The World's Fastest Indian (2005)

82% of critics liked it
(139 reviews)
88% of users liked it
(34,063 ratings)

The true story of a man who never gave up on his dreams of doing something big -- and doing it very, very fast -- provides the basis for this engaging comedy drama. Burt Munro (Anthony Hopkins) was born in 1899 in Invercargill, New Zealand. From childhood, Munro had a passion for machines that moved… More The true story of a man who never gave up on his dreams of doing something big -- and doing it very, very fast -- provides the basis for this engaging comedy drama. Burt Munro (Anthony Hopkins) was born in 1899 in Invercargill, New Zealand. From childhood, Munro had a passion for machines that moved fast, and when he was 21 he bought his first motorcycle, an Indian model with a 600 cc engine. Motorcycles became an obsession that stayed with Munro for the rest of his life, as he constantly tinkered with his beloved Indian machine, modifying the engine and frame, determined to see just how fast he could make it run. In 1967, Munro decided it was high time he proved to himself and the world just what he and his machine could do, and he booked passage for the United States, with the goal of breaking the world's land speed record at Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats. As Munro made his way across America to Utah, he discovered not everyone took his dream seriously, but some did, and he made a handful of friends along the way, including Ada (Diane Ladd), a widow who fell for Munro's rough charm, and Fernando (Paul Rodriguez), a car dealer who offered to help him. However, when he finally arrived at Bonneville, Munro was told his machine was unsafe to participate in the time trials, and -- far worse -- he was too old to ride. It took some intervention from a ranking American driver, Jim Moffett (Chris Lawford), before Munro was given his chance to ride the famous Salt Flats. The World's Fastest Indian was written and directed by Roger Donaldson, who early in his career made a documentary about the real Burt Munro, Offerings to the Gods of Speed. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 2 hr. 7 min.
Directed By: Roger Donaldson
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure

In Theaters: Dec 7, 2005 Wide
On DVD: Mar 15, 2005
Studio: Magnolia Distribution

Critic Reviews

Joshua Katzman, Chicago Reader
This compelling fact-based story is [Donaldson's] best effort in years.
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
The World's Fastest Indian might be the world's worst title for a charming, slice-of-life biopic starring Anthony Hopkins.
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
The World's Fastest Indian is an old-fashioned feel-good movie.
Amy Biancolli, Houston Chronicle
The film may be cutesy-poo for some tastes, and there isn't much nail-chewing suspense in Burt's pursuit or his lighthearted subjugation of everyone he meets. But man and "motor-sickle" sneaked up and beguiled me, so all I could do was hop on.
Tom Long, Detroit News
The World's Fastest Indian, in which Anthony Hopkins gets to play an adorably cantankerous old man, is a pretty safe bet as far as movies go.
Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press
Without apology, Munro's story has been embellished and romanticized right to the edge of cornball, where it manages to make a hairpin turn and restore its balance.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Anthony Hopkins gives an eccentric performance in his second film with Roger Donaldson.
Heather Boerner, Common Sense Media
Hopkins' joyous romp is a little slow for kids.
Nick Rogers, Suite101.com
Ambushing audiences isn't easy for an actor like Anthony Hopkins, from whom we've come to expect shouting routines. But he propels this biopic past familiar fish-out-of-water beats with a vibrant, wily, unpredictable joie de vivre not seen since "Nixon."
Louis Proyect, rec.arts.movies.reviews
Movie does not try to turn elderly speedster Burt Munro into melodrama but simply allows his astounding achievements to speak for themselves.
Leigh Singer, Film4
An old-fashioned, consummate feelgood flick and a valedictory to eccentric, stubborn old coots everywhere.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
The film draws you in with its gentle humor and tenacious good will. (HD-DVD edition)
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
It's hard not to like Hopkins' Burt Munro, which means it's hard not to like The World's Fastest Indian.
Steve Rose, Guardian [UK]
It creaks and splutters all the way, but Hopkins' charm keeps it chugging along steadily.
Jason Anderson, CBC.ca Arts
This codger has a libido, which distinguishes him from most of the seniors in the movies.
Frank Swietek, One Guy's Opinion
Sweet but syrupy and formulaic.
Derek Adams, Time Out
It takes a while to adjust to this amiable film's languorous tempo but you might find it's worth the wait.
Paul Byrnes, Sydney Morning Herald
The film is itself an offering to the god of speed, but much more besides.
Jonathan R. Perry, Tyler Morning Telegraph (Texas)
Hopkins presides as such an engaging old coot, it seems criminal to point out flaws in the film -- which rarely tries to be more than a Kiwi version of 'The Straight Story.'
Miles Fielder, Empire Magazine
A wonderfully uplifting and charming biopic that's sure to win over all but the most mean-spirited. And the motorbike races really rocket, too.

