Quartile rating: 7.5/10 · 1 rating
Set in the golden era of Grand Prix Racing '1' tells the story of a generation of charismatic drivers who raced on the edge, risking their lives during Formula 1's deadliest period, and the men who stood up and changed the sport forever.
This Formula 1 documentary from Paul Crowder covers the sport's most dangerous era with stunning archival footage and a kinetic visual style that elevates the cinematography well above average. The racing sequences and period footage are masterfully assembled. However, as a documentary it lacks traditional acting, and the narrative structure, while engaging, follows a fairly conventional sports documentary arc — charismatic figures, tragedy, triumph, reform. Novelty is modest; it covers well-trodden F1 history (similar ground to Rush released the same year), though the archival presentation is compelling. The ending, resolving around safety reforms and the legacy of those who fought for change, is satisfying but not surprising.