I've probably only seen one or two MotoGP races in all my life.
This documentary was beyond all my expectations.
The editing was top, Brad Pitt's narration as well.
There's really great morals you take from it too.
I really enjoyed this one and I recommend it to everyone, even if you don't see MotoGP.
14 Reviews
Very well chosen subjects to illustrate modern motogp
denzil-0943415 March 2020
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this. I was particularly pleased that Marco Simoncelli was given his due as a modern great. I realised that this was the first time I saw his accident. I was watching live but I had turned my back on the TV before the coup de grace, and I immediately turned off the TV and left it alone. Such a sad day. The whole Doriano Romboni incident just rubbed salt in the wound. I guess the producers did right not to mention that in this context. Very good film.
An excellent show. It will make you gasp, laugh and cry.
craigosenior26 May 2020
It's difficult to say that everyone will like it, because I am biased, but even my girlfriend enjoyed it and she is not a sports fan generally and definitely not a motorcycle fan. The music is great, the visuals stunning. There is no acting, this is as real as it gets, and it's good.
MotoGP Aficianado's Short Review
Air America12 September 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I have waited for years for another MotoGP film. If you've been a fan of other motorsports racing and have thought; "Why not 2 wheel?" Have a look! As a neo-rabid fan of everything from Formula One to slot cars, I can tell you from my chair; you aren't going to be disappointed. A much anticipated film to us who already follow the sport; and from the excellent stable of Director Mark Neale. Should this be your first viewing of this form of FIM Grand Prix racing, you'll be pleased to find his other superb MotoGP films are: "Faster," and "Fastest." A totally-complete, excellent review exists also at IMDb, (and I especially liked his Brad Pitt/ Tyler Durden remark). So, "C'mon in, climb-over and hang on! You are going to be in for a ride!"
596th Review: Simply One of the Great Sports Documentary
intelearts21 May 2016
Moto GP is the fastest track race for motorbikes - Formula One for superbikes. What Hitting the Apex does is make you understand that it's not the machines that make the sport but the riders. These riders risk, literally, their lives for sport and unlike most documentary in other sports Hitting the Apex manages to capture this element well. It also notes that Moto GP has an incredible safety record given how dangerous the sport is.
The cinematography is top notch, capturing every rev, curve, and spill - above all it captures the rivalries of men who are driven to want only first place.
This is an excellent and exceptional documentary that captures the excitement, thrill, and drive of an exceptional bunch of individuals, their machines, and crews. It is one of those sport documentaries that shines as it transcends its sport and tell compelling stories about courage and drive.
The cinematography is top notch, capturing every rev, curve, and spill - above all it captures the rivalries of men who are driven to want only first place.
This is an excellent and exceptional documentary that captures the excitement, thrill, and drive of an exceptional bunch of individuals, their machines, and crews. It is one of those sport documentaries that shines as it transcends its sport and tell compelling stories about courage and drive.
Brilliant!
SmoothOperator66619 March 2016
W-O-W!
Although I'm a big fan of nearly every kind of Motorsports and absolutely keen on squeezing (and getting squeezed by) my bike on racetracks myself, I really doubted about the 2h+ - de facto I was so under a spell, I even forgot to drink...!! Furthermore the movie's style, Pitt's narration and the selection and mixing of music and SFX reminded me strongly on "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", which is also one of my all-time favorites. Commemorating SIC is emotionally perfected by Pink Floyd's "Wish you were here", as Music and effects are always present, but never obtrusive.
Finally, one those very few movies assuring me I couldn't have spent my time much better! And -which is also a big "proof of quality"- a movie which I can't rest or relax to, cause keeps me sitting up straight on the sofa...
Thank you, Mark Neale!!
Although I'm a big fan of nearly every kind of Motorsports and absolutely keen on squeezing (and getting squeezed by) my bike on racetracks myself, I really doubted about the 2h+ - de facto I was so under a spell, I even forgot to drink...!! Furthermore the movie's style, Pitt's narration and the selection and mixing of music and SFX reminded me strongly on "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", which is also one of my all-time favorites. Commemorating SIC is emotionally perfected by Pink Floyd's "Wish you were here", as Music and effects are always present, but never obtrusive.
Finally, one those very few movies assuring me I couldn't have spent my time much better! And -which is also a big "proof of quality"- a movie which I can't rest or relax to, cause keeps me sitting up straight on the sofa...
Thank you, Mark Neale!!
