Ford v Ferrari is an exhilarating film that is based on the journey of automotive designer (and ex-race car driver) Carroll Shelby and race car driver Ken Miles to build a car for Ford to compete against Ferrari at the race 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.
Director James Mangold (known most notably for directing Logan) does a fantastic job in making this film worth the watch. His style is reminiscent of Damien Chazelle's in last year's critically acclaimed Apollo 11 biopic, First Man, where the cinematography connects the audience to the scenes by allowing them to witness the events from carefully chosen vantage points and the screenplay gives glimpses into the characters' personalities and relationships (like an impromptu dance scene). The cinematography and screenplay synergize with each other to create an intimate and active experience (unlike First Man, where the experience is meant to be a lot more passive) where you feel like a part of the film.
Now, Ford v Ferrari would definitely not be the film that it is if not for the spectacular acting of two of the best actors in the world - Matt Damon and Christian Bale. Damon makes the tough role of Shelby seem like a piece of cake. Bale plays his character to perfection (as he always does), nailing a British accent in the process. Caitriona Balfe is a revelation; her portrayal of Miles' wife, Mollie, is creditable in a performance comparable, again, to Claire Foy in First Man, who plays Armstrong's wife Janet. Jon Bernthal, who plays Lee Iacocca, Ford's marketing director, is also commendable for making the sort of good-guy-on-the-bad-side character that he plays very likable. Noah Jupe's role (as Miles' son) isn't too demanding, but we'll see him again later this year in a pivotal role in the film Honey Boy, written by Shia LeBoeuf, which will be a better judge of his abilities.
Courtesy of 20th Century Fox |
I can't stress enough how amazing the cinematography is. The viewer really feels like he is at the races. I mean, there was a scene where I literally craned my neck in an attempt to get a better angle of what was going on in the race (which was obviously futile, but you get the point). You feel the anxiety, you feel the thrill, it's amazing. Furthermore, apart from being really heartwarming, the screenplay is also very quirky and entertaining with memorable characters and scenes, making it a fun watch too.
Courtesy of 20th Century Fox |
Ford v Ferrari is one of my favorite films of this year, and its triumphant and sweet story, coupled with every other good thing about it, is definitely going to make it beloved during award season. It's a feel-good movie that will make you cry and laugh, and make your heart race with emotions as fast as a Ferra...(cough)...Ford.
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