Gran Turismo (2023) – Movie Review

Gran Turismo (2023), directed by Neill Blomkamp, is an exhilarating sports drama based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, a young gamer who transitioned from playing the Gran Turismo racing video game to becoming a real-life professional race car driver. The film blends the world of eSports and professional motorsport, offering a unique look at how gaming can be a gateway to real-world success in an unexpected arena.

With a mix of intense racing sequences, personal drama, and inspirational storytelling, Gran Turismo delivers a high-octane experience while focusing on themes of perseverance, passion, and defying the odds.

Plot Overview:

The story follows Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), a young man with a passion for the Gran Turismo video game series. Jann is a skilled gamer, and his love for the game becomes his escape from an otherwise unremarkable life. However, everything changes when Nissan and Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi (Takehiro Hira) launch the GT Academy—a real-world competition that offers the best Gran Turismo players the opportunity to train and compete as professional race car drivers.

Against all odds, Jann wins the competition and is given the chance to train under Jack Salter (David Harbour), a gruff, no-nonsense former racer. As Jann transitions from the virtual world to the high-stakes, physically demanding world of real racing, he must confront the skepticism of those who doubt a “gamer” can succeed in such a dangerous and competitive environment. Along the way, he faces personal and physical challenges, including the dangers of racing, as he works to prove himself on the track.

Performances:

• Archie Madekwe (Jann Mardenborough): Madekwe brings a likable and determined energy to the role of Jann, portraying the character’s journey from gamer to racer with authenticity. His portrayal captures both the excitement and fear of being thrust into the world of professional racing, and he convincingly conveys Jann’s growth as both a person and a driver throughout the film.
• David Harbour (Jack Salter): Harbour steals the show as Jack, Jann’s tough but ultimately supportive mentor. His grizzled, down-to-earth performance provides a perfect counterbalance to Jann’s youthful optimism. Harbour brings emotional weight to the film, particularly in scenes where Jack opens up about his own past failures in racing. His mentorship is one of the emotional backbones of the movie, and Harbour’s performance adds depth to the mentor-student dynamic.
• Orlando Bloom (Danny Moore): Bloom plays Danny Moore, the marketing executive behind the GT Academy. His character is driven by ambition and the desire to revolutionize the world of motorsport by merging it with gaming. Bloom’s portrayal adds a slick, corporate edge to the film, but he also shows genuine belief in Jann’s potential, making him more than just a stereotypical business figure.

Racing Sequences and Visuals:

One of the strongest aspects of Gran Turismo is its racing sequences. Blomkamp, known for his visual storytelling in films like District 9 and Elysium, brings an intense, visceral quality to the racing scenes. The film uses a mix of practical effects and CGI to capture the speed, danger, and excitement of motorsport, immersing viewers in the experience of being behind the wheel. The camera work is dynamic, often placing the audience inside the car, giving a sense of the physicality and pressure that comes with high-speed racing.

Blomkamp also incorporates visual elements from the Gran Turismo game, such as HUD overlays and virtual race lines, to tie the gaming and real-world racing experiences together. This visual blending is a smart way of bridging the gap between Jann’s video game origins and his real-life racing career.

The race scenes themselves are gripping, with plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments as Jann navigates dangerous curves, high-speed straights, and close competition with other drivers. The stakes feel real, especially as the film highlights the very real dangers of professional racing.

Themes:

• Following Your Passion: At its core, Gran Turismo is a story about pursuing your dreams, no matter how unconventional they may seem. Jann’s journey from gamer to professional racer is an inspiring underdog story that celebrates the power of perseverance and the belief that passion can open unexpected doors.
• Overcoming Doubt: Much of the film focuses on Jann’s struggle to overcome the skepticism of the racing community, as well as his own self-doubt. The film portrays the obstacles faced by those trying to break into elite fields from unconventional backgrounds, and it highlights the importance of determination and belief in oneself.
• Mentorship and Growth: The relationship between Jann and Jack is a central theme in the film. Jack’s tough-love approach helps Jann grow both as a driver and as a person, and their bond is a key emotional thread throughout the movie. The film explores how mentorship can help individuals unlock their potential and push through personal barriers.
• Technology and Reality: Gran Turismo also touches on the intersection of gaming and real-life skills. The film makes an argument for how virtual experiences, particularly in simulations like Gran Turismo, can translate into real-world expertise. This theme resonates in a world where eSports and gaming are increasingly seen as serious pursuits with professional opportunities.

Strengths:

• Inspiring True Story: The fact that the film is based on a true story adds to its emotional and inspirational appeal. Jann’s journey from gamer to professional driver is a testament to following one’s passion and breaking boundaries.
• Dynamic Racing Sequences: The racing scenes are thrilling and well-shot, making them one of the standout aspects of the film. The combination of practical effects and CGI, along with immersive camera work, makes the audience feel like they are in the driver’s seat.
• Strong Performances: Archie Madekwe delivers a compelling performance as Jann, but it’s David Harbour’s portrayal of Jack that adds emotional depth to the film. Harbour’s gruff mentor figure provides both humor and heart.
• Visually Creative: Blomkamp’s direction effectively blends video game aesthetics with real-world racing, creating a unique visual style that reflects the film’s themes of transitioning from gaming to reality.

Weaknesses:

• Predictable Story Beats: As with many sports dramas, Gran Turismo follows a fairly predictable underdog narrative. While the true story is inspiring, the film doesn’t stray far from the typical sports movie formula, which may make some of the plot points feel familiar or formulaic.
• Character Development: While Jann’s journey is the focus, some of the supporting characters, particularly Orlando Bloom’s Danny, feel underdeveloped. The film could have explored their motivations and backstories more deeply to add greater complexity to the narrative.
• Lack of Focus on Jann’s Personal Life: The film could have delved more into Jann’s personal relationships, particularly his family, to add more emotional stakes outside of the racing world.

Final Thoughts:

Gran Turismo is an engaging and inspirational sports drama that effectively blends gaming culture with real-world racing. The film’s thrilling racing sequences, grounded performances (particularly by David Harbour), and unique visual style make it a fun ride for both fans of the Gran Turismo video game and viewers new to the story. While it follows a familiar sports movie formula, its heartwarming message about pursuing your dreams and the possibilities of gaming adds a fresh perspective.

For fans of underdog stories, intense racing action, and tales of perseverance, Gran Turismo is an exciting and emotionally satisfying film that showcases the potential of gaming to impact the real world.