Italian Race (2016) Movie Review: A Heartfelt and Intense Drama of Family and Motorsport
“Italian Race” (original title: “Veloce come il vento”) is a 2016 Italian drama directed by Matteo Rovere that offers a compelling blend of family dynamics and high-octane motorsport. The film delves into the world of professional racing and the personal struggles of a family grappling with loss and ambition.
Plot Summary: Racing Against Life’s Challenges
“Italian Race” centers around the story of Giulia (played by Matilda Lutz), a young woman who finds herself in a difficult situation after the death of her father, a renowned race car driver. Giulia, who has spent her life in the shadow of her father’s racing career, is thrust into the world of competitive motorsport when she inherits her father’s racing team.
Facing financial difficulties and the pressure to maintain the family legacy, Giulia is forced to confront her estranged brother, Loris (played by Stefano Accorsi), who is a talented but troubled race car driver. As the siblings come together to navigate their personal and professional challenges, they must overcome their past conflicts and find a way to succeed in the competitive world of racing.
Themes of Family and Redemption
“Italian Race” explores themes of family, redemption, and the pursuit of dreams. The film highlights the complexities of familial relationships, particularly the strained bond between Giulia and Loris. Their journey toward reconciliation and mutual understanding is a central element of the narrative.
The film also delves into the theme of redemption, as Giulia and Loris each seek to overcome personal failures and live up to their father’s legacy. The high-stakes world of racing serves as a backdrop for their emotional and personal growth.
Performances and Character Dynamics
Matilda Lutz delivers a strong and emotional performance as Giulia, capturing her character’s determination, vulnerability, and resilience. Lutz’s portrayal adds depth to the film’s exploration of family dynamics and personal struggle.
Stefano Accorsi’s performance as Loris is equally compelling. Accorsi brings intensity and nuance to the role, portraying Loris’s internal conflicts and the pressures he faces as a professional racer. The chemistry between Lutz and Accorsi is central to the film’s emotional impact, highlighting their characters’ complex relationship.
The supporting cast, including actors such as Alessio Boni and Roberta Mattei, enhances the film’s depth and realism. Boni plays the role of a former race car driver and mentor, while Mattei portrays a close family friend who adds warmth and support to the narrative.
Direction and Cinematic Style
Matteo Rovere’s direction is marked by its attention to detail and emotional resonance. The film’s pacing and storytelling effectively capture the intensity of the racing world and the personal struggles of the characters. Rovere’s direction balances the high-energy racing scenes with the quieter, introspective moments of the film.
The cinematography plays a crucial role in enhancing the film’s atmosphere, using dynamic camera work and immersive visuals to convey the excitement of the racing scenes. The film’s visual style contributes to its overall emotional and dramatic impact.
Music and Musical Score
The musical score for “Italian Race”, composed by Andrea Farri, complements the film’s tone and themes. The score features a mix of energetic and emotional compositions that enhance the racing sequences and the film’s dramatic moments. The soundtrack also includes contemporary and classic tracks that contribute to the film’s atmosphere.
Streaming Availability in the U.S.
As of 2024, “Italian Race” (2016) is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. This platform offers the film in high-definition (HD), allowing viewers to fully appreciate its racing scenes and emotional narrative. Additionally, the movie can be rented or purchased on digital platforms such as Google Play Movies and Apple iTunes, providing flexible options for those interested in owning a copy.
Conclusion: A Moving and Exciting Drama
“Italian Race”, directed by Matteo Rovere, is a moving and exciting drama that combines the thrills of motorsport with a heartfelt exploration of family and personal redemption. With its strong performances, compelling storyline, and dynamic direction, the film offers an engaging and memorable cinematic experience.
Whether you are a fan of racing or enjoy stories of personal growth and family dynamics, “Italian Race” delivers a powerful and emotional film that resonates with audiences.
