Gran Turismo (2023)

Score: 6 / 10
Category: Movie
Platform: Netflix

One-line verdict

Inspiring true story with solid production, but uneven acting and rushed execution hold it back.

Why I watched this

I went into this because I heard it was based on a true story. That was the hook.

For context, I’m a PlayStation gamer. But I’ve never been a fan of the Gran Turismo game itself. Playing it with a controller felt too technical and unforgiving compared to something like Need for Speed. So when this movie first came out, I had zero interest — even though it’s a Sony production.

But once I found out it was based on real events, curiosity won.

Story & Structure

The premise is straightforward. A gamer spends thousands of hours playing Gran Turismo. An opportunity opens through the GT Academy, he wins, transitions into real racing, and eventually competes on a major stage like Le Mans.

There are no major twists. It’s a clean, linear underdog story.

What works is the value behind it. The film emphasizes perseverance. Jann doesn’t quit despite doubts, critics, and setbacks. That part is strong and easy to root for.

But structurally, there are gaps.

For example, the transition into the 24 Hours of Le Mans felt rushed. We’re shown that Jann had to earn his spot — but what about the other GT Academy drivers racing alongside him? How did they qualify? The film doesn’t clarify. It feels glossed over.

There are also moments that feel overly dramatized. The line about Nissan potentially shutting everything down after an incident felt forced — like added cinematic tension rather than something grounded in reality.

What worked

• Strong inspirational core.
• Racing sequences are well shot and intense.
• Big-name cast including Orlando Bloom, David Harbour, Djimon Hounsou, and even Geri Halliwell.
• Production quality is solid, as expected from a Sony-backed project.

What didn’t

• Lead performance didn’t fully convince me. Some deliveries felt slightly cringey.
• Emotional beats occasionally feel engineered.
• Important transitions in Jann’s racing journey lack explanation.
• Compared to more recent racing films like F1, this feels less intense and less immersive.

It’s not bad. It’s just not exceptional.

What others think

Audience reception has generally been positive, especially praising the inspirational aspect and racing sequences. Critics are more divided — some feel it’s formulaic and predictable, others appreciate its sincerity.

I lean somewhere in between.

Final thoughts

It’s a feel-good sports drama. It delivers motivation and spectacle.

But uneven acting and structural shortcuts prevent it from reaching higher.

This sits at 6 / 10 for me.

Inspiring. Watchable.
But not podium-worthy.