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Product Description

Academy Award?? winner, Anthony Hopkins stars as Burt Munro, a man who never let the dreams of youth fade.

In the late 1960's, after a lifetime of perfecting his classic INDIAN MOTORCYCLE, Burt sets off from the bottom of the world, Invercargill, New Zealand, to clock his bike at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. With all odds against him, Burt puts his irrepressible kiwi spirit to the test, braving the new world on a shoestring budget. Burt's quest culminates in an unlikely conclusion and remains legendary within the motorcycle community to this day.

Special Features*: BONUS FILM: The original Documentary (1971): "Offerings to the God of Speed" featuring historical footage of the real Burt Munro (Also directed by Roger Donaldson); Southland: Burt's Hometown of Invercargill; The Making of "The World's Fastest Indian", Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Roger Donaldson; Deleted Scenes

A movie that exudes affection and goodwill, The World's Fastest Indian is an unabashed mash note to a lovely character from New Zealand's recent past. Burt Munro, played by Anthony Hopkins, is a cantankerous Kiwi with an obsession: he's been tinkering with his 1920s-era Indian brand motorcycle for years, pushing it to ever-faster speeds. It's the 1960s, and Burt has the utterly mad idea of taking the bike to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, site of world records for speed racing. The movie takes a while to get to the journey--and then the journey takes a while--but the genial atmosphere prevails. (People of a certain age, for whom the word "Bonneville" evokes pleasant associations with hotrods and world-speed records, will not be disappointed in the film's location shooting, or its sense of awe.) Hopkins is not quite on-the-money casting for the jovial, happy-go-lucky Munro, and his accent wavers, but he nails the emotional scenes and the fascination with speed. Smaller bits are well-filled by Diane Ladd and Christopher Lawford (son of Peter), who looks uncannily of the era. New Zealand director Roger Donaldson doesn't take any chances here, but the story clearly means something to him, and that sense of commitment carries the film through its sleepier moments. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

• A great ride: Anthony Hopkins at his best
  New Zealander Burt Munro (played here by Anthony Hopkins) became the world's land speed record holder on his 1920 Indian motorcycle when he was over 60 years old. This biopic about Burt is full of small pleasures, quiet humor, perfect period details and lovely actions and reactions by Hopkins, who is pitch-perfect here. The writing doesn't match the quality of the story, direction or Hopkins' acting, but the undeniable power and appeal of the underlying true story and Hopkins' dry wit and careful performance save it from being painfully sweet. The art direction is spot-on; Burt's shed (also his home) and his clothes and surroundings brought forth the memory of the pleasingly acrid, greasy tang of old motor oil in a rickety shed housing an old vehicle; the feel of the broken-in leather on an old motorcycle seat; the pleasing patina of heavy chrome-plating.
  
  Some details didn't ring true and were indeed too pat; many of the supporting characters felt contrived and their dialog rang false, but the center of nearly every scene is Burt himself, and the determined, quiet way that Hopkins holds the story together by being completely present and aware, and looking as if each thought or action had just occurred to him at that moment, brings an element of reality to the story that held my interest and gave me continuing pleasure from start to finish. The story is also just a remarkably good one: if I didn't know it was based on a true one, I would have found it farfetched, but it's simply a genuinely inspiring true-life tale.
  
  So much of good acting is believable reaction, seeming to be in the moment and responding viscerally and immediately, appearing to be thinking a thought at the same moment that the audience member thinks it, showing complete respect and immersion in the story's version of reality, and not showing off preparation and craft by overacting or pandering. This role is in the vein of other beautiful, contained performances by Hopkins in films like "Remains of the Day," "Howard's End" and "The Elephant Man." When he plays careful, contained men who let their emotional vulnerability slip out from behind a mask of composure and certitude in rare moments, he is mesmerizing. When he lets himself play a psychopath, like Hannibal Lecter, or a sniveling schemer, like Richard in "The Lion in Winter," or a man who loses his grasp on his life and undermines his happiness by losing his temper in the fine but little-seen "The Good Father," he's also impressive. But I love him best when he plays the man with the stiff upper lip who crumbles just enough under pressure to show us what he's really made of, for good or ill.
  
