Ford V Ferrari begins with a dramatic sequence where Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) wins the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France. The story then fast-forwards to the mid-1960s when Henry Ford II (Tracy Letts) attempted to buy Ferrari. Lee Iacocca (Jon Bernthal) travels to Italy to make the offer, but Enzo Ferrari (Remo Girone)–whose cars and race team have dominated the race at Le Mans for years–insults Ford and his “crappy cars.” When Ford realizes Ferrari has played him, Ford writes a “blank check” to build a race car and team to beat Ferrari at Le Mans.
Lee Iacocca recruits Carroll Shelby, the best American car designer, to build the race car. But Shelby insists the key factor is the driver. Shelby’s talented but prickly friend, Ken Miles (Christian Bale), reluctantly agrees to drive Shelby’s car. Miles is an English-born World War II veteran who struggles financially because he keeps telling customers the truth. His loyal and long-suffering wife, Mollie (Caitriona Balfe), and his son (Noah Jupe), moderate Miles’s rants. Miles is his own worst enemy as he riles Ford’s Marketing director, Leo Beebe (Josh Lucas), who undermines both Miles and Shelby. I loved the race sequences, the suspense of the machinations of corporate politics, and the marriage of Ken Miles and Mollie. Caitriona Balfe is marvelous! Ford V Ferrari features terrific acting and a compelling true story. Don’t miss it! GRADE: A
Going to see this today. Saw The Irishman yesterday. A great movie. Moves along fast enough so you don’t notice the long running time. Seems to be a lot of good movies this fall.
Steve, you’ll enjoy FORD V FERRARI. THE IRISHMAN is on my list.
I’ll see THE IRISHMAN on Netflix soon. As for this, I have never really enjoyed these car race movies, no matter how well done. I’m sure I’ll see it eventually, though.
Jeff, FORD V FERRARI is more of a friendship movie…with fast cars!
For me, it’s all about the cars. I have at least two thick books on this whole battle; they cover this entire series of events, so I am well acquainted with this, although those books don’t spend time on spouses and children, that was no doubt put into the movie for audience interest. The real point is the battle of Ford to win over Ferrari in the 24 Hour race at Le Mans. I plan to see this as soon as it becomes available.
Rick, you will love FORD V FERRARI. The corporate politics of Ford and Ferrari, the process of designing and building a word-class race car, and putting together a winning race team captivated me. The bond between Shelby and Miles powers this movie, too.
Just came back from seeing. Very well done. Recommend seeing it on the big screen.