Watch The Green Hell

The Green Hell is a documentary film released in 2016 which explores the history and legacy of Germany's Nurburgring racetrack, also known as the 'Green Hell' due to its intense nature and challenging twists and turns. The film focuses on the experiences and insights of three famous racing drivers - Niki Lauda, Jackie Stewart, and Sabine Schmitz - as they recount their time spent racing on the track and reflect on its cultural significance.

The documentary begins by introducing the Nurburgring and its history. Built in the 1920s, the track quickly became renowned for its difficulty and danger, with many drivers losing their lives on its twisting, narrow roads. Despite this, the Nurburgring remained a fixture on the racing calendar throughout the 20th century and attracted some of the biggest names in motorsport.

The film then introduces its main subjects - Lauda, Stewart, and Schmitz. Each driver provides unique insights into their experiences racing on the Nurburgring and how it shaped their careers. Lauda speaks candidly about the 1976 German Grand Prix, in which he famously suffered a near-fatal crash that left him with severe burns and injuries. Lauda reflects on the risks he took as a driver and the impact the crash had on him personally and professionally.

Stewart, meanwhile, shares his memories of racing on the Nurburgring during the 1960s and 70s, a period when safety standards were much lower and drivers often competed on tracks that were barely fit for purpose. Stewart discusses the changes that were made to the track over the years in an effort to improve safety, but also laments the loss of some of the circuit's more daunting features.

Finally, Schmitz offers a more contemporary perspective on the Nurburgring. As a professional racing driver and tour guide, Schmitz has spent countless hours on the track and has become a beloved figure among Nurburgring enthusiasts. Schmitz discusses the challenges of driving the Nurburgring today, as well as the ways in which the track has become a cultural phenomenon among motorsport fans.

Throughout the film, the drivers' reflections on the Nurburgring are interspersed with historic footage and interviews with other key figures from the world of motorsport. The film also explores the track's impact on the local community, with interviews from business owners and racing fans who live in the area.

Overall, The Green Hell is a fascinating look at one of the world's most iconic racetracks and the people who have made it a legendary destination for motorsport enthusiasts. The film offers a unique blend of history, personal anecdotes, and cultural commentary that will appeal to both racing fans and casual viewers alike. Whether you're a diehard fan of the Nurburgring or simply interested in the world of motorsport, The Green Hell is a must-see documentary that offers a compelling glimpse into the past, present, and future of this legendary track.

The Green Hell is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.