  Director Roger Donaldson also directed Hopkins to wonderful effect in the 1984 film "The Bounty" about the famous mutiny at sea led by Fletcher Christian against his captain, William Bligh. Mel Gibson plays Christian, and he's worth watching not only because it's one of his strongest performance but also, I will admit, because it was filmed at the apogee of his once-considerable beauty. However, the film's success really hangs on Hopkins' performance, and it is a fine one of both boldness and subtlety....more info
• My favorite motorcycle movie!
  The World's Fastest Indian is a must see for any bike rider....especially us old timers that rode Indians and still love 'em! This movie ranks right up there with Easy Rider....a true classic. Anthony Hopkins also said this was his favorite movie to be in....more info
• The World's Fastest Indian
  We thoroughly enjoyed this movie & would recommend it to anyone, no matter the age. We can all learn a lot from a person like he was. Thanks...more info
• A wonderful film with Hopkins at his best
  I had the pleasure of seeing the movie again recently and was reminded of just how wonderful a film this is. One of the best I have seen for a quite a while.
  
  Anthony Hopkins gives a compelling performance as a motorcycle enthusiast from New Zealand who comes to the USA for a land speed tournament on the Bonneville Salt Flats. His bike is cobbled together from parts including the hinge from a kitchen door. An old Indian motorcycle with a previous top speed of 54 MPH and he is trying to get a land speed record of over 200 MPH, thus the movie title "The World's Fastest Indian".
  
  The movie is so well done that you are quickly drawn into the story and the character. His portrayal of Burt Monro is depicted with such sincerity that you find yourself cheering along with the film and have a smile on your face throughout. It is rare to see a film where you feel you are personal friends with the lead character after the movie ends.
  
  I recommend this highly. No matter what your interest level in motorcycles, you will enjoy this unforgettable film and have a wonderful experience along the way.
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• Excellent!!!
  I bought this for my father-in-law. He loves it! You will definately laugh. If you know someone that is in to motorcycles...this is an awesome gift they will love!...more info
• Great Movie for All Ages
  One of the best movies I have ever seen; a classic for all ages. One does not have to be involved with motorcycles to appreciate the life lessions taught. Funny and heart warming....more info
• The Fastest Indian
  A real surpirse. This one hit the theaters and was gone so fast I didn't have the privilege of seeing it on the big screen. Anthony Hopkins at his heartwarming best. An endearing story about a ordinary guy who has an extraordinary talent for loving life, people and engines. Hopkins travels from his home in New Zealand with steely determination to race at the salt flats in California. He meets a long string of wonderful people all of whom are only too happy to help him through the day. The movie is a study, albeit a bit Pollyanna, of the best of humanity's children. A great story, don't let this surprise pass you by. I'll watch it over and over.
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• Great Movie
  This is just a great movie about a very interesting character.
  I have to admit when my husband brought it home to watch (from the rental place) I was not very enthusiastic. But I really liked it. Watched it again the next night too. Then we decided to purchase it.
  It's a movie that makes you feel good about the human race, and living your dreams.
  ...more info
• Worlds Fastest Indian
  This is one of the best movies ever as are most "true stories". It shows what determination can accomplish!...more info
• World's Fastest Indian
  Anyone wanting a Great Film for the Guy's will love this one. For someone who has everything- this one does the trick....more info
• Possibly the best "story" movie ever done.
  Save your time - just buy the movie. You will not be disappointed.
  
  This is the only movie I have ever had a desire to see more than once.
  
  I wish I could have known Burt.
  
  Hopkins is absolutely brilliant here.
  
