A great documentary should hold your attention in spite of your lack of knowledge about the subject. I have not paid much attention to the world of international Formula 1 racing but this was not an impediment to thoroughly enjoying “Senna” a portrait of World Champion racer, Brazilian, Ayrton Senna. The film makes brilliant use of seemingly every important moment in the life of this rising star of the 80’s and 90’s racing scene, his faith in God, his rivalry with French racer Alain Prost, his loves, and his tragic death in 1994 at the age of 34. Director Asif Kapadia takes us behind the wheel with actual race footage that will raise the hairs on the back kof your neck.

“Senna” plays like a political thriller at times too. Ayrton has his enemies in the racing hierarchy and the infighting is there for us to see, but the the narrative thread with Senna personally providing his philosophies on film makes us sad that his time ran out way too soon.

My GPA: 4.0

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