Movie Review: The World’s Fastest Indian — A Reminder of Why We Ride

Every now and then a film comes along that quietly gets under your skin — not with explosions or big dramatic speeches, but with heart, grit, and a stubborn refusal to quit. The World’s Fastest Indian is one of those films. It’s based on the true story of Burt Munro, a New Zealander who spent decades fettling his 1920 Indian Scout in a shed, all in the pursuit of one goal: to go faster than anyone thought possible.

And because it is a true story, it hits differently. There’s an honesty to it. A sense that this isn’t just Hollywood magic; it’s a portrait of a man who lived, breathed, and sacrificed for the pure, slightly mad joy of speed.

Anthony Hopkins — quietly brilliant, perfectly cast

Hopkins is the last person you’d expect to see in a movie like this, and that’s part of the charm. You can almost feel him relax into the role — no theatrics, no big “actor-y” flourishes. Just a believable, stubborn old bloke with oil under his nails and a machine he knows better than himself.

He plays Burt with warmth, humour, and the sort of optimism that doesn’t feel forced. You don’t watch him act; you just watch him tinker, persevere, and occasionally charm his way through obstacles big and small.

It’s refreshing… and surprisingly inspiring.

The motorcycle itself — a marvel up close

I was lucky enough to see the real “World’s Fastest Indian” at the NEC years ago. What struck me most wasn’t the legend or the record — it was how small and tight the bike actually was. Photos never quite capture that.

You expect a land-speed machine to feel huge and intimidating, but this one looked like the product of countless evenings of trial, error, and pure bloody-minded invention. Handmade. Imperfect. Absolutely beautiful.

Seeing it in person gives the film even more weight. It reminds you that Burt wasn’t working with a factory team, a wind tunnel, or some bottomless pot of money. He had a shed, some tools, and an idea that simply refused to die.

Why the film works (even if you’re not a bike nut)

At its core, this isn’t just a motorcycle film — it’s a story about obsession, passion, community, and proving people wrong without ever becoming bitter about it. It’s warm, funny, gentle, and full of the small human moments that make you want to root for someone.

But if you are a bike nut? It’s like someone bottled the spirit of garage culture and poured it onto the screen.

Final thoughts

If you’re into motorcycles, watch it. If you’re into underdog stories, watch it. If you’re just feeling a bit stuck and need a reminder that extraordinary things often start in ordinary places… definitely watch it.

The World’s Fastest Indian is more than a film — it’s a quiet nudge to chase the thing that sets your soul alight, no matter how long it takes or what your workshop looks like.