The Racer

The Racer

Year: 2020

Runtime: 95 min

Language: Italian

Director: Kieron J. Walsh

Echo Score: 64
DramaSportComedy

In 1998, veteran cyclist Dom Chabol faces a career crisis during the Tour de France, grappling with aging and the prospect of retirement. A meeting with young doctor Lynn Brennan offers a glimmer of hope and a chance for redemption. He must then decide whether to fight for a return to his former success or accept the inevitable close of a significant chapter in his life.

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The Racer (2020) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

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Race-car driver Gino Borgesa finds his life turned upside down when he encounters Nicole Laurent, a captivating ballerina whose pet poodle inadvertently triggers a crash during a race. In an unexpected twist, she convinces an ex-lover to fund Gino’s quest for a new car. Their romance blossoms, yet Gino firmly reminds her that his passion for racing must remain his top priority.

Following a triumphant victory in a grueling 1,000-mile race, Gino earns a spot on a prestigious racing team overseen by Maglio, who harbors reservations about Gino’s dangerously reckless driving style. However, encouraged by the seasoned driver Carlos Chavez, Maglio reluctantly decides to give Gino a chance.

Complications arise when Nicole becomes increasingly troubled by Gino’s indifferent attitude toward the tragic death of a mechanic at the track. The situation escalates further when Gino suffers serious injuries in a crash during a race in Brussels. Fortunately, Nicole persuades the medical team to forgo an amputation that would change his life forever.

As Gino recuperates, he falls into the trap of painkillers and starts to take reckless risks, showcasing erratic behavior that alienates him from those around him. His insults towards Michel Caron, a young French driver who idolizes him, leave Nicole deeply offended. The situation reaches a breaking point when Gino disregards Maglio’s instructions during the final race of Carlos’s career, winning decisively instead of allowing Carlos a farewell victory.

With Gino’s reputation in racing declining steadily, he finds himself isolated and desperate for Nicole’s affection once more. Yet, she has moved on with Michel, leaving Gino to face the consequences of his choices. In a moment of reflection and humility, Gino returns to the track, choosing to let Michel speed past him, signaling the end of an era in his tumultuous racing journey.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 16:31

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Movies about flawed champions like The Racer

Stories of professional obsession leading to self-destruction and a quiet redemption.If you enjoyed The Racer's story of an athlete's self-destructive spiral and hard-won redemption, explore more movies like it. This list features similar high-stakes dramas about obsessive professionals facing the consequences of their ambition and searching for a path back.

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These narratives typically follow a linear 'rise and fall' arc. A character achieves great success, often fueled by a singular obsession, but their personal flaws—such as arrogance, addiction, or recklessness—trigger a dramatic collapse. The journey concludes not with a triumphant return to glory, but with a quieter, more personal act of redemption or acceptance.

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Fast-paced professional dramas like The Racer

Gritty, intense dramas set within the dangerous, all-consuming world of elite competition.Looking for more movies with the high-speed, high-stakes vibe of The Racer? Discover similar films that capture the gritty realism and relentless pressure of dangerous professions, from sports to other demanding fields, where every decision carries weight.

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These films use a fast-paced, often chaotic structure to mirror the relentless pressure of their settings. The narrative is straightforward, focusing on the immediate physical and emotional dangers the characters face. The central conflict is often the character's struggle against their environment, their rivals, and their own limitations.

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They are united by a high-intensity viewing experience, a fast pace that reflects the urgency of the profession, and a focus on the gritty, often brutal reality of the world they depict. The tone is typically serious, with a heavy emotional weight derived from the high risks involved.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Racer

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