Beyond my High Expectations, Outstanding!
stukafgm23 November 2015
I was at the International Motorcycle show this last weekend in Long Beach and met Mark Neale who I got my DVD through. Just sat and watched the movie with my wife and two boys and it was one of the best movie nights we have spent together because this movie was amazing. We were riveted from beginning to the end. The way the movie followed and built on the racers kept you riveted to your seat. My wife loved it also because it became so personal with the racers and really gave depth to what really goes on in MotoGP. Brad Pitt as the narrator put this movie over the top. Thanks for making it that much better Brad. I regret not getting Mark Neale's Faster while I was at his booth but luckily I can purchase it. Whether you are into racing or not you will not be sorry you watched this movie. Mark we are looking forward to the next one, keep them coming.
Turned my Opinions on the Riders Upside Down
harlemblues1 January 2016
Let me start with a premise: I am an Italian and a huge fan of Valentino Rossi (will get back to this later).
It is not easy to make a film with six protagonists, but the attempt was absolutely successful, and indeed a more-than-2-hour long film was needed in order to cover their stories thoroughly.
This film is so good that in my opinion it deserves an Oscar. It is unfair, though, that just because of the subject (racing) this documentary will probably not even receive a nomination. I bet technically horrible documentaries, but with a more popular subject, will make the nominees. "Amy", for instance, which is interesting obviously because of Amy Whinehouse, who I love as an artist, but the documentary is just a collection of footage edited with no meaning or apparent order and without conveying any message. "Hitting the Apex", instead, is film writing at its best, interesting as a watching a fiction movie. The first and last parts of the film are pure poetry. Music is a killing and builds up the tension in tremendous ways. Great is the idea of having an actor (Brad Pitt) narrating the movie. It makes a huge difference.
The brilliant idea of this documentary of focusing on these six pilots made me grow huge respect for all of them indistinctly.
I have seen the fights between them, the many times they sent each other to hell, but I have also seen tremendous respect for one another. A couple of examples: Pedrosa sincerely pay tribute to Simoncelli, Rossi tipping the hat for Marquez and saying he is a hell of a pilot (in very positive terms).
These are men that love what they do. They do it despite the risks that racing such fast bikes may bring. They do it because it's passion that drives them, reason why I totally respect Stoner's retire decision. He made very valid points and we should really reflect on the fact that though more TV appearances, more camera view angles, and press coverage, made this show more enjoyable to us, they are also taking away something from them and their life beyond riding their bike.
Now, going back to my premises and the title of this post... Needless to say I was very disappointed when Rossi lost the 2015 championship because Marquez decided that he had to attack him in all possible ways in that penultimate race. We were all very angry at Marquez here in Italy and easily dismissed his racing style as a deliberate act of helping Lorenzo win the championship. After watching this documentary, I feel I owe, not all, but at least some apologizes to Marquez. He is a very fast rider who goes at maximum speed regardless of the context or whether the points he earns make any difference. Marquez is a biker that runs very fast even when the practice session is over. A man that takes down even his own teammate. All this to say that, sure, his riding style is often outrageous and dangerous to the others, but he is young and does it all the time regardless. Therefore, I am certain there was no combine between the Spanish riders. And I am not even sure at this point, after seeing the friction between Lorenzo and Marquez, Pedrosa and Marquez, that Marquez would want Lorenzo to win just because they are both Spanish.
Therefore, I wish Marquez all the best for his career and hope he will be the next Valentino Rossi. Meantime, I have grown to be a huge fan of Lorenzo thanks to this documentary. He has appeared to me as a true professional of this sport. Meantime, however, I would like Rossi to win one more championship before his retirement.
Good luck to all of them (not just these 6 pilots) and thank you so much for all the fun they make us have every other Sunday.
It is not easy to make a film with six protagonists, but the attempt was absolutely successful, and indeed a more-than-2-hour long film was needed in order to cover their stories thoroughly.
This film is so good that in my opinion it deserves an Oscar. It is unfair, though, that just because of the subject (racing) this documentary will probably not even receive a nomination. I bet technically horrible documentaries, but with a more popular subject, will make the nominees. "Amy", for instance, which is interesting obviously because of Amy Whinehouse, who I love as an artist, but the documentary is just a collection of footage edited with no meaning or apparent order and without conveying any message. "Hitting the Apex", instead, is film writing at its best, interesting as a watching a fiction movie. The first and last parts of the film are pure poetry. Music is a killing and builds up the tension in tremendous ways. Great is the idea of having an actor (Brad Pitt) narrating the movie. It makes a huge difference.
