MOVIE REVIEWS
Finke: There And Back
MADMAN
2019
Director Dylan River
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Since its inception, the Finke Desert Race has become one
of the great tests of endurance, both man and machine. It's
regarded as one of the toughest races of its type ... anywhere in
the world.
Dylan River has constructed what could be considered one
of the best motorsport / adventure documentaries you will ever
see. Finke: There and Back isn't about well known racers, it
concentrates on the stories that make the Finke what it is.
We follow the two factory teams; Yamaha and KTM, minus
Toby Price, plus a couple of 'unknowns' - Scruff Hamill, who
lives amongst a collection of vintage MX bikes and paraplegic
rider, Isaac Elliott.
Two hundred and thirty kilometres, competitors race from
the desert city of Alice Springs to the community of Aputula
(Finke), the next day they turn around and do it again. The fac-
tory bikes compete for outright victory and while this is impor-
tant, the real story is that of Scruff and Isaac.
Scruff is racing aboard the oldest bike in the field, it's vintage
and rough, so is Scruff ... perhaps the true spirit of Finke. Isaac
on the other hand, is back to finish the race he started ten years
earlier ... a race that took the use of his legs. Isaac is determine
and inspirational ... perhaps the true spirit of Finke.
Eric Bana narrates this beautifully shot race documentary
that concentrates not too much on results but the landscapes,
the people, the culture. All 92 minutes of Finke; There and
Back will keep you enthralled, the hardest amongst you will
shed a tear as the roller-coaster ride that is the Finke unfurls in
front of you.
You needn't be a fan of motorsport, dirt riding, or the desert
to appreciate that Finke: There and
Back will become a classic; Dylan
River, who he himself has compet-
ed in the Finke, brings this unique
event to life like so few films of its
type are able to. This is a must see.
Finke: There and Back screening
in selected cinemas.
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