to experience an uplifting moment
posted on 07 May 2009This is a film that will be played and repeated on t.v.for many years. I cannot think of a film that has portrayed such an array of emotions throughout the whole film. It is a brilliantly written emotional roller coaster of a film, portraying how ones outward positiveness (mixed on this occasion with true naivety, humour and determination)can win over almost anyone, from anywhere and how one should follow their dream if it means that much to them to the exclusion of all others. At one stage I was not sure whether the tears in my eyes (which occurred more than any other film that I have seen) were through joy, happiness, sadness or humour. During one scene I have never laughed as much since watching Faulty Towers series for the first time when it was first televised! The down to earth dialogue between all the different variety of characters from many walks of life, was only superseded (for me that is) by the array of classic cars seen in a few of the scenes. As a confidence coach this film would be a priceless piece of material. My wife really did not want to see it but her first words afterwards were "absolutely brilliant" and I could not agree more and I cannot wait to take my 15 year old daughter and some other friends.
Seattle International Film Festival preview - David Jeffers for SIFFblog.com
posted on 07 Apr 2009Tuesday January 10, 7:00pm The Harvard Exit, Seattle Thursday February 2, 7:00pm The Uptown Theater, SeattleTake a little Cervantes, throw in some Monster Garage, add an afternoon tea break and you've got Burt Munro. He's a sweet old motorhead with a heart condition, who mows his lawn with gasoline and a lit match. Sir Anthony Hopkins is perfectly cast as the Kiwi curmudgeon who dreams of taking his ancient drag bike half way around the world to Speed Week on Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats. "The World's Fastest Indian" chronicles the true story of Munro's impossible 1967 journey. He manages to avoid one disaster after another while endearing himself to a colorful menagerie of characters he meets along the way. The twenties era Indian Motorcycle is a work of art and the high speed film effects on the salt flats are wonderful. "This guy is the real thing!" Anyone with a jones for vintage motorcycles and lost causes will love this reckless and happy little film.
Couldn't finish it.
posted on 26 Mar 2009I wanted so much to like this movie, but it just got to be too much to bear. "Crazy but Sweet" Burt gets on your nerves after the first 10 minutes and it becomes a challenge to grit it through the hackneyed situations and corny dialogue.The gratuitous menagerie of "California Flakes" that Burt encounters on his trip to the USA is also way over the top.The only reason this movie got any stars at all was that the motorcycle scenes are above average, though the manipulation of the film speed is pretty irritating.Sorry, but this turns out to be a big yawn.
Oh man that's ex
posted on 20 Mar 2009One of the better movies of the millennium.Based upon a true story, Hopkins plays Burt Munro, an old man determined to set the land speed record for a motorbike in it's class on his old Indian. The movie commences with Burt having almost completed his modifications and ready to head to Salt Lake City to make his attempt. Along the way Burt faces all sorts of obstacles and oddities, but ends up reaching the salt flats to make his attempt.A great story, with Hopkins holding the movie up on his own shoulders. You hang of every one of his scenes, which is a big call as I don't recall him being off screen for more than 30 seconds. He even gets the accent pretty much down pat. Some good cameos, a great script. First class.
A non-mushy feel-good movie
posted on 18 Mar 2009Seeing the movie "The World's Fastest Indian" reminded me why I go see movies. I average about one every two weeks, and this was one of those rare movies that actually made me feel *happy* afterward.The main character, New Zealander Bill Munroe as played by Anthony Hopkins, is a true man's man. He has spent his entire adult life tinkering with his streamlined motorcycle, a 1920 Indian (hence the title.) Now in his 60's in the year 1963, he wants to realize his life's dream of taking it halfway around the world to the Bonneville Salt Flats Test Track in Utah, the only place where he can find out how fast it will actually go.The movie pulls off two often-used themes, The Long Journey and Overcoming Adversity, without a hint of phoniness or melodrama. The Long Journey from New Zealand to Utah takes up most of the movie, with Munroe scrounging up travel money, working off part of his passage on a dilapidated freighter, and the long, event-filled drive from the California coast to Utah in an old used car. Overcoming Adversity is portrayed in two ways: by Munroe's awesome mechanical genius as shown by his ability to fashion spare parts out of almost anything and to improvise a la MacGyver, and in his charm and likability when confronted with more human obstacles. Indeed, one of the movie's chief strengths was the character's ability to make friends easily under any situation, with a cast of colorful supporting characters who wonderfully complemented Hopkins' acting.After finally reaching the test track, the movie's focus shifts from the acting to the cinematography and drama. The dozens of colorful cars, motorcycles, and drivers' outfits contrast strikingly with the blinding white of the salt flats and the mountainous backdrop. And when Munroe finally gets the chance to make his test run, two questions come to mind. How fast can he go? More importantly, will the 64-year-old man and the 43-year-old patched-up bike hold together under the strain?After seeing the movie and while still in my euphoric state, my skeptical mind wondered how much of it was actually true. I did a little research, and the portrayal of this amazing man seems to be true enough. Go see this movie; if you do, you'll leave the theater feeling good, and perhaps even a little inspired.
Surprising gem
posted on 10 Mar 2009I saw this film on a plane - I know, I know, the worst place to see any kind of film - and thought I would just fall asleep as I didn't expect it to catch my interest enough to put up with the bad audio and small screens. In any case I dislike feel-good movies, and all the Kiwi-innovator stuff makes me cringe, Kiwis don't have the monopoly on being resourceful. And I'd never heard of Burt Munro. So I was surprised to find within a few minutes I was entranced.Anthony Hopkins has made a brilliant job of the role, his accent wasn't too bad, and I loved the way he said "Invercarrrrrrgill". Hopkins' talent really shone - without him saying a word or changing his expression, you just knew how Burt felt when confronted by an apparently insurmountable obstacle (I won't spoil it) and his placid acceptance of the inevitable falls, tumbles and injuries told you that for Burt these were a fact of life. The other cast were also flawless, for me there wasn't a weak point in any of the acting. The humour was delivered in the main by Hopkins and with the lightest possible touch. The cinematography was beautiful and conveyed the journey from long quiet light of Munro's idealism in Invercargill, murky 'orribleness of the necessary evil of passing through LA and laying your dream on the line in the harsh open glare of Utah.Hopkins has done a few of these slightly-disreputable, love-em-when-you-get-to-know-em characters but this is the best. And I'm not a motorcycle fan, and no Kiwi-made-good fan, but I will confess to a tear (almost) at the end when the text came up about Burt's unbeaten record.If you watch this film at home you won't want to be disturbed by other people talking - you'll want to catch every word, every nuance.
World's Fastest Indian, Absolutely a fantastic Movie - Anthony Hopkins at his Best 'Again'.!
posted on 31 Aug 2009It's been a long long time since a Great Family Movie and for ALL Motorcycle Enthusists alike has seen a wonderful film about a Man and his Motorcycle. This film 'The World's Fastest Indian' starring Anthony Hopkins couldn't of been made any better, it captivates your attention from beginning to end. It's a true story about a man from New Zealand and his need to go fast, it follows his journey's from New Zealand to the United States bringing with him his re-engineered 1920 Indian Scout Motorcycle just to see how fast it will go on the Bonneville Salt Flat's in Utah. Anthony Hopkins is absolutely wonderful in this movie - A Must See Movie.