Senna

I can’t remember a documentary that was so smart and managed cleverly and effectively to work with such a wide range of emotions and was so strong that it could slam any objections to the fact that everything was presented in a way that was uncritical to the immaculate heritage of Ayrton Senna (or else poor Prost who is presented here almost like the devil himself). (03.02.2014)

A similar case to the Klitschko documentary. I don't normally have much interest in formula racing, but the story of Ayrton Senna is a legend that is bound to catch your eye even if you only know it in broad strokes. And this excellent film deepens those traits considerably, perfectly portraying the somewhat strange nature of a man who lived only for victory, showing him as a living legend... It is, without exaggeration, absolutely great. The most emotional moment, however, comes not at the end, when the expected crash occurs, but after Senna's first victory in Brazil, when, despite the immense pain of perhaps every muscle in his body, he struggles to lift the cup, drinking champagne... Amazing. But that doesn't mean tears don't come to your eyes at the end or during other scenes, or that it doesn't chill you. (25.12.2013)

At first glance, a regular documentary about a person who achieved a lot in their sport, but unfortunately, their life ended too early to accomplish more, but late enough to become a legend. But the film is generally presented in such a way that it gradually builds up and takes your breath away. You don't even want to see those last moments. (12.04.2016)

At first, I was wondering what sort of a lunatic would be capable of creating an almost three-hour documentary about Formula One for the world to see. But in the end, I have to admit that those three hours had a purpose. They cover the Formula One situation at the beginning of 1990s beautifully. Nowadays, as we’re all used to the modern era, one could say that it’s almost unbelievable how political Formula One used to be. Senna seemed very good-hearted. And he probably was since the whole of Brazil mourned for him. This documentary didn’t actually show any negative sides of Senna, but I didn’t really mind that. What’s important is the things he did well, the things he really mastered and could utilize so perfectly that the racers nowadays pale in comparison. But it’s not only about Senna. It’s about the other racers, too. Especially Alain Prost. I think that if Senna hadn’t fought the politicizing and the unauthorized car improvements all his career in Formula One, he probably wouldn’t have gotten mentioned as much. He was the kind of person who decided to oppose the system and use reason over money. Of course, as it happens, not everyone liked it. And he deserves a lot of respect for that. Our politics could use someone like him. But such people are probably born once a decade. (17.11.2013)

A truly great documentary, filled with emotions and interwoven with an impressive sports atmosphere. Personally, I never cared much for Formula 1, but Senna was truly a giant, a consummate role model and a likable man in every way, so his life journey, great triumphs and tragic apotheosis was something I was very happy to learn about, and in the end it was hard to hold back the tears. I never thought that a biography consisting mostly of interviews and racing footage could be put together in such an engaging and flawless way. I was wrong. 100% (06.10.2012)