The World's Fastest Indian

The title of The World’s Fastest Indian refers to the classic Indian Scout motorcycle that was the prized possession of New Zealander Burt Munro. All his life, he dreamed of reaching a goal that seemed impossible and sublimely innocent: to be the fastest man on earth. The riveting Sir Anthony Hopkins stars as the famous speed king in this celebration of a singular obsession with motorcycle racing and a boundless lust for life. Born in 1899 in the small town of Invercargill, New Zealand, Munro longed to break through the barriers of provincial anonymity and make an enduring name for himself. After spending a lifetime fine-tuning his beloved bike, Munro headed to barren Utah in 1967 to fulfill his destiny. At an advanced age, he broke the world record for speed, setting one that still stands to this day. Munro is now considered one of New Zealand’s national heroes. Director Roger Donaldson brings his extraordinary life to the screen in this period piece with the same focused attention and enthusiasm Munro had for his motorcycle. Donaldson is a veritable expert on the subject: The World’s Fastest Indian is based on his own 1971 documentary about the racing hero, Offerings to the God of Speed. He and cinematographer David Gribble have captured the stunning natural splendour of the bleached white terrain of the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah and the glorious landscape of New Zealand’s South Island with the consummate skill of master photographers. And Hopkins, the acclaimed performer who brought such unforgettable figures as Hannibal Lecter, Titus Andronicus and Richard Nixon to the screen, embodies the legendary Munro finesse with equal commitment. The boundless vitality of this passionate, dynamic man who sought to defy all the odds will leave you cheering.