Ford v Ferrari

8

JLuis_001Dec 1, 2019

Shortly after about 20 minutes into the film I started to get doubts about the movie. Not for the quality but because I was worried that the story wasn't going to justify the whole two and a half hours. But Ford v Ferrari surprises and endsShortly after about 20 minutes into the film I started to get doubts about the movie. Not for the quality but because I was worried that the story wasn't going to justify the whole two and a half hours. But Ford v Ferrari surprises and ends up being a rather entertaining and intense experience.

James Mangold is armed with two solid Christian Bale and Matt Damon to provide a story that in addition to being interesting and exciting also has a pleasant dose of humor, irony and sarcasm in something that could lend itself to be more dramatic.

While it's true the film shines and is much better in the scenes that involve the car races, it manages to balance in a good way all the narrative aspects of the story, like the ones that include the corporate elements with Ford and its bureaucracy, the scenes that show us how they achieved the mechanical improvements of the car, to the link and friendship between Ken Miles and Carroll Shelby.
All this compensates both sides of the balance achieving a good pace that doesn't allow the argument or interest to decline. As I said it's two and a half hours long and I didn't feel them and believe me, that's hard to achieve.

I really didn't plan on awarding it an 8 because I didn't really like the ending.
I feel that it didn't do justice to the story and how it had been built up to that moment and it's not that it falsified an event that really happened, it's simply that it didn't feel in tune with the rest, but considering all the other stuff and the good time I had watching it, it deserves the 4 stars.

I expected something good and it was therefore Ford v Ferrari deserves the recognition and the attention.… Expand

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8

Harsh657Jan 16, 2020

Christian Bale steals the show in this movie. He is exceptional as Ken Miles. Also Matt Damon was on par with Bale's performance as Carroll Shelby. What James Mangold does in this film with the racing sequences is spectacular.
This filmChristian Bale steals the show in this movie. He is exceptional as Ken Miles. Also Matt Damon was on par with Bale's performance as Carroll Shelby. What James Mangold does in this film with the racing sequences is spectacular.
This film however struggles to truly add all the political matters into the film by giving just one guy to hate.
Jon Bernthal character has nothing to really do after we enter in the 2nd act of the film while he was literally the driving point in the 1st act.
However, James found a way to deliver these energetic and riveting racing set-pieces which takes this film to another level and add-in Bale and Damon's performance making this film one of the best of the year.
Grade: B+… Expand

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8

Morty_McFlayJan 8, 2020

Two great lead performances and solid direction make this an extremely entertaining ride. The only issues I had were it being a little overlong and a particularly important plot beat that I felt should’ve hit harder than it did. The raceTwo great lead performances and solid direction make this an extremely entertaining ride. The only issues I had were it being a little overlong and a particularly important plot beat that I felt should’ve hit harder than it did. The race sequences are some of the best I’ve ever seen and the chemistry between Bale and Damon is phenomenal.… Expand

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8

Bertaut1Dec 1, 2019

I'd have preferred to see Michael Mann's version, but this is an impressive and heartfelt study of friendship

Based on A.J. Baime's Go Like Hell: Ford, Ferrari, and Their Battle for Speed and Glory at Le Mans (2009), written by Jason Keller,I'd have preferred to see Michael Mann's version, but this is an impressive and heartfelt study of friendship

Based on A.J. Baime's Go Like Hell: Ford, Ferrari, and Their Battle for Speed and Glory at Le Mans (2009), written by Jason Keller, Jez Butterworth, and John-Henry Butterworth, and directed by James Mangold, Le Mans '66 (released in North American with the equally generic title of Ford v Ferrari) counts Michael Mann as an executive producer. This is notable, as Mann has been trying to bring an adaptation of Brock Yates's Enzo Ferrari: The Man, the Cars, the Races (1991) to the screen since 1993. Mangold is a fine director, but he's no Mann, and the film could never be accused of breaking any new ground or trying anything original. It is, in essence, a thematically broad and aesthetically anonymous pre-auteur theory audience-pleaser made with the aesthetic sensibilities of modernity. But whilst the individual parts may be unsatisfactorily safe and familiar, the whole is accomplished and enjoyable.

The film begins in 1959 as Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) wins that year's Le Mans, only to be told he has a heart condition and must stop racing. Cut to 1963, and Henry Ford II (a superb Tracy Letts) determines to build a car capable of winning Le Mans, which Ferrari has won in 1958, 1960, 1961, 1962, and 1963. Ford Vice President and General Manager Lee Iacocca (Jon Bernthal) reaches out to Shelby to design a car, but he says they'll need a great driver as well as a well-designed car. So, he reaches out to Ken Miles (Christian Bale), one of the best drivers in the world, renowned for his ability to identify problems in test cars after only one or two laps. However, because of his volatility, few want to work with him. He comes on board, but immediately clashes with Ford Senior Executive Vice President Leo Beebe (Josh Lucas).

