As Formula One auto racing became a more tech-driven big biz, Ayrton Senna was a very human hero, a three-time world champ and Brazil’s greatest sportsman since Pelé. Lean, handsome, a bit gawky, he remains a public idol in Asif Kapadia’s documentary, but maybe there wasn’t a whole lot of privacy to explore. Senna’s audacious risk taking, his love of Brazil (reciprocated), his religious faith, his anger with snobby officials, and his need to push the pedal until it killed him (in San Marino at age 34) are as vivid as the powerful racing shots. (2011) — David Elliott
This movie is not currently in theaters.