I used to watch F1 races on TV back many decades ago, and recently too (including a short return when Singapore started hosting F1 races). So when I heard that there was going to be a movie about F1, it really sparked my interest. So between catching the Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid movie and the F1 movie, which both opened yesterday in Japan... I decided to catch the F1 movie and leave the anime for Sunday (when there will be a live stream in theatres for a cast event).
F1 The Movie was shot for IMAX, and I thought it might be a good way to enjoy it, since IMAX theatres can give better impact for the roaring sounds of engines. So I dutifully booked my ticket and made my way in the hot summer sun to the local IMAX theatre.
I really enjoyed the movie. In terms of plot, there isn't really anything that very special: it is about a former F1 driver who returned to F1 to guide a rookie, and in the process, find himself. The movie started in the normal cinema aspect ratio, but soon transitioned to the IMAX ratio and more or less remained that way for most of the movie. Which is really great because you get to see more of the races with the taller IMAX ratio. And feel the nice roar of the engines on IMAX sound system. 😍
The movie also had certain scenes which I felt were homages to Aryton Senna, referencing how Senna once stopped his machine in the middle of the track to go help another driver that had crashed. Another reference was how Senna described one of his races at Monaco, where he was "in the zone". And of course, who can forget the rivalry between Senna and his teammate Alain Prost, which resulted in a crash at Suzuka in 1989 (and another in 1990 but they were on different teams then).
The tricks that the main characters in the movie used to try and win races, however, are more theoretical than actually possible. I mean, it is near impossible to control the results of a collision at the high speeds in a F1 race. But it did offer an interesting story, so I guess creative liberty and entertainment value outweighs reality here.
In the end, I think it is an entertaining movie and gives enough information so that even those who are not F1 fans would be able to more or less understand what is going on. Film using real race machines, it gives an authentic sense of action and thrill. Any F1 fan would do well to go catch it; any fan of motorsports too. Plus those who like to drive cars.
Meanwhile, this is another F1 race weekend, so I know how I am going to be spending Sunday night!
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