For a long time there were no really good video game films. But in recent years, films like The Super Mario Bros. Movie or series like The Last Of Us have enjoyed success. However, Gran Turismo is about that not a classic video game adaptationbecause the story of Jann Mardenborough is told here, who became a racing driver through the GT Academy.
You can now stream the game biopic Gran Turismo on Netflix.
From the simulator to the race track: That’s what Gran Turismo is all about
Welsh teenager Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe) dreams of becoming a professional racing driver. Until then, he’ll be practicing on the video game Gran Turismo, which his father Steve (Djimon Hounsou) isn’t exactly thrilled about. When marketing manager Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom) brings the idea of the GT Academy to life, Jann’s big chance has come. At the GT Academy, Gran Turismo players have the opportunity to earn a place in a real racing car.
Jann Mardenborough is portrayed in the film by actor Archie Madekwe the racing driver also has a role in the film. As a technical advisor and as a stunt driver or stunt double for the main actor, he was directly involved in the work about his life.
With Gran Turismo, Neill Blomkamp manages to make a genre leap
Director Neill Blomkamp is best known for his science fiction films. District 9 and Elysium were successful films that the South Africans have associated with the genre. However, after his third feature film Chappie flopped and the fifth Alien film he was supposed to direct was canceled, Blomkamp turned to horror films. Demonic wasn’t a box office hit either. Now the director was finally able to score another hit with Gran Turismo, 10 years after Elysium.
Much like District 9 brought a new perspective to the alien invasion, Gran Turismo offers as Combination of video game adaptation and biopic a fresh approach. Gran Turismo was originally intended to be a fictional story. However, this would be a wasted opportunity, as the story of racer Jann Mardenborough is unique and closely linked to the game. Of course, the racing action wasn’t neglected either. To ensure that they don’t look too similar, the filmmakers have come up with a few ideas. A particular highlight is a race that was filmed with a helicopter. This combination makes Gran Turismo a unique and worth seeing film.
The racing driver action Gran Turismo is available on Netflix in a flat rate.