At the start, we want to mention that we are uniquely qualified to review this film. We played the game on MULTIPLE system and even in 3D mode (which sucked).
The film “Grand Turismo” is a high-octane drama that follows the journey of a young racer who dreams of competing in the prestigious 24h le mans race. He gets a chance to train with an ex-racer, who quit after a tragic accident, and who uses a realistic racing simulator called Grand Turismo to teach him the ropes. Along the way, he also falls in love with a fellow racer and faces various challenges on and off the track.
The film starts with a green flag, as we are introduced to the main character and his passion for racing. The camerawork and car shots are awesome, as we get to see some thrilling races and stunning cars. The film also does a great job of depicting the racing culture and the atmosphere of the 24h le mans race, with its history, glamour, and excitement.
However, as the film progresses, it starts to show some yellow flags, as we encounter some problems with the plot and the characters. The film feels like a long advertisement for Grand Turismo and Sony, as they constantly praise the simulator and its realism. We get it, it’s a great game, but we don’t need to hear it every five minutes. Both reviewers also played GT, but donโt pretend they know when the brakes are glazed over. The film also simplifies the position system of the 24h le mans race, making it seem like a regular race where you can easily tell who is in the lead. This takes away some of the complexity and challenge of the real race, where you have to factor in different classes, pit stops, and strategies.
The film also fails to develop its characters beyond their racing roles. They are plain and have no depth, making it hard to care about them or their relationships. The love arc between the main character and his love interest is boring and predictable, with no chemistry or conflict. The trainer-student dynamic is also underwhelming, as we don’t get to see much of their backstory or their emotional bond.
The film reaches its climax with a red flag, as we witness the final race of the 24h le mans. However, instead of being based on real events, where the main character finished third in Dubai, not le mans , the film changes the location of such an iconic event. This is a huge disappointment and a betrayal of the spirit of the race. Why would they change the location of such an iconic event? It makes no sense and ruins the authenticity of the film.
The film ends with a white flag, as we see the main character finish third in the race and reunite with his trainer and his love interest. It’s a happy ending, but not a satisfying one. The film does not resolve any of the issues or conflicts that it raised, and leaves us with many questions unanswered.
The only other positive thing that we can say about this film is that it made me want to dust out my old VR racing sim. But this time, it’ll be RaceRoom.
4/10