Read all 20 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Cassandra M

took a look at this film with a slightly wary eye, the title being rather ambiguous and misleading initially. I nearly passed it by to watch one of the many screener DVD's I had to view. for possible inclusion in the BAFTA awards. I presumed it was about a runner or maybe an… More
took a look at this film with a slightly wary eye, the title being rather ambiguous and misleading initially. I nearly passed it by to watch one of the many screener DVD's I had to view. for possible inclusion in the BAFTA awards. I presumed it was about a runner or maybe an Indian astronaut, possibly. I had no idea initially the "Indian" referred to a great American motorcycle,rather than a particular type of human.I am so glad I wasn't thrown by the title, and started watching. There unfolded a most delightful story about Bert, an instantly rather charming eccentric old character (superbly played by Anthony Hopkins), who built an old 1920's motorcycle in his garden shed. He then attempts to break the world-land speed record on a machine designed to originally travel about 90mph. The plot develops into a most charming and beautiful story of Bert's determination to get to the race event and the journey is as much of the story as the event itself. Obviously I shall not divulge the result or the events that happen, suffice it to say that Bert becomes an instantly likable character by everyone he meets. Bert's charm shines through and he takes everyone he meets at face value and welcomes all with a smile and a shake of the hand. He meets various "characters" along the way who he befriends like long-lost friends,which is a fresh in these days of prejudice and alienation. This was a very innocent time in 1967 for a New Zealander going to America, and there is one of the films most delightful and charming moments when Bert realises all is not quite what it seems when he meets one certain character......... MAKE SURE YOU SEE THIS FILM, it will have you laughing, crying and will uplift you, which is quite uncommon in these days in the movies of blood, killing, violence and savagery. I would be very surprised if Anthony is not at least nominated for his starring role as Bert. Lovely film which needs a different title to me, but then again "it does what it says on the tin", as they say. Go and see it. Great
Jeff "

The World's Fastest Indian is yet another well done feel good movie. The film tells the story of Burt Munro who seeked to break a land speed record on his 1920 Indian Scout. A film that focuses on one mans determination to accomplish his goal, The World's Fastest Indian is… More
The World's Fastest Indian is yet another well done feel good movie. The film tells the story of Burt Munro who seeked to break a land speed record on his 1920 Indian Scout. A film that focuses on one mans determination to accomplish his goal, The World's Fastest Indian is yet another terrific film from talented director Roger Donaldson (Thirteen Days), this is a film about Munro's trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats to break the record he so desired. Along the way, he befriends many people, and despite the fact that odds are against him, he persevere's and ultimately achieves his goal. Anthony Hopkins gives a great performance as Burt Munro. This is an incredible story of determination and perseverance. Over the course of late 60's till his death, he set many land speed records on his Indian Scout motorcycle. Roger Donaldson makes yet another terrific film, and with Anthony Hopkins on board, The World's Fastest Indian is a superb achievement. Hopkins delivers one of his best performances since he played Hannibal Lector in Silence Of The Lambs. The film is amusing, comical and sometimes sad, but it never feels like Burt Munro will fail. Despite a bit of misfortune, he manages to keep his head high, and succeed in setting his record. The World's Fastest Indian is a terrific film with a great story and acting. This is one of Roger Donaldson's finest films, and he always manages to make terrific films with an interesting story. This yet another great film with a story that will inspire the believers and dreamers ever. A very entertaining film with a great cast, make The World's Fastest Indian a film definitely worth watching. Another great film for Anthony Hopkins.
KJ P

The world's fastest Indian is a bit dull for most of the film, but when it reaches it's great lines and high points it is brilliant. This film grabbed me from the start even by being very slow! I love The World's Fastest Indian, but throughout the film they could have… More
The world's fastest Indian is a bit dull for most of the film, but when it reaches it's great lines and high points it is brilliant. This film grabbed me from the start even by being very slow! I love The World's Fastest Indian, but throughout the film they could have had a bit more excitement to make it more fun. However, that wasn't the case, and I still love this film!
Mike S

Decent, but a bit too long and slow-paced for my taste. Great acting as always by Anthony Hopkins though.
Bruce B

How Does Anthpny Hopkins fit any part so well, A Great Movie about racing on the salt flats. Looking to add this one to my collection.
Gordon A

