Netflix fans ‘blown away’ by newly added Orlando Bloom movie based on unbelievable true story

Netflix have just today added a new film starring Orlando Bloom – and the story is so unbelievable you would have struggled to believe it was real if it wasn’t a genuine true story.

This oftentimes is the best kind of film based on a true story, ones that would be impossible to enjoy due to how unrealistic they are if there wasn’t that tag at the start telling you it was ‘based on a true story.'

Coming out in 2023, the movie that has just been added to Netflix follows the genuine story where a 19-year-old went from being one of the best video-game race car drivers to becoming a genuine real-life race car driver.

Called Gran Turismo, the film shares the name of a popular video game series not because it’s a direct adaptation, but because the game was a pathway to a real-life video gamer to achieving his dream.

What is the film about and who stars in it?

Gran Turismo stars Archie Madekwe, Orlando Bloom, David Harbour, Geri Halliwell-Horner, and Djimon Hounsou with a cast full of sneakily great character actors (and a Spice Girl who is a surprisingly good addition).

It follows Madekwe as Jann Mardenborough, a young working class kid who had to give up his dream of racing due to the high costs associated with it.

Instead he becomes outstanding at racing simulator games, eventually signing up to a tournament where they are trying to turn Grand Turismo gamers into bonafide race car drivers.

The film was largely well received, with a 7.1 on IMDb and a 65% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The film has been added to Netflix (Sony)

Rotten Tomatoes verified critic Gary Kramer said: “Mardenborough's story is remarkable, and it is extremely well told here.

“Even viewers who don't like video games will want to break out the champagne for Gran Turismo. The film is a winner.”

One fan on IMDb said they were ‘blown away’ by the film, adding: “I had no clue this actual story happened, and as far as true-events films go, this is right up there with the best.

“It's a true underdog inspirational story that was cast perfectly, and filmed just as great, with stunning effects, visuals and camera work.”

How much of the story of Gran Turismo is true?

(Sony)

Whilst, of course, certain aspects of the story are made more dramatic for the screen (as almost all films based on true stories are), the film is surprisingly close to real life.

Jann Mardenborough beat more than 90,000 players from around the world to win the GT Academy competition in 2011, and was even one of the stunt drivers on the film.

One shocking moment though features a significant change which led to severe criticism for the film.

Mardenborough was involved in a horrific crash in 2015, with the car becoming airbourne and flying over a barrier.

This injured several spectators and even killed one, with Mardenborough calling it the ‘darkest moment’ of his professional and personal life.

The film keeps in the shocking crash, however, moves it around chronologically to predate a successful 24 hours at Le Mans race in 2013.

This move was called a ‘tasteless reframing’ by Polygon’s critic Oli Welsh, with ScreenRant calling the decision ‘disingenuous and emotionally manipulative.'