The World's Fastest Indian TV Review

My wife spotted the film The World's Fastest Indian and put it in our Netflix queue. After watching it, all I can say is that you should put it in your Netflix queue, too -- this is a terrific movie!

The World's Fastest Indian tells the true story of Burt Munro (Anthony Hopkins), an aging New Zealander who wanted to see how fast his ancient Indian motorcycle would go at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Burt's quite single-minded in his love of motorcycles and speed, and the only one who believes in Burt's dream is Tom (Aaron Murphy), the young boy who lives next door. However, with amusing charm, good luck, a bad heart and a balky prostate, Burt makes the trip to the US.

Landing in Los Angeles, Burt meets and befriends some colorful characters, including a transvestite desk clerk at a fleabag by-the-hour hotel and a slick Hispanic car salesman who quickly comes to admire Burt's mechanical skills. One of the great charms of The World's Fastest Indian is the ability of Burt Munro to befriend just about anybody -- he would never achieve his goals if he tried to storm through every frustrating situation like an angry bull. And Burt Munro does achieve his goals.

The World's Fastest Indian is an excellent movie. It is funny, interesting, ingratiating and just plain good to watch. It has lots of believable characters, not the least of which is Burt Munro himself. Anthony Hopkins does an astounding job portraying Munro -- once the film started, I never thought I was looking at anyone other than Burt Munro. The cinematography was excellent too, capturing the adventurous seediness of LA's cheap motels as well as the glaring arid expanse of the Bonneville Salt Flats.

When Burt finally gets his heavily modified Indian out on the hard-tack salt, he reaps the rewards of his perserverance, industry and sociability. Who would have known the old coot had it in him? Back in 1967, Burt Munro set records in his ancient Indian motorcycle that still stand today.

Although The World's Fastest Indian is generally family friendly, there are scenes of men/boys urinating, sexual situations, a little drug use, prostitutes approaching potential customers and a transvestite. I suggest that the film is fine for anyone 13 and older but younger kids could enjoy this if you think they're ready for it. The only fault I can find with this film is that the New Zealand accents are hard to understand in spots and there are no English captions to help out. (I always watch films with the captions turned on, which is particularly helpful when accents are involved.) Otherwise, this is a terrific movie that will be enjoyed by just about anyone, whether you like motorcycles or not.

Ladies, surprise your mechanically oriented guys with a rental of The World's Fastest Indian. You can conveniently forget to mention that you'll enjoy the movie, too. I assure you that you will enjoy it.