Ok, so it's not strictly a film from this decade (it was first released in Japan and Brazil in late 2010), but Asif Kapadia's stupendous documentary Senna didn't screen for 99.5% of the world until 2011, so it makes the cut. What's most fascinating about this examination of the high-octane life and tragically untimely death of legendary Brazilian racing champion Ayrton Senna is that it doesn't really matter if you're into Formula One or not. The movie is largely a humanist tale of Senna's life wrapped around his superb legacy in the sport, and with the seat-of-your-pants sense of speed conveyed by the extensive in-cockpit footage of the man's races, it's almost impossible not to be exhilarated. In addition, there's not a single new talking head interview to be found throughout: Kapadia skilfully keeps the visuals focused on racing and Senna's family life, while laying vocal interviews over the top, creating a seamless, almost dreamlike feel which won the movie a Best Editing BAFTA Award. A deeply affecting look at an iconic sporting figure, and one packed with all of the triumph and tragedy of real life, Senna is a true masterpiece regardless of your interest in the sport or not. What are your favourite British movies of the decade so far? Shout it out in the comments!
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
