Velocità massima (2002)

Claudio is a seventeen-year-old aspiring mechanic who starts working at Stefano’s garage against his father’s wishes. He immediately shows a real talent for engines, so much so that Stefano treats him coldly, unable to stand being less skilled than a kid. One evening, Stefano decides to take him to the obelisk, where many motor enthusiasts gather on weekends to organize, among other things, a few illegal races. Once they are drawn into the world of illegal racing, they meet Fischio, the owner of a Toyota Celica GT-Four. At first, Stefano’s Lancia Delta Integrale is outmatched by Fischio’s car, so Claudio decides to bring a Ford Sierra Cosworth back to life from Stefano’s garage. Stefano, initially annoyed by the boy’s behavior, which seems to him like nothing but wasting time in the workshop, is astonished by Claudio’s abilities. After a first, rough tune-up of the Sierra, they race Fischio again and, although they do not win, they manage to humiliate their rival. They decide to repair and prepare the car to make it better. Claudio, however, begins neglecting his work when he falls in love with Giovanna. Their relationship is hindered by Stefano, who is struggling financially, partly because of the money spent on the Sierra, and is counting on Claudio’s help to get back on his feet by winning a dangerous race in which they wager 40 million lire against Fischio. Meanwhile, Giovanna has left Claudio: shortly beforehand, it had come to light that Stefano’s dislike of Claudio was due to a previous relationship between Stefano and Giovanna, and during a moment when Claudio was away, the two had ended up having sex. Shortly before the race, Giovanna bluntly tells Claudio the truth, and he confronts Stefano. At this point Claudio remains cold and impassive, putting Stefano at risk of losing the race. Then, just as the car begins to lose power, he decides to make one final gesture for Stefano, his friend no longer, and manually resets the overboost settings. The car roars back to life and manages to beat the Celica. Stefano wins the 40 million lire, and, as he had promised some time earlier, gives the Sierra to Claudio. The next morning, Stefano wakes up and, looking out into the garage courtyard, finds the Sierra completely dismantled, with all its parts laid out on the ground—the final gesture by Claudio, who has now left. The film ends with Stefano smiling, standing as he gazes at all the car parts.