had part of the morning of this morning and took my wife to see the new Anthony Hopkins mivie - the Worlds Fastest Indian. for those outside of New Zealand who have no idea what the movie is - it's the true life story of what can only be called a good kiwi bloke Burt Munroe - an old ocdger who in 1967 broke the world speed record for a bike under 1000cc. It is a truly inspiring story.... probably more so because of his age when he did this - 65 plus. Burt being a good Kiwi bloke is an earthy type - pee's on his Lemon tree daily and lives in a shed - mows the lawn with a petrol can and makes his won high speed tyres by shaving the tread off an old one with his next door neighbours carving knife. Like the typical kiwi bloke his shed is his temple complete with a altar of offerings to the God of Speed. Spirituality is obviously painted as a huge part of his life, he has a philosophy of make do - any day spent above the ground (or alive) is a good day so make the most of it. His heart is warm and open, befriending widows, orphans and even a transexual for good measure. On his journey to his destiny he spreads a bit of Kiwi culture - the second hand piston ashtray, the Bob the builder we can fix it mentality - But most of all love. When he is finaly on the track on the salt flats - he heads of into the distance, one of his friends comments "Is he ever going to turn around?" The other friends response, "I don't think so I thijnk he is heading back to that strange planet he came from." Not only does he spread love and acceptance he also draws people together. You come out feeling that the world is a better place because Burt Munroe lived....
What struck me most in the portrayal - and i Suspect they tried to make it as close to the real Burt as possible was when he stood on the Salt Lake flats for the first time - it was like he had arrived in heaven - there was tear in his eye, and a sense of fulfilment.
God Bless you Burt - wherever you maybe
One thing i really enjoyed about it was his take o
4 comments:
Just seen the film and loved it - truly inspirational
I watched TWFI on Friday and I have a new favorite movie.
i will be buying the orginal for extra footage , also bought his book " one good run " , if its as good as the film i'm laughing .i must say i shed a tear or two out of sheer joy , the last time that happened was rocky running up the steps in rocky 1 . you tell anyone and you're dead . ha ha . burt munroe rules , as do i
the movie was great...... and it really likes to my students
teacher
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