By Nadia Ranaputri
Director: James Mangold
Cast: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Caitriona Balfe, Jon Bernthal, Noah Jupe, Tracy Letts, Josh Lucas.
When Ford v Ferrari begins, it starts with the sound of a roaring car engine. Shortly, it fades, and we see a closeup of Carroll Shelby on the driver's seat, in the heat of the race. "There's a point at 7,000 RPM where everything fades. The machine becomes weightless. It just disappears," Shelby says. It's certainly one heck of a way to start a film. By then, I was already intrigued by what this film has to offer. What first drew me to Ford v Ferrari was the fact that it was a biopic, and I was interested in any kind of biopic. Second, it was because of its director James Mangold; I wanted to see what he'd do next since Logan. Third, and perhaps the main drive of why I wanted to see it: Matt Damon and Christian Bale, a duo that perhaps I never knew I needed until now. To tell you the truth, I know next to nothing about racing, it was never something I tend to watch on TV, but that definitely won't be a major obstacle for those new to racing and wants to give Ford v Ferrari a go, because beneath the surface, it offers so much more than that. If anything, it's bringing back the classic underdog tale, the type that we don't see often nowadays.
Ford v Ferrari begins with former race driver Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon), who due to his health condition, is forced to retire from racing, and currently owns his own motor company. Elsewhere, Ford Motor Company is on the verge of bankruptcy after lack of success in their sales. In order to boost their image, Ford takes it upon their hands to improve their automotive and compete in the upcoming 24 hour Le Mans race ("We know how to do more than push paper," Henry Ford II says at one point). Ford eventually takes notice of Shelby's reputation and recruits him to build a car that is able to not only race at the 1966 Le Mans, but is fast enough to beat the juggernaut that is Ferrari, a constant winner of Le Mans for the past years. Shelby eventually takes in former war veteran and mechanic Ken Miles (Christian Bale) to assist him. Knowing Miles' extensive knowledge, experience, and above all else, passion of the automobile; Shelby also enlists Miles as the car's driver. Despite Miles and Shelby's best intentions, representatives of Ford raise concerns over Miles' recruitment, believing that his temperament does not present Ford's ideal image as a driver; eventually causing an internal rift between Ford and Shelby.
Christian Bale and Matt Damon no doubt drive the film right home. Their chemistry is superb, and is the thing that really kept the film on its two feet. Christian Bale as Ken Miles is the devoted family man, and undoubtedly the film's heart. Bale steals every scene he's in, whether it's him scolding his co-workers for not understanding the car on the inside out, or when he's in the quiet moments with his family. Miles is sort of the film's wild card, he's not always in the best terms with other people and he's someone who would rather do things his own way; but once he's in the driver's seat, that's a whole other story. It's no surprise that Bale always brings his A-game, and this film is no exception. Matt Damon, on the other hand, is the much more stern yet still light-hearted Carroll Shelby. Like Bale, Damon always knows when to step up his game. Damon is given great moments that gives him that charming charisma, especially when it comes to comedic timing (which, if you've seen The Martian or literally any video about his staged feud with Jimmy Kimmel, you know that with a good script, Damon can certainly nail comedic timing). While Ken Miles is the heart of the film, Carroll Shelby is the soul of it. Together, these two make a mighty fine dynamite duo. Their chemistry is a joy to watch, and the film just elevates whenever they're on screen together. Caitriona Balfe and Noah Jupe are also the film's standouts, providing some of the film's emotional and little moments.
At its core, Ford v Ferrari is really a story about friendship, and it's not as cheesy as you think. Again, part of this is due to Bale and Damon's charming chemistry. Their constant banter is a delight to watch. While the film has many scenes that will sure invest race car fans, it's a character driven story about a struggling race driver with a family to provide, who is passionate about what he does and knows each and every car inside and out; but isn't considered a suitable representative of a brand by the very company he works for. It's a story about a developing friendship that endures even the most intimidating obstacles, and how it becomes an everlasting bond between two people who in the end, are equally determined and ardent about something they truly thrive for. Ford v Ferrari relishes in both the quiet and epic moments. It has scenes like Ken Miles driving with excitement written all over his face, and in the next, Miles is hearing a race on the radio and pointing out the driver's flaws while he tinkers in the Shelby garage with a sorrow look. While this film packs plenty of exciting races that will sure entice the audience, it doesn't shy away from the slow moments, especially when it focuses on Ken Miles' relationship with his family, particularly with his son.
