The Lionheart

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The Lionheart

2023

1h 44m

Documentary

Sports

Biography

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3 Reviews

96%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

In 2011, two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Dan Wheldon, nicknamed "The Lionheart," died in a horrific crash at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, shaking the world of motorsports to its core. Ten years later, Dan's two sons, Sebastian and Oliver, follow in their father's footsteps as they work through their loss the only way they know how -- getting behind the wheel to race. THE LIONHEART blends archival footage with vérité storytelling to weave together two distinct narratives: Dan's storied career in the past and the present day lives of Dan's widow Susie and sons Sebastian and Oliver. As Susie grapples with her grief and the responsibility of raising their sons alone, the two boys, ages 12 and 10, take on their father's mantle and enter the world of professional racing. As an epic sports story unfolds within the ongoing intergenerational family drama, the film explores Susie's dilemma as a mother who questions whether her family's lineage is a blessing or a burden while watching her sons, with the high-risk sport deeply embedded in their DNA, try to reconcile their father's absence by embracing the very sport that took him from them.

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John Anderson

Wall Street Journal

It is Susie Wheldon who is the soul of “The Lionheart” and whose courage, mixed with confusion, marks it as a story that certainly transcends the track.

Mar 7, 2024

Full Review

Nora Lee Mandel

Maven's Nest

Multi-layered story is more than a conventional sports and racing documentary. Past and present sometimes confusingly intersect through Susie Wheldon -wife, widow and mother of racing car drivers on circuit. Not just archival, home movies, and interviews.

Rated: 6/10

Apr 29, 2024

Full Review

Christopher Lloyd

The Film Yap

This astonishing documentary about the life and death of Indy 500 legend Dan Wheldon, and the legacy carried on by his family, is a triumph of the heart.

Rated: 5/5

Oct 6, 2023

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Tyler S

For anyone who loves documentaries and racing movies, I think this is a must see. Such an interesting and emotional film. I knew a bit about Dan Wheldon, but hearing his story from this point of view made it hard to watch. Even learning about his kids trying to follow in his footsteps is just as intriguing. What a beautifully made film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/19/25

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Audience Member

Great Movie but more importantly: Great Man!!! Great Family! May God continue to Bless this family as they continue racing to their dreams!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/12/24

Full Review

Michael W

This auto racing documentary was really good. The entire crew did an excellent job on bringing the story of IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon to life. What's even better is that his sons Oliver and Sebastian are following in his footsteps. If you haven't seen this documentary yet, check it out sometime. Even if you're not an auto racing fan, you'll still enjoy it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/16/24

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Laura Brownson

Director

Michael Andretti

Actor

Scott Dixon

Actor

Dario Franchitti

Actor

Chip Ganassi

Actor

Bryan Herta

Actor

The Lionheart: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In 2011, two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Dan Wheldon, nicknamed "The Lionheart," died in a horrific crash at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, shaking the world of motorsports to its core. Ten years later, Dan's two sons, Sebastian and Oliver, follow in their father's footsteps as they work through their loss the only way they know how -- getting behind the wheel to race. THE LIONHEART blends archival footage with vérité storytelling to weave together two distinct narratives: Dan's storied career in the past and the present day lives of Dan's widow Susie and sons Sebastian and Oliver. As Susie grapples with her grief and the responsibility of raising their sons alone, the two boys, ages 12 and 10, take on their father's mantle and enter the world of professional racing. As an epic sports story unfolds within the ongoing intergenerational family drama, the film explores Susie's dilemma as a mother who questions whether her family's lineage is a blessing or a burden while watching her sons, with the high-risk sport deeply embedded in their DNA, try to reconcile their father's absence by embracing the very sport that took him from them.

Director: Laura Brownson
Producer: Laura Brownson, Chapman Way, Maclain Way
Distributor: Max
Production Co: Words + Pictures, XTR, Stardust Frames Productions, Time Studios
Genre: Documentary, Sports, Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 12, 2024
Runtime: 1h 44m

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