  If you have ever had to work long and hard to achieve something, you will identify with Burt. ...more info
• A lovely Feel Good Factor Film
  The Fastest Indian is based on a true story. It is brilliantly led by Antony Hopkins who is a master at his craft. It is one of those nice gentle Feel Good Factor films that come along now and then....more info
• The World's Fastest Indian
  A wonderful heartwarming story for anyone with an interest in racing. This true story was recommended to us by our son, and my husband thinks it is a great flick to share. ...more info
• Speed into my heart
  The just watched the movie "The World's Fastest Indian", it just blew my socks off, it was a bloody fantastic movie about dreams, speed, and a very special character. It didn't hurt that Anthony Hopkins played the main character, Herbert Munro. I give this movie, five stars, for hope, dreams, and making it all happen. What is life all about if it is not about fulfilling your dreams....more info
• The World's Fastest Indian (Movie - DVD)
  Fascinating to any motorcyclist or fan of Sir Anthony, I am both and loved this movie, in theater and bought DVD! ...more info
• Fastest Indian
  Movie was "Ok". I think I expected a little more drama from Anthony Hopkins. I am now a little wiser on the Indian motorcycle history....more info
• Indian Motorcycle
  I purchased the video, The World's Fastest Indian, for my son who has a collection of motorcycles. It will be a birthday gift for him in April 2009. I'm sure he will enjoy it....more info
• What a great moviu!!
  I haven't seen a good movie in a long time. This one is very good!!...more info
• A Must See DVD
  This is a classic - and even better now in Blu-Ray! Anthony Hopkins in one of his best roles! You will cheer for him until the end!...more info
• A REMARKABLE TRUE STORY ABOUT A MAN, AND HIS MOTORCYCLE, AND HIS DREAM!
  THIS IS A TRUE STORY ABOUT A MAN NAMED BURT, WHO HAD A DREAM, OF RACING HIS INDIAN MOTORCYCLE, ACROSS THE BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS, IN UTAH. THIS MOVIE GIVES YOU A FEEL GOOD FEELING, AND I LOVED BURT'S OUTLOOK ON THINGS, AND HIS HUMOR! HE WAS A AWESOME MAN, WITH A REMARKABLE TALENT! HE EARNED EVERYONES RESPECT AT THE SALT FLATS, AND THIS YOUNG BOY, WHO LIVED NEXTDOOR TO BURT, THOUGHT OF HIM, AS A HERO. BURT WAS A POOR, OLD MAN, WHO HAD TO GO THROUGH ALOT, TO ACHIEVE HIS DREAM, AND I SURE ADMIRE HIS COURAGE, AND HIS STRONG WILL, TO REACH HIS GOAL! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS MOVIE! ESPECIALLY FOR ALL YOU GUYS OUT THERE! MY BROTHER TOLDED ME ABOUT THIS MOVIE, AND I DID NOT THINK THAT I WOULD LIKE IT, AT FIRST, BUT I WAS WRONG, I LOVED THIS MOVIE VERY MUCH, AND HAD TO GET ME A COPY OF MY VERY OWN!...more info
• Heart warming movie but...
  The movie is great but I was disappointed to find that the only sub titles were in Spanish...more info
• I'm so glad I watched this movie!
  My husband is big into motorcycles so when he suggested watching this movie I was less than enthused. I am so glad I watched it with him! It was one of the best movies I have seen in a long time!
  
  It's about Burt Munro who travels to the US from New Zealand to race his 1920 Indian motorcycle at the salt flats. Munro hits a few snags along the way trying to get there. The whole time you're cheering him on just for him to run into another obstacle. I laughed a lot watching this movie because this man made friends so easily (and quickly) with everyone, from a transvestite to an old woman living by herself to an Indian that gives him dog balls to help with his prostate. I had a big smile on my face and the best feeling after watching this movie. I'm also really glad (as is my husband) that I got a chance to see Anthony Hopkins play a role that is more pleasant. At first all we could do was picture him in Silence of the Lambs so it was a nice change of pace.
  
  So if you're a motorcycle fan, an Anthony Hopkins fan or just want to see a "make you feel good" inspirational movie, this is the movie for you! Enjoy!
  
  And just to add, I rarely ever buy movies. I have to absolutely love a movie before I spend my money buying it. I'm actually going to buy this one and make my husband think I bought it for his birthday!...more info
• great movie for Bonneville buffs
  I gave this as a gift to a friend and he loved it. It has extra footage of the real life Bert Munro.If you are into Bonneville stuff you will love this....more info
• Delightful
  What a delightful movie! Recommended to me by a friend who had also enjoyed "Cars", this movie handled a number of points well. Clearly, it is a story about motors and engines and going just as fast as you can, but it also treated with sensitivity the private life of a man dealing with a dream he had had for years. Sex? Not much. Guns? None. Friendship? You bet. People helping people? Sure enough. I have watched this movie a number of times. I recommend it to you....more info
• Indian Heroes
  As a youngster crazy about motorcycles [Indians in particular] I recall reading about Burt Munro and his record breaking antique Indian. It seemed surreal that Burt would be running an Indian at Bonneville long after the Indian brand had met its demise, and setting impressive records. The film does justice to a great true adventure. Burt merited to be portrayed by a front line actor like Anthony Hopkins. The result is a masterpiece. ...more info