The racing sequences are beautifully shot and create a good amount of tension and fun. While it may seem like it's gravitating towards the typical structure of a race segment that's present in previous films, Ford v Ferrari changes the game and sells the scenes with plenty of innovative shots, exquisite set design (the amount of work they did to even recreate almost every single detail of the infamous Le Mans track is insane), and an investing buildup. It's a lot more reliant on practical stunts than CGI, making it much more genuine, with each racing segment getting better than the last. Mangold directs the scenes flawlessly, putting the audience on a whirlwind ride on the 24 hour Le Mans track. The scenes incorporate the perfect amount of pure adrenaline rush while building tension. It rarely ever feels like it's dragging, rather like it's constantly taking the audience by the hand have them gripping for dear life from the very beginning until the very end. In addition to the visuals, the sound design is also excellent. Once the races begin, the sound goes all out on injecting the right dose of momentum at the roar of every engine, and at the lurch of every turn. There's nothing quite like the feeling of being in the driver's seat of a Ford car and hearing its glorious sound on the big screen.
Sure, the film doesn't go straight to the races in the beginning, but if it did, we wouldn't be as invested to the characters if we don't get to see their motives. You might feel a slight drag during the first act, but it's efficient enough to provide a clear backstory to the characters and establish the overall conflict. Business meetings and corporate paperwork don't exactly scream "thrills", but at least it knows how to make it investing enough so that we know what's at stake here. Because in the end, the real conflict isn't between two companies, but between the dreamers and the businessmen. There's the side that wants nothing but to feel the roar of the engine and the rush of the road, then there's the side that's more concerned with corporate presentation than the genuine thrill of the race. Aside from character, one of Ford v Ferrari's delights is the humor. This was one of those films where I genuinely laughed, especially when it comes to the ongoing back and forth banter between Ken and Carroll, like a particular scene where they engage in a small fight while Ken's wife watches comfortably from the front lawn with a 'I can't believe these two idiots' look on her face.
What makes Ford v Ferrari stand out is how they execute a seemingly by the books type of story and turn it into an elevated masterwork. It may have the typical formula for biopics, and some aspects actually make your eye roll; but the film knows how to hit the right beats in order to execute it in an excitingly fresh way. Whether or not you're a fan of racing, Ford v Ferrari is a guaranteed good time. Heck, I don't even watch racing, and I still enjoyed the film. Ford v Ferrari knows how to make itself accessible, and as a whole, be a really great film. Don't let its long runtime intimidate you, the film just flies by, and before you know it, you're left wanting more. It knows how to build stakes, develop relationships, and imbue fun elements to drive it right home. Anyone looking for a hell of a good time with the racing segments will no doubt be satisfied, this film has plenty of those. But to anyone who's also in for a good story, they'll be content, maybe even more than satisfied with what it has to offer. It knows when to have fun, but it also knows when to turn the brakes and have their characters breathe a little. In those moments, that's when we get to know the characters, their overall personality and their motives. And once those characters go behind the wheel, we're fully invested in their road to victory.
Overall verdict: Ford v Ferrari manages to be accessible to anyone, be it a racing fan or not. Contrary to its title, it isn't exactly a story that revolves entirely around the corporation rivalry between Ford and Ferrari itself, but rather about the people working behind the company to make what seems to be impossible into something truly possible. It's really an underdog story about two people with a strong bond. It's also a story about loss, redemption, and family. Ford v Ferrari may be all about the races, but it's also about the characters and their process towards victory. The chemistry between Christian Bale and Matt Damon are one of the main driving forces that really took the film to its home-run. Their constant banter and shared passion over racing added much needed heart into the story. The racing sequences are excellent, it really knows how to take audience on a thrilling ride from start to finish. It doesn't feel dragged out, rather you feel the tension of every second of the race. These sequences are brilliantly shot and with little CGI present, it makes the sequences all the more thrilling. Yes, it might feel as if Ford v Ferrari ticks most of the checks from Racing Biopic 101, but it's the execution that makes it so much more.
