In 1966, Ford Motor Company decided that the only thing they could do to save their business was to build race cars. Race cars good enough to win the famed 24 hour of Le Mans in France and beat Ferrari. In order to accomplish such a feat they hire one man, who in turn hires a second man. Ladies and Gentleman, this is Ford V Ferrari. An entertaining story about friendship and corporate greed, and one of the best movies of the year.
It may seem hyperbole to state that a movie about racing is that good. But trust me when I say this is much, much more than just a racing movie. Ironically, this is hardly even about “Ford vs Ferrari” it’s about two men, working together to accomplish their dreams. And it is so much more gripping and relatable because of it.
In 1966, Henry Ford II makes a desperate move to save his father’s company. Build a car capable of winning the 24 hours of Le Mans to bolster their reputation and jumpstart higher sales. Marketing man Lee Iococca turns to Carroll Shelby of Shelby American to design such a beast. But all the bells and whistles will do nothing without the right driver, enter Ken Miles, passionate, talented, and the biggest pain to work with.
On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!
Starting things off we have the story. This movie will make you care about cars. All of these characters practically live and breath gear shafts and pistons, and they even manage to talk in a way that you feel like you understand what’s going on under the hood.
Don’t expect anything close to the high octane action of something the Fast and the Furious. Ford V. Ferrari is a completely different car movie. Cars hardly ever leave the ground as this is about real racing, not adrenaline pumping combat driving. Though, with every shot of Ken shifting gears and stepping on the gas, you will feel the same rush as those films.
Dwarfing the story comes the acting, the whole cast shifts their acting chops into high gear for this one. Christian Bale steals the show as the headstrong and passionate underdog, Ken Miles. And complimenting him is the intense performance from Matt Damon as Carroll Shelby, the charming and also passionate design lead.
The chemistry between these two men is incredible. They get along in hilarious, gripping, and heartwarming ways. One scene they are finishing each other sentences as they navigate the hurdles of designing the perfect machine, the next they are rolling on the ground, whacking eachother with today’s groceries. It is immensely watchable and always entertaining.
Some people may be off put by the length, and while it is true that the film feels a bit on the long side, every single part of it is necessary. These men had to go through 24 straight hours of racing, and you definitely feel that as the film goes on. But it all works to make you empathize with the characters as they fight for first place.
Fans of gripping dramas, biopics, and even racing films will love this movie. While it is certainly a time investment, every second is worth it and gripping to watch.
Ford V. Ferrari flies out passed the green flag and never lets up until the checkered flag.
Ford V Ferrari
10 out of 10.
2 Hrs 32 Mins. Drama, Racing.
Directed by James Mangold.
Starring Christian Bale, Matt Damon, Jon Bernthal, and Caitriona Balfe.
Now playing at Film.ca Cinemas, Cineplex Winston Churchill, and Cineplex Oakville & VIP. Also in IMAX.
