Exploring the high-stakes and passion-driven world of motorcycle racing, Mark Neale’s 2011 documentary feature titled Fastest gives audiences a deep dive into a world both human and extreme. The film (while putting the lens on motorsport overall) shines a spotlight on the intense lives and professional rise of legendary riders Valentino Rossi and his rival Jorge Lorenzo – and a smaller light on those they’ve raced along the way.

Compiling footage mostly shot between 2010 and 2011 – using professional or broadcast footage alongside amateur – and driven by a narration by legendary Long Way Round star Ewan McGregor, Fastest is as poetic as it is well crafted. The film offers a behind-the-scenes look at the adrenaline-fueled MotoGP, showing everything from the intense physical and mental preparation required to be the best on the track, while reminding the audience of the human behind the superhero on the bike. You’ll see broken men – both physical and mental – and discover what happens inside their heads on race day.

But what makes Fastest stand out as a engaging documentary is that it combines breath-taking race footage and the feeling of watching competitive sport as a spectator with personal stories that echo the passion, commitment and sacrifice made by arguably normal people. It shows the audience why they love the sport while connecting that love in those that dedicate their lives to it. In doing this, it captures the extreme risks and the sheer speed of motorcycle racing, while exploring what drives these racers to push themselves to their limits and beyond in a very human way.

What captured me was Neale’s ability to set the stage, inform the audience with what and how the sport works, then tell a very human story of rivalry and brotherhood that doesn’t feel nasty, one-sided or pushing of an agenda. The first half sets up this and provides the audience with everything they’d need to know about professional racing, even if they’ve never watched a race in their lives. This is then followed by a story full of tension and flow, giving the audience a suspense filled final half to cap off a desire to find out more.

In essence, Fastest is more than just a showcase of high-speed racing – it’s a deep dive into the lives of those who live for the thrill of the track, providing an engaging and exhilarating experience for both racing enthusiasts and newcomers alike. It gives you the characters behind the helmets, then takes you one step further and shows you the people behind the characters. It takes a special kind of person to stare death in the face professionally and Neale gives you a glimpse of that dedication in a very real and honest way.