The World's Fastest Indian, and Chasing Your Dreams

'The World's Fastest Indian', a true story starring Anthony Hopkins, is a wonderful road movie. Anthony Hopkins plays the part of Burt Munro, a New Zealand native with a dream of taking his modified 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle half way around the world to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, and set a land speed record. Here's the trailer:



The film isn't new: it was made in 2005 (is that really 8 years ago?!), and it is set in 1963. I really enjoy road movies, and as such I really enjoyed this film. As Burt, with the help of the rest of the small town where he comes from, gathers the funds and sends him on his way to America, we find him like a fish out of water. He has never driven on the right side of the road before, and that causes some fun with everyone.

But one of the things that I really like about this film is that whenever Burt gets himself into a jam (which he often does), a stranger is always there and willing to help him out. For example, while he is driving down the road, in the middle of nowhere, one of the tires on his trailer comes off. Well, Burt Munro is always in a good mood it seems, and not even this gets him down. A local Indian helps him out, and Burt is on his way once again.

I really like of of the themes which this film portrays, which is that you should sometimes get out of your comfort zone. Thomas, the neighbor boy next door who helps Burt on his motorcycle, asks Burt if he's scared that he'll crash and die. Burt responds, "No... You live more in five minutes on a bike like this going flat out than some people live in a lifetime." This is profound. How often do we get caught up in the mundane, everyday tasks of our lives? How often do we "go back to the grind" and just live meaningless lives? Go out and DO something! Get out of your comfort zone and live a little! Burt Munro was 63 years old when he sailed half way around the world and set a land speed record of 178.95 mph. What did you do today?

Another theme from this film is to chase your dreams. In another conversation with Burt, Thomas asks Burt why he is doing what he is doing. Burt pauses a moment to think and then says, "If you don't follow your dreams, Thomas, you might as well be a vegetable."

Follow your dreams, even if they take you out of your comfort zone.

4.5/5