A quick review of Senna.

This is a quick review of one of my favorite documentaries about one of my favorite athletes: racing driver Ayrton Senna (1960-1994)

The sensation of the wind blowing over your helmet at 200 miles per hour on a straightaway and the feeling of five times the earth’s gravity pushing against you in a corner must be simply mind boggling; for Ayrton Senna this dangerous dance with destiny was the norm- he balanced life and death on a razor’s edge every day.

I know what you’re thinking right now: “I could give a hoot about racing; it’s all just tarmac, turns and testosterone!” Well if you’re not fan, do not fear! Senna’s story is so visceral, so powerful and so moving that it will bring even the most racing-ignorant viewer through a whirlwind of emotions. Even for someone who flat-out hates racing, the end of this tale of triumph and tragedy will bring you to tears.

‘Senna’ is presents the gripping tale of one of Formula One's most spectacular drivers. Ayrton Senna raced in Formula One for 10 years, winning three world championships prior to his tragic death at the Imola Circuit in Italy. The greats of yesterday and today- even Michael Schumacher- respect and admire Senna, considering him to be the greatest driver to ever live.

Directed by Asif Kapadia, the film tells Ayrton's story from his early years in go-karts all the way through to the day of his death in 1994. Using archival racing footage, interviews with relatives, friends and fellow drivers, plus past interviews with Senna himself, Kapadia is able to bring the man back to life. From his bitter rivalry with legendary French driver Alain Prost to to his devout Christianity and immense capacity for compassion and charity, Kapadia leaves it all on the screen and lets you be the judge. The re-edits of some of Formula One's most famous races turn them into even more dramatic- and easier to swallow- events than when they originally occurred. Make no mistake: this one will have you hanging on like you’re in the car with Senna for the entire 105 minutes.

Senna is available on Netflix Instant.

For a taste of what you can expect from Senna, check out this tribute to Ayrton's life done by BBC's Top Gear.