🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Roger Donaldson
- Genre: Drama, Biography, Sport
- Release year: 2005
- Runtime (length): 2h 7min
- IMDb rating: 7.8/10 (68K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 82%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
An old dude tinkers with a bike for decades, pees on a lemon tree, then speeds through the desert, making friends with everyone, including a kind transvestite, proving you’re never too old to go vroom vroom.
🍿 The World’s Fastest Indian: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Life in Invercargill
Burt Munro, an elderly New Zealander, lives a simple life in Invercargill, obsessed with modifying his 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle. He faces neighborhood complaints, health issues, and financial constraints, but he’s driven by his dream of racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. A young boy, Tom, becomes his friend and biggest supporter, encouraging Burt to pursue his dream.

The Journey to America
Burt mortgages his home and embarks on a journey to America. He faces numerous challenges, including working as a cook on a cargo ship to afford passage and dealing with customs. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, he buys a used car and builds a makeshift trailer for his motorcycle, showcasing his resourcefulness and determination.

Encountering America
Burt’s journey across America is filled with encounters with a diverse range of people. He befriends a transvestite motel clerk, a car salesman, and others who offer him assistance. He experiences the openness and generosity of strangers, highlighting the kindness of the American spirit and Burt’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Bonneville Salt Flats
Upon arriving at Bonneville, Burt faces obstacles to entering the race due to his lack of registration and unconventional motorcycle modifications. However, his passion and the support of fellow racers help him overcome these hurdles. He impresses the officials and fellow racers with his ingenuity and determination.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Burt Munro (Anthony Hopkins): A determined and eccentric New Zealander who dreams of setting a land speed record on his modified 1920 Indian motorcycle at Bonneville Salt Flats.
- Ada (Diane Ladd): A warm-hearted woman Burt meets on his journey, offering him companionship and support.
- Tom (Aaron Murphy): A young boy who admires Burt and encourages his dreams, representing the acceptance and support Burt seeks.
- George (Iain Rea): A supportive friend from Burt’s hometown who provides practical help and encouragement.
- Jeff (Antony Starr): A helpful young man Burt meets, showcasing the kindness and assistance Burt encounters on his journey.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Burt Munro: “If you don’t go, you’ll never know.” – Burt says this as a personal mantra, expressing his philosophy of pursuing dreams regardless of obstacles.
- Burt Munro: “You live more in five minutes on a bike like this going flat out than some people live in a lifetime.” – Burt explains to Tom why he risks his life for speed, encapsulating his passion for living life to the fullest.
- Burt Munro: “Age is just a number, son. I’m not old, I’m just… ripe.” – Said with a grin, reflecting his refusal to let age limit his ambitions or enjoyment of life.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $25,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $5,128,124
- Worldwide Gross: $18,302,013
💥 The World’s Fastest Indian Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely loved ‘The World’s Fastest Indian’! It’s one of those rare films that just makes you feel good from start to finish. Anthony Hopkins is amazing as Burt Munro, and his passion for motorcycles is infectious. I was especially moved by his interactions with the people he meets on his journey. There’s a scene where he explains to Tom how he lives more in five minutes on the bike than some do in a lifetime. It made me want to chase my own dreams with that same kind of fearless determination!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Motorcycle enthusiasts”
- “Fans of biographical dramas”
- “Viewers who appreciate inspirational stories”
- “Anthony Hopkins fans”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Brief mild language”
- “Some suggestive content”
- “Depiction of an elderly man with health issues”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “A genuinely inspiring film elevated by Anthony Hopkins’ charismatic performance, ‘The World’s Fastest Indian’ offers a heartwarming tale of perseverance and pursuing your dreams, even against all odds.
- New York Times: “Donaldson creates an undeniably feel-good film, thanks to the vibrant scenery and warm message of following dreams, though the road-trip adventures can be a little too neat and tidy.
- Empire Magazine: “Hopkins delivers a beautifully nuanced performance as Burt Munro, and Donaldson crafts a charming and uplifting story that celebrates passion and individuality. A heart-warming and life-affirming movie experience.
Audience Reactions
Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Burt Munro is outstanding and incredibly convincing.: Viewers praise the film’s heartwarming story and inspirational message about pursuing dreams.
The movie’s cinematography beautifully captures both the New Zealand landscape and the Bonneville Salt Flats.: Many appreciate the film’s positive and uplifting tone, making it a feel-good experience.
Overall Consensus: A heartwarming and inspirational story brought to life by a stellar performance from Anthony Hopkins. A feel-good movie that celebrates passion, determination, and the pursuit of dreams.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Roger Donaldson first made a documentary about Burt Munro in 1971, titled ‘Offerings to the God of Speed’. This film is a dramatized version of that story.”
- “Anthony Hopkins spent time in New Zealand to perfect the Southland accent, even visiting Burt Munro’s hometown of Invercargill.”
🖥️ How to Watch The World’s Fastest Indian?
The World’s Fastest Indian is available for purchase or rental on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming options and availability. Some platforms may offer it as part of a subscription service. You can also find DVD and Blu-ray copies online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The World’s Fastest Indian, you might like these similar films:
- Seabiscuit (2003): Inspirational sports drama about an underdog overcoming adversity to achieve greatness.
- Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988): A biopic about an innovative engineer who challenges the automotive industry.
- The Straight Story (1999): An elderly man’s determination to travel a long distance on a lawn mower to see his ailing brother, highlighting perseverance and human connection.
🛒 The World’s Fastest Indian Related Products
- The World’s Fastest Indian [Blu-ray]: Experience the journey and triumph of Burt Munro in high definition. The Blu-ray edition includes bonus features like behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
- Indian Motorcycle Retro Logo T-Shirt: Show your love for the iconic Indian motorcycle with this vintage-style t-shirt. Made from comfortable cotton, it’s perfect for everyday wear.
- Bonneville Salt Flats Photography Book: Explore the stunning beauty of the Bonneville Salt Flats through breathtaking photography. A perfect coffee table book for motor racing enthusiasts.
- Indian Scout Model Kit – 1:10 Scale: Build your own replica of the legendary Indian Scout motorcycle. A detailed model kit for experienced model builders and fans of vintage motorcycles.
🎧 Soundtrack
The World’s Fastest Indian features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “You Are My Sunshine” – performed by Jimmie Davis / Charles Mitchell
- “Besame Mucho” – performed by Various Artists
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, The World’s Fastest Indian is based on the real-life story of Burt Munro, a New Zealander who set multiple land speed records on his modified 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle.
Burt Munro used a 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle, which he heavily modified over decades to achieve incredible speeds.
The World’s Fastest Indian was filmed in various locations including Invercargill, New Zealand, Los Angeles, California, and the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
🔥 Bonus Content
The World’s Fastest Indian- Speed Record scene
Want to experience the thrill of Burt Munro’s historic speed record? This scene captures the heart and soul of the movie – his perseverance pays off in an incredibly satisfying moment. You have to see it!
Speed Tests – The World’s Fastest Indian.
Ever wondered what it was like to push that Indian motorcycle to its limits? This video is a compilation of the most exhilarating speed test scenes from the movie! It’s pretty awesome how they captured the sense of speed.
This man never uses a nail clipper for a manicure. #shorts
Did you know Burt Munro had a unique approach to grooming? This short clip highlights a quirky detail about his character. It’s a fun little scene that adds to his charm!
Do it when it’s time,before it’s too late. | The World’s Fastest Indian #movie #film #cinemaclips
Ever feel like you need a little push to chase your dreams? This clip features a very inspirational moment from the movie where Burt is discussing pursuing your dreams. This scene reminds me to live my life.
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