Stars: 4.5/5
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| Image source: IMDB |
Director: James Mangold
Cast: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Caitriona Balfe, Jon Bernthal, Noah Jupe, Tracy Letts, Josh Lucas.
When Ford v Ferrari begins, it starts with the sound of a roaring car engine. Shortly, it fades, and we see a closeup of Carroll Shelby on the driver's seat, in the heat of the race. "There's a point at 7,000 RPM where everything fades. The machine becomes weightless. It just disappears," Shelby says. It's certainly one heck of a way to start a film. By then, I was already intrigued by what this film has to offer. What first drew me to Ford v Ferrari was the fact that it was a biopic, and I was interested in any kind of biopic. Second, it was because of its director James Mangold; I wanted to see what he'd do next since Logan. Third, and perhaps the main drive of why I wanted to see it: Matt Damon and Christian Bale, a duo that perhaps I never knew I needed until now. To tell you the truth, I know next to nothing about racing, it was never something I tend to watch on TV, but that definitely won't be a major obstacle for those new to racing and wants to give Ford v Ferrari a go, because beneath the surface, it offers so much more than that. If anything, it's bringing back the classic underdog tale, the type that we don't see often nowadays.
Ford v Ferrari begins with former race driver Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon), who due to his health condition, is forced to retire from racing, and currently owns his own motor company. Elsewhere, Ford Motor Company is on the verge of bankruptcy after lack of success in their sales. In order to boost their image, Ford takes it upon their hands to improve their automotive and compete in the upcoming 24 hour Le Mans race ("We know how to do more than push paper," Henry Ford II says at one point). Ford eventually takes notice of Shelby's reputation and recruits him to build a car that is able to not only race at the 1966 Le Mans, but is fast enough to beat the juggernaut that is Ferrari, a constant winner of Le Mans for the past years. Shelby eventually takes in former war veteran and mechanic Ken Miles (Christian Bale) to assist him. Knowing Miles' extensive knowledge, experience, and above all else, passion of the automobile; Shelby also enlists Miles as the car's driver. Despite Miles and Shelby's best intentions, representatives of Ford raise concerns over Miles' recruitment, believing that his temperament does not present Ford's ideal image as a driver; eventually causing an internal rift between Ford and Shelby.
Christian Bale and Matt Damon no doubt drive the film right home. Their chemistry is superb, and is the thing that really kept the film on its two feet. Christian Bale as Ken Miles is the devoted family man, and undoubtedly the film's heart. Bale steals every scene he's in, whether it's him scolding his co-workers for not understanding the car on the inside out, or when he's in the quiet moments with his family. Miles is sort of the film's wild card, he's not always in the best terms with other people and he's someone who would rather do things his own way; but once he's in the driver's seat, that's a whole other story. It's no surprise that Bale always brings his A-game, and this film is no exception. Matt Damon, on the other hand, is the much more stern yet still light-hearted Carroll Shelby. Like Bale, Damon always knows when to step up his game. Damon is given great moments that gives him that charming charisma, especially when it comes to comedic timing (which, if you've seen The Martian or literally any video about his staged feud with Jimmy Kimmel, you know that with a good script, Damon can certainly nail comedic timing). While Ken Miles is the heart of the film, Carroll Shelby is the soul of it. Together, these two make a mighty fine dynamite duo. Their chemistry is a joy to watch, and the film just elevates whenever they're on screen together. Caitriona Balfe and Noah Jupe are also the film's standouts, providing some of the film's emotional and little moments.
 |
| Image source: IMDB |
At its core, Ford v Ferrari is really a story about friendship, and it's not as cheesy as you think. Again, part of this is due to Bale and Damon's charming chemistry. Their constant banter is a delight to watch. While the film has many scenes that will sure invest race car fans, it's a character driven story about a struggling race driver with a family to provide, who is passionate about what he does and knows each and every car inside and out; but isn't considered a suitable representative of a brand by the very company he works for. It's a story about a developing friendship that endures even the most intimidating obstacles, and how it becomes an everlasting bond between two people who in the end, are equally determined and ardent about something they truly thrive for. Ford v Ferrari relishes in both the quiet and epic moments. It has scenes like Ken Miles driving with excitement written all over his face, and in the next, Miles is hearing a race on the radio and pointing out the driver's flaws while he tinkers in the Shelby garage with a sorrow look. While this film packs plenty of exciting races that will sure entice the audience, it doesn't shy away from the slow moments, especially when it focuses on Ken Miles' relationship with his family, particularly with his son.
