Screen Review: Gran Turismo – Sim Racing’s Hollywood Debut Doesn’t Disappoint!

Thanks to the folks from Art Of Speed Malaysia, the CariCarz.com Editorial Team once again found ourselves in the theatres for yet another movie preview screening. Hitting silver screen nationwide this week is the much anticipated Gran Turismo movie distributed by Sony Pictures Malaysia.

With a running time of 134 minutes, Gran Turismo isn’t just a treat for staunch fans of the celebrated Playstation title, it’s also a thrill ride for those who aren’t, as well as those who are new to or perhaps ‘casual’ fans of motorsports and racing in general.

L-R: Gran Turismo stars Orlando Bloom, David Harbour, and Archie Madekwe.

Inspiring the film’s main story arc is the true story of Jann Mardenborough and his journey of transformation from bedroom racer to Le Mans podium finisher. Central to this journey was the Gran Turismo racing simulator title, as well as its famed GT Academy development camp established in 2008.

The stellar cast bill sees up and coming British actor Archie Madekwe portraying Mardenborough, followed by Hollywood A-lister Orlando Bloom as Nissan marketing exec Danny Moore, David Harbour as racing coach Jack Salter, Djimon Hounsou as Jann’s father Steve, and Geri Halliwell-Horner as Jann’s mother Lesley.

Throughout the film’s 134-minute running, fans of the game will be treated with numerous sights and sounds lifted straight out of the celebrated racing simulator, right down to the accurate Klaxon horn to signal a race start. Simply put, this is one flick that doubles up as sort of  a ‘player’s delight’ for all avid fans of the game watching it.

What really brings audience back into the game is the incredibly accurate cinematography executed by director Neil Blomkamp and cinematographer Jacques Jouffret. There were even sequences where audiences are given the iconic and unmistakable rear, over-the-car views Gran Turismo players are familiar with, and it’s something never seen before in any other car- or motorsport-inspired films.

Besides real-world cars, the impeccable cinematography of Neil Blomkamp (director) and Jacques Jouffret (DP) brings audiences a view that many Gran Turismo players a familiar with.

That sort of car-and-camera rigging ingenuity, plus the clever use of radical drone shots, and just a dash of tasteful computer-generated graphics (CGI), all worked perfectly not only to captivate audiences, but to bring the spirit of the Playstation-exclusive title’s unique pursuit of realism by its creators – Polyphony Digital led by the legendary Kazunori ‘Kaz’ Yamauchi.

Whilst based on true events, artistic liberties were exercised by filmmakers – understandably – to make the on-screen story-telling just that bit more compelling. On that note, staunch motorsports fans and casual viewers alike might need to live with just a few inaccuracies, the ‘forced’ on-screen romance, plus both the typical feel-good storyline and ending.

Central to the story is the real-life GT Academy that Jann (played by Madekwe) rose up from.

Whether you're a serious or casual motorsports fan, Gran Turismo is certainly worth a watch.

The film does remain accurate where it needs to, like when it depicted Jann’s infamous 2015 incident at the Nurburgring that led to the tragic death of a spectator as a result of a freak mishap. This, plus other trials and tribulations Jann faced in his transformative journey racing from his bedroom to the real world were also depicted, albeit with some artistic liberties of course.

Nevertheless, the film makes up for its inaccuracies and somewhat forced and cheesy bits through the real world cars featured throughout its run time – just like the game! Certainly, even for casual car enthusiast who aren’t necessarily Gran Turismo players, can appreciate this visual – and audible – on-scree treat that the film effortlessly delivers.

Overall, it’s plain to see how Gran Turismo stands to be a fun, thrilling and compelling flick for all walks of life to sit through. Certainly, you don’t need to be a car fan, or sim racing nut, to enjoy it.

Gran Turismo hits silver screens nationwide this week starting 18 Aug. Check your nearest theatres for screening times.