The brilliant idea of this documentary of focusing on these six pilots made me grow huge respect for all of them indistinctly.
I have seen the fights between them, the many times they sent each other to hell, but I have also seen tremendous respect for one another. A couple of examples: Pedrosa sincerely pay tribute to Simoncelli, Rossi tipping the hat for Marquez and saying he is a hell of a pilot (in very positive terms).
These are men that love what they do. They do it despite the risks that racing such fast bikes may bring. They do it because it's passion that drives them, reason why I totally respect Stoner's retire decision. He made very valid points and we should really reflect on the fact that though more TV appearances, more camera view angles, and press coverage, made this show more enjoyable to us, they are also taking away something from them and their life beyond riding their bike.
Now, going back to my premises and the title of this post... Needless to say I was very disappointed when Rossi lost the 2015 championship because Marquez decided that he had to attack him in all possible ways in that penultimate race. We were all very angry at Marquez here in Italy and easily dismissed his racing style as a deliberate act of helping Lorenzo win the championship. After watching this documentary, I feel I owe, not all, but at least some apologizes to Marquez. He is a very fast rider who goes at maximum speed regardless of the context or whether the points he earns make any difference. Marquez is a biker that runs very fast even when the practice session is over. A man that takes down even his own teammate. All this to say that, sure, his riding style is often outrageous and dangerous to the others, but he is young and does it all the time regardless. Therefore, I am certain there was no combine between the Spanish riders. And I am not even sure at this point, after seeing the friction between Lorenzo and Marquez, Pedrosa and Marquez, that Marquez would want Lorenzo to win just because they are both Spanish.
Therefore, I wish Marquez all the best for his career and hope he will be the next Valentino Rossi. Meantime, I have grown to be a huge fan of Lorenzo thanks to this documentary. He has appeared to me as a true professional of this sport. Meantime, however, I would like Rossi to win one more championship before his retirement.
Good luck to all of them (not just these 6 pilots) and thank you so much for all the fun they make us have every other Sunday.
Superb Documentary
aarongammon30 April 2019
Cure for insomnia
radhrh27 August 2022
Hitting the Apex is a very long documentary concerning a sport not terribly popular outside of southern Europe following the ups and downs of a hand full of riders all but one of whom I'd never heard of. The seasons in question are over 10 years old now so pretty much ancient history. There's some spectacular footage of the riders at crazy lean angles and of course plenty of crashes but that soon gets boring. The rest is talking heads, mostly in Spanish or Italian with subtitles however I'd recommend having subtitles on throughout as even when English is spoken it's almost incomprehensible. I'm sure die hard fans will find it all edge of the seat stuff but I nodded off after an hour.
Exhilarating as it is heartbreaking
arocvegas-3258024 June 2017
A thrilling ride. This is a must see for any motor sport racing enthusiast. An intricately woven story which follows the storied racing careers of MotoGP Euro Italian legends Valentino Rossi and Marco Simoncelli, and their rival Spaniards. Intricately shot, the slow motion footage (ala Ron Howard's Rush 2013) of the quickest, most advanced motorbikes on the planet taking corners on legendary circuits throughout Europe puts you right in the saddle. Brad Pitt's narration, soothing and paternal adds the sort of star power and prestige this Euro racing docudrama deserves. 58, your legend lives!
Exhilarating and emotional
jfsalguero30 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
What a fantastic movie! As a long-term fan of the sport, having watched all but a few of the GPS of the last 45 years, I can safely say that Hitting the Apex conveys all the thrill you can experience by watching a Moto GP race.
The only criticism I could make is the inclusion of Simoncelli as a true great... I understand the drama that his premature passing away can bring to the movie, but he never actually won a race in the Premier Class... He does not really deserve to be there with the others...
The only criticism I could make is the inclusion of Simoncelli as a true great... I understand the drama that his premature passing away can bring to the movie, but he never actually won a race in the Premier Class... He does not really deserve to be there with the others...
A shivering experience
poribrajok28 October 2021
I can definitely say this is one of the best sport documentaries the world has ever seen. The reality of the facts presented hits so massively that it will definitely make you shiver in joy, sorrow, fun, horror and every sort of emotion. A true l masterpiece produced by two legends to portray the stories of six best moto GP racers the world has ever seen. Hats off.
Truly a great sports documentary
jorisdavidse8 July 2021
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
