--- title: "Rush" year: 2013 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/rush" fi1m_id: "rush" imdb_id: "tt1979320" tmdb_id: 96721 wikidata_id: "Q1768437" fi1m_score: 82 critics_score: 76 critics_reviews: 10 published: "2026-09-15" updated: "2026-10-06T10:36:25.622884+00:00" region: "EE" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Rush (2013) Directed by Ron Howard · 2h 03m · Drama, Action, Sport ## Identity Rush - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/rush - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** rush - **IMDb ID:** tt1979320 - **TMDB ID:** 96721 - **Wikidata ID:** Q1768437 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1979320/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/96721, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1768437 **Fi1m score: 82** · Critics 76 from 10 reviews *In a sentence:* We spent the races gripping a sofa that was in no danger of overtaking anything > Ron Howard’s Formula One drama is tense, involving and easy to recommend, despite some over-explaining between races. Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl make the rivalry matter even when Peter Morgan’s script makes the men too simple. ## Synopsis James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) compete in 1970s Formula One, bringing different temperaments to a sport that rewards speed and carries the threat of injury. Hunt’s swagger and appetite for pleasure contrast with Lauda’s meticulous approach to racing. As their rivalry develops, each has to contend with a competitor whose priorities he struggles to understand. Ron Howard directs Peter Morgan’s drama about the drivers’ lives on and off the track, with Olivia Wilde as Suzy Miller and Alexandra Maria Lara as Marlene Lauda. ## Review Ron Howard approaches *Rush* as a story about two men who cannot agree on how to do the same job. That is a useful way into Formula One for anyone whose interest in the sport ends at the noise. James Hunt enjoys himself; Niki Lauda attends to the details, and Peter Morgan’s screenplay makes sure we notice the difference. The result is a forceful, accessible sports drama, though we could have managed with fewer explanations of what each man represents. Chris Hemsworth gives Hunt the easy confidence of someone accustomed to being forgiven, and understands how quickly charm can become wearing. There is pleasure in the performance, but he leaves enough vanity visible to stop Hunt becoming merely good company. Daniel Brühl has the less immediately inviting part and makes Lauda’s meticulousness engrossing. We can see the thought behind his awkwardness: he considers the racing worth taking seriously, regardless of whether anyone enjoys his company. Anthony Dod Mantle’s photography makes the racing feel close and physically unpleasant, which is a considerable compliment here. The cockpit views restrict our sense of space, and the grainy images keep the period recreation from looking freshly polished. We flinched at the engine noise in those close quarters. The sound is so aggressive, and the camera so near the drivers, that the speed feels dangerous before the script needs to tell us it is. Editors Mike Hill and Daniel P. Hanley keep the competition legible amid that pressure. Mark Digby’s production design gives the 1970s racing world enough glamour to explain its appeal, without making the danger seem remote. We believe that these men would want to spend their lives here. Hans Zimmer’s score adds useful urgency, although it can be over-insistent when the cars and the actors are already doing enough. Howard occasionally presses harder than the scene requires. Morgan is less convincing when he keeps spelling out the contrast between the drivers. Hunt’s pleasure-seeking and Lauda’s exactness are clear early on; repeating them does not tell us much more about either man. Olivia Wilde, as Suzy Miller, and Alexandra Maria Lara, as Marlene Lauda, have too little room to complicate this largely male account of ambition. Their characters help us understand the drivers, but deserve more attention of their own. The off-track passages can consequently feel hurried even while the film is explaining itself. Sports dramas often insist that a contest must teach somebody how to live, and *Rush* is not free of that habit. What keeps it involving is the sense that both these men have found work they cannot easily separate from the rest of their lives. Howard makes the attraction of that work understandable even when it looks alarming. At 123 minutes, the film asks for no specialist knowledge of Formula One. Come for the racing, and give Brühl the same attention when the engines stop. *Fi1m score 82, published 15 September 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics welcome Rush as an