The racing sequences are beautifully shot and create a good amount of tension and fun. While it may seem like it's gravitating towards the typical structure of a race segment that's present in previous films, Ford v Ferrari changes the game and sells the scenes with plenty of innovative shots, exquisite set design (the amount of work they did to even recreate almost every single detail of the infamous Le Mans track is insane), and an investing buildup. It's a lot more reliant on practical stunts than CGI, making it much more genuine, with each racing segment getting better than the last. Mangold directs the scenes flawlessly, putting the audience on a whirlwind ride on the 24 hour Le Mans track. The scenes incorporate the perfect amount of pure adrenaline rush while building tension. It rarely ever feels like it's dragging, rather like it's constantly taking the audience by the hand have them gripping for dear life from the very beginning until the very end. In addition to the visuals, the sound design is also excellent. Once the races begin, the sound goes all out on injecting the right dose of momentum at the roar of every engine, and at the lurch of every turn. There's nothing quite like the feeling of being in the driver's seat of a Ford car and hearing its glorious sound on the big screen.
 |
| Image source: IMDB |
Sure, the film doesn't go straight to the races in the beginning, but if it did, we wouldn't be as invested to the characters if we don't get to see their motives. You might feel a slight drag during the first act, but it's efficient enough to provide a clear backstory to the characters and establish the overall conflict. Business meetings and corporate paperwork don't exactly scream "thrills", but at least it knows how to make it investing enough so that we know what's at stake here. Because in the end, the real conflict isn't between two companies, but between the dreamers and the businessmen. There's the side that wants nothing but to feel the roar of the engine and the rush of the road, then there's the side that's more concerned with corporate presentation than the genuine thrill of the race. Aside from character, one of Ford v Ferrari's delights is the humor. This was one of those films where I genuinely laughed, especially when it comes to the ongoing back and forth banter between Ken and Carroll, like a particular scene where they engage in a small fight while Ken's wife watches comfortably from the front lawn with a 'I can't believe these two idiots' look on her face.
What makes Ford v Ferrari stand out is how they execute a seemingly by the books type of story and turn it into an elevated masterwork. It may have the typical formula for biopics, and some aspects actually make your eye roll; but the film knows how to hit the right beats in order to execute it in an excitingly fresh way. Whether or not you're a fan of racing, Ford v Ferrari is a guaranteed good time. Heck, I don't even watch racing, and I still enjoyed the film. Ford v Ferrari knows how to make itself accessible, and as a whole, be a really great film. Don't let its long runtime intimidate you, the film just flies by, and before you know it, you're left wanting more. It knows how to build stakes, develop relationships, and imbue fun elements to drive it right home. Anyone looking for a hell of a good time with the racing segments will no doubt be satisfied, this film has plenty of those. But to anyone who's also in for a good story, they'll be content, maybe even more than satisfied with what it has to offer. It knows when to have fun, but it also knows when to turn the brakes and have their characters breathe a little. In those moments, that's when we get to know the characters, their overall personality and their motives. And once those characters go behind the wheel, we're fully invested in their road to victory.
 |
| Image source: IMDB |
Overall verdict: Ford v Ferrari manages to be accessible to anyone, be it a racing fan or not. Contrary to its title, it isn't exactly a story that revolves entirely around the corporation rivalry between Ford and Ferrari itself, but rather about the people working behind the company to make what seems to be impossible into something truly possible. It's really an underdog story about two people with a strong bond. It's also a story about loss, redemption, and family. Ford v Ferrari may be all about the races, but it's also about the characters and their process towards victory. The chemistry between Christian Bale and Matt Damon are one of the main driving forces that really took the film to its home-run. Their constant banter and shared passion over racing added much needed heart into the story. The racing sequences are excellent, it really knows how to take audience on a thrilling ride from start to finish. It doesn't feel dragged out, rather you feel the tension of every second of the race. These sequences are brilliantly shot and with little CGI present, it makes the sequences all the more thrilling. Yes, it might feel as if Ford v Ferrari ticks most of the checks from Racing Biopic 101, but it's the execution that makes it so much more.
Stars: 4.5/5
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