Recensioni di Metacritic

Not since Rocky has a modest, unheralded movie proved so satisfying. [31 Oct 1983]

Heart Like A Wheel is a surprisingly fine biopic of Shirley Muldowney, the first professional female race car driver. What could have been a routine good ol' gal success story has been heightened into an emotionally involving, superbly made drama.

A film of great human drama and emotion, Heart Like a Wheel never fails to inspire.

A film of great human drama and emotion, Heart Like a Wheel never fails to inspire.

Director Kaplan has a generous, open-eyed affection for these quirky, hungry characters that he obviously wants to share. Smart host that he is, he doesn't over sing their praises. You warm to this movie at your own sweet speed. [31 Oct 1983, p.83]

Heart is an often enthralling film of determination, heartbreak and triumph.

Its story is unusual, but it's told in a style that is immediate and understandable, and that never opts for heroism at the expense of authenticity.

Race fans won't be disappointed, but the real bonus comes from a perfect performance of tough understatement from Bonnie Bedelia as the three-time winner. The wheel may be a flash chrome slot-mag, but the heart is gold.

Bonnie Bedelia, who plays Shirley from 16 to 40, gives a tightly controlled starring performance; she's compelling and she brings the role a dry and precise irony.

The film is marred by a lackluster narrative, failing to inspire or move us in any way, but there's no denying Bedelia's beautifully nuanced performance.