energetic, accessible account of the Hunt–Lauda rivalry, with enough character drama to engage viewers who have little interest in Formula One. Praise centres on Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl, with Brühl drawing particular attention, and on racing sequences that make speed and danger felt through Anthony Dod Mantle’s cinematography and the sound design. The recreation of 1970s racing also earns broad approval. Reservations concern how much depth survives the brisk storytelling, though the balance remains firmly positive. The New York Times praises Peter Morgan’s script, while Film Comment finds it schematic and dependent on national stereotypes. Little White Lies offers a cooler assessment of Ron Howard’s direction, finding competence without much distinction beyond the races. The Hollywood Reporter reverses that emphasis, valuing the sharply drawn leads but finding the racing merely serviceable and the supporting characters thin. ## Straight answers **Is Rush worth watching?** *Rush* is worth watching for anyone who wants a tense, accessible sports drama and does not need to know anything about Formula One, and we scored it 82. Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl make the rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda matter, and Anthony Dod Mantle's racing footage feels close and dangerous. Peter Morgan's script over-explains the two men, and the women in their lives get too little room. **How long is Rush, and what is it rated?** *Rush* runs 2h 03m. It is a drama and action film. **Where can I watch Rush in Estonia?** *Rush* is not on any streaming or rental service in Estonia at the moment. It is available in 23 other countries; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily. **How violent or frightening is Rush, and is it suitable for children?** *Rush* carries a UK 15 certificate, and its violence is the physical danger of 1970s racing rather than fighting: crashes, injury and engine noise loud enough that we flinched in the cockpit shots. It is not a children's film, and the certificate also points to adult behaviour around Hunt's appetite for pleasure. Older teenagers with a taste for racing should manage it comfortably. **How does Rush compare to The Hustler?** *Rush* is the louder and more forceful of the two, a period racing drama built on speed and noise, while [*The Hustler*](https://film.one/film/the-hustler) is a quieter black-and-white pool-hall study that watches Paul Newman's talent fail to make up for the rest of him. Both follow a gifted competitor learning what his gift does not excuse. We think *The Hustler* is the finer film; *Rush* is the easier evening. **What should I watch after Rush?** After *Rush*, try [*The Hustler*](https://film.one/film/the-hustler) (1961, Fi1m 88): Another gifted competitor discovers that talent does not excuse the rest of him. Then [*Dangal*](https://film.one/film/dangal) (2016, Fi1m 78): A family-centred account of sporting obsession, with room for competing ambitions. ### Reviews we read (24) - **Evening Standard** (80/100, inferred): The film finds unexpected angles and blasts its way to victory despite the challenges of the inspirational sports movie genre and Formula 1 subject matter. It singles out the cinematography by Anthony Dod Mantle for transforming the racing sequences into something visceral and existential. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/rush-film-review-8813912.html) - **Radio Times** (4/5): The critic praises the zippy biopic for capturing the rivalry between Hunt and Lauda. Strong performances and the glamour and danger of 1970s F1 are highlighted. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-7dd4t7/rush/) - **Screen Daily** (80/100, inferred): The critic calls the film exhilarating and gripping, with impressive direction and strong lead performances. The recreation of the 1970s F1 era and its energy stand out for praise. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/rush/5059869.article) - **Time Out**, Dave Calhoun (4/5): The critic finds the film a fun and tense dip into 1970s Formula 1. The immersive sound design and cockpit perspective are singled out as memorable strengths. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/rush-1) - **Film Comment**, Jonathan Romney (70/100, inferred): The critic finds the script schematic and reliant on national stereotypes but singles out the thrilling, well-shot racing sequences and Brühl's compelling performance as making the film engaging and vigorous even for non-fans. [Read](https://www.filmcomment.com/ron-howard-rush-review-chris-hemsworth/) - **Little White Lies**, Oliver Lyttelton (2/3/2): The critic views the film as competent but ultimately bland under Ron Howard's direction. The race sequences gain tension and kinetic energy from strong cinematography. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/rush) - **Empire**, Ian Freer: Impeccably crafted and smartly scripted, the film delivers broad, riveting drama on and off the track built around two superb lead performances. It singles out the portrayal of the contrasting personalities and philosophies of Hunt and Lauda for creating compelling rivalry and drama. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/rush-2-review/) - **Financial Times**, Nigel Andrews: The critic describes the film as outrageously enjoyable and giddy fun, highlighting its bromance elements, spectacle, and the magic of opposites between the leads, while acknowledging some embellishments of the true story. [Read](https://www.ft.com/content/71ef55b8-1b9f-11e3-b678-00144feab7de) - **Los Angeles Times**, Kenneth Turan: The critic finds 'Rush' a professionally made but ultimately mixed-breed drama that fails to fully thrill despite strong performances from Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl. He singles out Howard's polished but square Hollywood sensibility as at odds with the edgier story of rivalry the script aims to tell. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-rush-movie-review-20130920-story.html) - **Slant Magazine**, Chris Cabin: The critic observes that the film favors Hunt's swagger over Lauda's precision, praises the exciting and fun racing scenes, but faults the slower sequences as hurried and bland and the overall emphasis on surface thrills over deeper substance. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/rush/) - **The Guardian**, Mark Kermode: The critic calls Ron Howard's film a thrilling, populist take on the Hunt-Lauda rivalry that excels in its noisy, visceral race sequences and strong lead performances, especially Daniel Brühl's, while noting its formulaic, multiplex-friendly style that prioritizes broad appeal over depth. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/sep/15/rush-review-kermode) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Todd McCarthy: The critic praises the sharply etched lead performances by Hemsworth and Brühl as the rival drivers Hunt and Lauda and the film's engaging exploration of their contrasting personalities and rivalry. Supporting characters lack depth and the racing scenes are serviceable but not standout. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/rush-film-review-619675/) - **The Independent**: The critic describes it as rousing viewing that delivers thrills in the race sequences, but notes that these cannot fully disguise the cliché-ridden aspects of the screenplay. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/film-review-ron-howard-s-james-hunt-biopic-rush-8815098.html) - **The New York Times**, Manohla Dargis: The critic praises Ron Howard's film as an excitingly torqued drama that distills the thrill of Formula One racing into a clash of personalities between rivals James Hunt and Niki Lauda. She singles out the strong script by Peter Morgan and the vivid cinematography by Anthony Dod Mantle for particular praise. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/20/movies/rush-goes-inside-formula-one-and-two-of-its-titans.html) - **The Telegraph**, David Gritten: The critic praises the film as a thrilling, engaging Formula One story with exciting racing scenes, strong performances from Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl, and intriguing personal dynamics, making it accessible beyond hardcore fans. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/10281663/Rush-review.html) - **Total Film**, James Mottram: Utterly gripping and a piston- and heart-pumping triumph, aided by punchy lead performances, an Oscar-worthy script and stunning footage. It singles out the visceral racetrack scenes recreated by Howard and cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle, along with the character study of the two rivals. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/rush-1-review/) - **Variety**, Peter Debruge: The critic hails Ron Howard's film as exhilarating and one of the great racing movies, elevated by compelling performances from Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl as rival drivers. He singles out the virtuoso filmmaking, dynamic racing sequences, and Hans Zimmer's score for making audiences feel alive in the theater. [Read](https://variety.com/2013/film/reviews/rush-review-ron-howard-1200596801/) - **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri: The review commends the entertaining depiction of the grand character combat between the hedonistic Hunt and meticulous Lauda, with strong work from the leads, and highlights the beautiful, exciting racing sequences that emphasize danger and spectacle. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2013/09/movie-review-rush.html) - **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (85/100, inferred): The critic describes the Toronto premiere as a smash hit with enthusiastic audience response and standing ovations for the filmmakers and Niki Lauda. The review highlights the powerful story of the rivalry between Lauda and James Hunt as great human drama with strong Academy potential. [Read](https://deadline.com/2013/09/toronto-ron-howards-rush-takes-victory-lap-at-emotional-fest-debut-screening-581590/) - **The Playlist**, The Playlist Staff (B+): The review commends the thrilling racing scenes, strong performances by Hemsworth and especially Brühl, and the substantive story of rivalry and mutual inspiration, while noting minor issues with female characters and an unnecessary ending. Overall, it's a slick and rousing piece of entertainment. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/review-ron-howards-rush-starring-chris-hemsworth-daniel-bruhl-olivia-wilde-20130925/) - **HeyUGuys**, Stefan Pape (4/5): The critic praises the film's engaging portrayal of the rivalry between Hunt and Lauda, highlighting the strong performances especially by Brühl, and the naturalistic direction without sentimentality. They note the exhilarating racing sequences and emotional depth. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/rush-review/) - **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (B-): The critic finds Ron Howard revitalized, delivering strong performances from the leads and intense racing sequences that make the film a worthwhile ride. He singles out Daniel Brühl's scene-stealing turn as Niki Lauda for praise while complaining that Howard spoon-feeds the themes rather than trusting the audience. [Read](https://collider.com/rush-review/) - **Den of Geek**, Seb Patrick (4 out of 5): The critic praises the film's visceral racing sequences, sound design, and attention to detail as making it the best motorsport movie yet, while noting the narrative feels schizophrenic with underdeveloped off-track elements and some historical liberties. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/rush-review/) - **The Wrap**: The critic calls the film an exhilarating surprise and finds Ron Howard at his most electrifying. It singles out the extraordinary look, including the grainy 1970s cinematography and intimate close-ups, for praise while noting minor issues with pacing and score. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/rush-review-ron-howard-shifts-gears-with-a-sexy-stylish-racing-saga/) ## Details - **Director:** Ron Howard - **Director:** Ron Howard - **Writer:** Peter Morgan - **Cinematography:** Anthony Dod Mantle - **Editor:** Daniel P. Hanley, Mike Hill - **Music:** Hans Zimmer - **Production design:** Mark Digby - **Costume design:** Julian Day - **Producer:** Andrew Eaton, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard - **Cast:** Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt; Daniel Brühl as Niki Lauda; Olivia Wilde as Suzy Miller; Alexandra Maria Lara as Marlene Lauda; Pierfrancesco Favino as Clay Regazzoni; David Calder as Louis Stanley; Natalie Dormer as Nurse Gemma; Stephen Mangan as Alastair Caldwell - **Runtime:** 2h 03m - **Release (Estonia):** 6 December 2013 - **Genres:** Drama, Action, Sport - **Also in:** [Golden Globe Best Drama winners](https://film.one/collections/golden-globe-drama.md) (Nominee, 2013) - **Budget:** $38 million - **Box office:** $90 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-URkBFAVZqc ## Where to watch in Estonia Not streaming, renting or buying in Estonia at the last check. Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BR, CA, CL, CO, DE, ES, FI, FR, GB, IE, IN, IT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, SE, TR, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## Awards - BAFTA Film Awards 2014: Best Editing (won) - Golden Globes 2013: Best Motion Picture – Drama (nominated); Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture (nominated) ## If you liked this - *Le Mans* (1971): For racing filmed with patience, mechanical detail and little interest in conversation. - *The Duellists* (1977): Two stubborn rivals keep a feud alive long after sense has departed. - *The Hustler* (1961), Fi1m 88: Another gifted competitor discovers that talent does not excuse the rest of him. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-hustler.md) - *Dangal* (2016), Fi1m 78: A family-centred account of sporting obsession, with room for competing ambitions. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/dangal.md) - *The Fencer* (2015): Sport under political pressure, with quieter performances and a patient sense of danger. --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/rush