If you think all people over 60 years of age give up on their dreams, then you haven’t heard about Burt Munro. The World’s Fastest Indian stars Anthony Hopkins as this remarkable New Zealander who broke the land-speed world record while in his late 60s. It’s an inspiring movie with an exceptionally appealing performance by one of filmdom’s most accomplished actors.

I’m not sure why filmmaker Roger Donaldson (The Recruit), whose love for this project shows through in every scene, selected Hopkins to play Burt Munro. This is not a typical Hopkins role, and many New Zealanders wanted the part to go to one of their own. Hopkins had to learn the Kiwi accent plus the nuances of Munro’s eccentric character. Fortunately, Donaldson made the right decision. Hopkins is perfect as Munro -- so perfect I forgot I was watching a famous Oscar-winning actor (for The Silence of the Lambs) pretending to be Munro. And I understand that one of Munro’s sons broke down in tears after seeing how much Hopkins resembled his late father.     

Munro is certainly no Hannibal Lecter, but he shares one thing with that other unforgettable Hopkins movie character. He’s just as obsessive about achieving his goal. Nothing deters Munro from finding a way to get from his home in New Zealand to Utah’s Bonneville Flats in 1967. He spent many years rebuilding a 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle and cannot be dissuaded from believing he’s the one to set a new speed record on this trusty vehicle. Living in a  rundown garage which also serves as his workshop, Munro takes the neighbors’ scoffing in stride. And he clearly enjoys visiting with a young boy (the very cute Aaron Murphy) who idolizes him and wants to learn as much as he can about what Munro is up to.

When Munro finally arrives in America, he manages to charm everyone he meets while driving from California to Utah. Munro shows genuine interest in each individual he comes across, including a helpful transvestite, a furloughed soldier, a Native American and a curious car salesman. It’s easy to see why people go out of their way to assist Munro. A widow (Diane Ladd) even offers him her bed (and herself) for the night! Did I forget to mention that Munro has quite a way with the ladies?    

After reaching his destination, our intrepid Kiwi faces bureaucratic obstacles that would surely discourage anyone else. But again, Munro’s personality and dedication (plus the kindness of strangers) save the day. Anyone who loves a happy ending will be thrilled to see this senior speedster zoom across the Bonneville Salt Flats into history.

Ironically, The World’s Fastest Indian moves along rather slowly. But its leisurely pace gives us time to enjoy one of Anthony Hopkins’ finest performances, so who’s complaining?

(Released by Magnolia Pictures and rated “PG-13” for brief language, drug use and a sexual reference. Opened in Los Angeles and New York City on December 7, 2005; scheduled for expanded released in February of 2006.)