login | register

Senna

No fear. No limits. No equal. 

Year: 2010 
Running Time:
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 (XWide) 
Certificate: BBFC 12A Cert – Under 12s admitted only with an adult 
Subtitles: This film is not expected to be subtitled, though this cannot be guaranteed. 
Directed by Asif Kapadia 
Starring: Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Frank Williams, Ron Dennis  
An image from Senna
Review:

41 victories, 80 podiums and 65 pole positions from 162 Grand Prix. A three time Formula One World Champion. But how did Ayrton Senna progress from riding a lawnmower-powered kart, to being the most talented driver in F1? And what happened between him and his fiercest rivals?

Many people know of the glory years, but here we commence earlier. Senna encountered struggles from first joining the elite of racing, right up to the end of his life in the fast lane. History tells us of a great progression leading him to the top teams and immense achievements, but it wasn’t all plain sailing.

This patriotic yet shy man had hurdles to overcome, be they run-ins with the governing bodies, or with multiple Champion and then teammate Alain Prost. Yet, in spite of his records, Senna’s legacy will always lead to discussions of safety. His crash at Imola brings an end to this beautiful piece of cinema, much as it did to one of the greatest racing drivers of all time.

Telling this story of achievement and ultimate tragedy could have resulted in a retrospect of numerous interviews with family and friends. But the Formula One circus provides so much footage that we are privileged to progress with time. We live through the wins and the joy with all of the main players, building up to one of the worst days in sporting history.

Whether you’re an F1 fan or not, you’ll appreciate this beautiful recollection of a life so special and yet so tragic. Senna has won awards at film festivals around the world and is a fitting tribute to a man who had no fear, no limits and no equal.

Robert Gardner

More Information | Back to Previous Schedule | This Season  |  BBFC Classification Guidelines

Screenings of this film:

2011/2012 Autumn Term (digital)