Gran Turismo 5 Movie Review: A Thrilling Adaptation of Real Events
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The highly anticipated Gran Turismo movie, GT Sports Car Romantic Journey, has finally hit the big screen, offering fans an exciting blend of action-packed racing scenes and a compelling story based on real events. As a fan of the popular Gran Turismo game series, I couldn’t wait to see how this live-action adaptation would capture the essence of the beloved racing game.
Directed by [Director], the movie revolves around the journey of Jann Mardenborough, a young boy who starts off as a computer game enthusiast and eventually becomes a professional racing driver. The story is inspired by the true-life experiences of Mardenborough, one of the graduates of the GT Academy, a collaboration between Nissan and Sony PlayStation that offers players the chance to turn their virtual racing skills into a real professional racing career.
The movie takes viewers through the rigorous selection process of the GT Academy, starting with online pre-selections in the Gran Turismo game and culminating in a week-long elimination round at the UK’s Silverstone Circuit Race Camp. The winners of the GT Academy then receive comprehensive training from Nissan and have the opportunity to compete in international events such as the Dubai 24-hour endurance race, marking their transition into the world of professional racing.
Jann Mardenborough, played by British actor Archie Madekwe, takes center stage as the protagonist of the movie. Mardenborough’s real-life journey from winning the GT Academy to racing in championships such as the European Formula 3 Championship and GP3 series is faithfully portrayed on screen. The movie also delves into the challenges and risks faced by Mardenborough, including a harrowing accident at the Nurburgring in 2015.
Fans of the Gran Turismo game series will be delighted to see the inclusion of Kazunori Yamauchi, the renowned developer and creator of the Gran Turismo games. Although Yamauchi himself does not make a physical appearance, his presence is felt throughout the movie, highlighting his immense contribution to the game series. It’s worth mentioning that Yamauchi’s role is played by a Japanese actor, adding authenticity to the movie.
Aside from the impressive portrayal of Mardenborough’s journey, GT Sports Car Romantic Journey boasts a star-studded cast. Orlando Bloom, known for his role as Legolas in “The Lord of the Rings,” plays Danny Moore, a marketing executive involved in promoting GT Academy. David Harbor, from the series “Stranger Things,” portrays Jack Salter, Mardenborough’s trainer.
One of the key elements highlighted in the movie is the importance of finding the best racing line. Fans of the Gran Turismo game will recognize the concept of setting the “walking auxiliary route” competition, where racers strategically navigate corners for the best results. The protagonist takes a different approach, creating his own adventurous route to surpass his competitors, adding an element of excitement and unpredictability to the plot.
From a visual standpoint, the movie does an excellent job of recreating the exhilarating racing scenes that fans have come to love in the Gran Turismo game series. Playing homage to the gaming roots, the movie includes simulated scenes of playing the Gran Turismo game, further amplifying the immersive experience for computer game enthusiasts.
While the movie excels in capturing the thrill of racing and the protagonist’s journey, it falls short in developing the supporting cast. Despite the inclusion of Hollywood actors such as Bloom and Harbor, their roles lack standout moments and fail to leave a lasting impression. Additionally, the absence of Yamauchi in the climactic race scene disappointed some fans, who were anticipating his appearance as a prominent figure in the Gran Turismo franchise.
Overall, GT Sports Car Romantic Journey is a passionate and thrilling movie that serves as a fitting tribute to the beloved Gran Turismo game series. It successfully portrays the real-life experiences of Jann Mardenborough and highlights the impact of the GT Academy on aspiring professional racers. While there are some missed opportunities in terms of character development, the movie delivers on its promise of excitement and adrenaline-inducing racing scenes.
As a fan of the game, I highly recommend watching GT Sports Car Romantic Journey for a captivating and immersive cinematic experience that celebrates the spirit of Gran Turismo.