“Gran Turismo” is a 2023 American biographical sports drama film directed by Neill Blomkamp. The film is based on the racing simulation video game series of the same name developed by Polyphony Digital. It tells the true story of Jann Mardenborough, a teenage Gran Turismo player who became a professional racing car driver.
The film stars Archie Madekwe as Mardenborough alongside David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Darren Barnet, Geri Halliwell Horner, and Djimon Hounsou. The film was released in the United States on August 25, 2023. It has grossed $121 million worldwide against its $60 million budget.
The plot follows Jann Mardenborough, an avid gamer from Cardiff who spends his days playing Gran Turismo, refusing to succeed in the real world. Meanwhile, in Tokyo, Danny, a marketing manager for the Nissan automobile corporation, is running an advertising campaign and, together with the management of Gran Turismo, hatches a plan to launch a competition inviting gamers to try their luck in real racing cars.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, who praised Blomkamp’s direction and racing sequences, but criticized its writing.