Review
Race for Glory: Audi vs. Lancia (Sports, Drama, Biography) [Based on True Events] (2024)
Director: Stefano Mordini
Writer: Stefano Mordini, Filippo Bologna, Riccardo Scamarcio
Stars: Riccardo Scamarcio, Volker Bruch, Daniel Brühl, Carlotta Verny
Taking place during the 1983 World Rally Championship, Audi and Lancia are in a rigid rivalry, with the latter trying to overcome their previous shortcomings by developing a car purely meant for speed, overtaking Audi's technologically advanced vehicle.
Based on the tug-of-war between Audi and Lancia during the 1983 WRC, this Italian feature directed by Stefano Mordini translates the struggle between these manufacturers and the men behind them. Playing the role of team manager Cesare Fiorio is Riccardo Scamarcio also responsible for its production alongside Jeremy Thomas. It was filmed around Italy and Greece at historical locations like the Circuito di Balocco and has been produced by Recorded Picture Company, HanWay Films, Lebowski, and Metropolitan Films while being distributed by 01 Distribution and Signature Entertainment.
Formerly a dominant force in the World Rally, Italian car manufacturer Lancia had been overtaken by German brand Audi in 1982. In an effort to regain its former glory, Cesare Fiofio (Riccardo Scamarcio) designs the Lancia 037, which is built for high velocity on stretches of asphalt, sacrificing off-road performance. Believing this approach could secure victory against the technologically advanced four-wheel-drive Sport Quattro. As an additional ace-in-the-hole, Fiorio hires friend Walter Röhrl (Volker Bruch), who reluctantly signs a deal to drive half the races—which hopefully would be enough to propel Lancia into the lead during the 1983 WRC season.
Locked in the slipstream left by features like "Rush" and "Ford V. Ferrari", Italian director Stefano Mordini, alongside producer/actor Riccardo Scamarcio and writer/producer Filippo Bologna their project uses speed and passion to recreate the recapture of Italian triumph in the world of rally racing during the 1983 WRC.
Taking a moment to provide an interview with a journalist, Scamarcio's Cesare describes the intense dedication fuelling those behind the wheel in rally racing. This defining track allows us to follow the path towards and during the 1982 WRC, a capricious challenge for Lancia to overtake Audi and re-establish Italian pride. Through his eyes only, we experience that rivalry trying to develop ideal circumstances and overtake their most fierce challenge yet, against Brühl's Gumpert—having shown his penchant for racing and historical characters alike. The angle is around Lancia, though; thus, Brühl is primarily there as a face for the audience to root against, with Scamarcio and Bruch's Walter as the heroes of this Italian-oriented tale.
Most promise lies within the idea behind "Race for Glory: Audi vs. Lancia", which captured the attention by providing the Italian perspective behind this rally-based conflict. However, each actor seems muted, the focus being singular. It might've stood a chance if provided more glimpses within the mindset of those like the eccentric Walter Röhrl or even the austere Roland Gumpert with additional attention to the action itself apace with Scarmarcio's part. Yet, failure to allow the true history to shine leaves the bodywork caked in mud.
Verdict
Race for insignificance.
6,0