Sugar sweet old fashioned tale of triumph against the odds. Suspend your disbelief long enough and it might bring a tear to your eye.
Red L

A feel good movie. With little money and a lot of heart, a senior citizen makes his way from New Zealand to the Bonneville Salt Flats to race his motorcycles.
Kalel J

A New Zealand production that charms and warms through it's sheer likability, but that does not mean that it remains as a solely entertainment driven film. The World's Fastest Indian is a film that runs smoothly along it's simplistic nature, which reverberates from the… More
A New Zealand production that charms and warms through it's sheer likability, but that does not mean that it remains as a solely entertainment driven film. The World's Fastest Indian is a film that runs smoothly along it's simplistic nature, which reverberates from the simple character of Burt Munro, as we are given story, cinematography, score, and characters that remain as the simple yet solid foundation to this film about perseverance. It is only in the moments of tension through the high speed race scenes that the extravagance is lifted to higher plains, and that is exactly how this film should have been made. Roger Donaldson has crafted a real hidden gem of a film here as we follow the path of a man who is defying the odds of age, with a personal philosophy of his thrown in for good measure. On paper, this is a cliche'd fish out of water, deadline race date film that may feel a little too straight for wider audiences. But through some brilliant direction (and excellent editing, which remains as the standout in the film) we are something to enjoy, and even something to ponder over at points. Hopkins accent is something to question at constant points (as it sounds Irish at best) but nevertheless his performance and ability to connect with chemistry with costars in each scene is what makes this film what it is. This is simple, straight, and sometimes silly, but it is an enjoyable affair of naivety and heart, which is something that is often lost in film nowadays.
Al S

Anthony Hopkins gives an extroadinary and inspirational performance.One of his best roles ever. One hell of an inspiring and exhilerating true story. A magnificent movie. Heartfelt, funny, touching and really exciting. A wonderful crowd pleaser.
Aaron N

A delightfully entertaining movie. Anthony Hopkins having a good time in this adventure/racing/road/comedy with a little drama, but all mostly a good time. Very well done.
Mark A

Sir Anthony Hopkins has to be one of the most versatile actors working in film today. His portrayal of the real-life character of Burt Munro captured the essence of the man revealed in the clips of him that were included in the Extras on this DVD. Only Sir Anthony has the range to… More
Sir Anthony Hopkins has to be one of the most versatile actors working in film today. His portrayal of the real-life character of Burt Munro captured the essence of the man revealed in the clips of him that were included in the Extras on this DVD. Only Sir Anthony has the range to make this characterization believable and be able to play villainous serial killers with equal success. One cannot help but get caught up in this quest by this ordinary Kiwi with an extraordinary talent for coaxing unprecedented speed out of his antique motorcycle and to enlist the aid of perfect strangers along the way. The supporting cast is marvelous. Many of them only appear briefly, but each of them is memorable. The young boy, Tommy (Aaron Murphy), is especially endearing as the neighbor who believes in Burt when no one else seems to. Look for Paul Rodriguez and Diane Ladd, as well. The cinematography is terrific, and the locations are starkly beautiful. The story is what holds one's interest, however. It is first rate!
Walter M

[font=Century Gothic]At an age when most people are slowing down, Burt Munro(Anthony Hopkins) wants to go faster in "The World's Fastest Indian." More precisely, he wants to travel from his native Invercargill, New Zealand where he is a local celebrity due to his… More
[font=Century Gothic]At an age when most people are slowing down, Burt Munro(Anthony Hopkins) wants to go faster in "The World's Fastest Indian." More precisely, he wants to travel from his native Invercargill, New Zealand where he is a local celebrity due to his speedy 40 year old vintage Indian motorycycle to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah to see if he can set a speed record. Even a diagnosis of arteriosclerosis does not stop him, instead giving him a sense of urgency as he takes out a loan with his property as collateral to come up with the rest of the money for his trip.[/font] [font=Century Gothic][/font] [font=Century Gothic]Based on a true story, "The World's Fastest Indian" is an enjoyable and inspiring movie about dreams and taking chances. It is about living life to the fullest but there is a feeling of mortality hanging over it also, as Munro knows that time is closing in on him. The movie is well-filmed, especially in capturing the American Southwest. And Anthony Hopkins gives a wonderful performance.(In fact, he has always done his best work in smaller movies such as "84 Charing Cross Road" and "The Efficiency Expert.") But the movie is a little too long and slightly predictable.[/font]
Jeffrey M

Hopkins is at his absolute best in this inspirational true story.
William G

It's nice to see Hopkins behave in such a lively manner.