Le Mans '66 is somewhat similar to Michael Mann's Ali, insofar as it uses the grandiose moments of history to tell an intimate story - Mangold uses the determination to win Le Mans '66 as the background against which to examine issues such as friendship and the clash between gifted individuals for whom success is its own reward and corporations who don't see value in anything unless it's monetarily successful. Indeed, the argument could be made that the film is actually a commentary on the Hollywood studio system, with Shelby and Miles representing independent filmmakers who love the craft and see the medium as an art-form, whilst the Ford executives represent the studio, always more concerned with the bottom dollar than artistic integrity, always getting in the way of the people who, if left alone to work, could produce something spectacular.

This thematic focus, however, is not to say the film ignores the intricacies of racing; on the contrary, there's a huge amount of techno-babble concerning vectors, aerodynamics, the mathematics of torque, the torsion of metal, and the ins and outs of physics. Additionally, the aesthetic design of the races is exemplary, albeit familiar, with Mangold, cinematographer Phedon Papamichael, and sound designers David Giammarco and Jay Wilkinson crafting some truly intense moments. For the most part, there are no objective shots (for example, there are no overheads giving us a good vantage of the entire race), and there are very few shots showing us something that Miles is unable to see, which creates the sense of being in the car with him, adding a default level of intensity.

In terms of problems, there are only two of any significance. The first concerns just how safe and rudimentary the film is. Aesthetically, although the race scenes are kinetic and exciting, there isn't anything new or inventive in them; thematically, the film doesn't say anything we haven't heard before; and structurally, it walks a very well-worn path – chances are that everything that you think might happen in Le Mans '66 does happen. This is your basic underdog story, and it adheres rigidly to that template. This is seen most clearly in the character of Beebe, the film's token villain (you can't have an underdog story without a token villain). A Swiss army knife character he is a one-size-fits-all bad guy without an iota of nuance or interiority. The second problem concerns Shelby, who's one-dimensional (at best), as we learn absolutely nothing about his personal life. Who is the film's Carroll Shelby, and why should non-racing fans care about him? We never get an answer.

Although these issues are significant in isolation, Le Mans '66 is so well made, it rises above the clichéd and overly-familiar nature of many of the individual scenes, resulting in a whole that is much more than the sum of its parts. It doesn't take any risks, nor does it bend any rules, but for all that, I couldn't help but enjoy it. It won't surprise you, it probably won't move you, it certainly won't change your life, but it's a journey well worth taking.… Expand

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8

ahmedaiman1999Feb 11, 2020

The first act is like a rushed, convoluted mess; the rest of the film is almost Rush-like!

Side-note : Christian Bale definitely deserved to be nominated for best leading role just like De Niro.

(8/10)

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8

JumpCut_OnlineDec 4, 2019

Le Mans ’66 is a real crowd pleaser; interesting, thrilling, exciting, funny and ultimately heartbreaking. Up there with this year’s very best and deserves to be in conversation when award season starts to roll around. Not a film just forLe Mans ’66 is a real crowd pleaser; interesting, thrilling, exciting, funny and ultimately heartbreaking. Up there with this year’s very best and deserves to be in conversation when award season starts to roll around. Not a film just for petrol heads, this works for everyone. A real double header of great acting and exciting action, a real treat.… Expand

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8

BrunoVn00Nov 24, 2019

Ford v Ferrari might not be a great movie, but it is still pretty good. It is two and a half hours long and it never feels like it, because the story is entertaining, genuinely interesting and flows very smoothly. The fantastic performancesFord v Ferrari might not be a great movie, but it is still pretty good. It is two and a half hours long and it never feels like it, because the story is entertaining, genuinely interesting and flows very smoothly. The fantastic performances from the leads (Matt Damon and Christian Bale) will really make you connect with their characters and follow their journey. They both develop good chemistry and are so fun to watch together. There's some good comedy occasionally and it happens naturally. The humor doesn't affect the tone, because, like I said, it feels natural and not forced for the sake of having humor. While the performances from basically every actor of the cast are really good (not as good as the leads, tho), some of the characters felt like cartoons. Sometimes there are moments that get over the top and feel like they belong better in a dumb comedy film, but those moments don't happen too often and the tone remains consistent (Those moments are entertaining tho, but I felt them out of place). The music feels like stock music downloaded from YouTube, and I feel like the racing sequences would've been a lot more intense with less music. Speaking about the racing sequences; They are amazing. The great cinematography and nice editing really helps to capture the races clearly. There wasn't a single moment in the races where I couldn't understand what was going on. Everything was shown nice and clear. The sound design and the sound mixing were fantastic and really helped make the races intense.

Overall this is a really good movie: It has stunning technical aspects and great performances, but I feel like some characters, the music and some writing choices could've been better.… Expand

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8

OfirTzfanyaNov 15, 2019

The car racing scenes are just amazing, the acting is great and the movie is just good.

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8

MsPerseusNov 18, 2019

Based on a true story, it is a compelling story, with a strong direction and good music. The actors are able to bring the characters to live, but the movie fails as it keeps going, telling an amazing story but without the epic. It is notBased on a true story, it is a compelling story, with a strong direction and good music. The actors are able to bring the characters to live, but the movie fails as it keeps going, telling an amazing story but without the epic. It is not necessary bad, as it remains as close to the real events as it can, but along the way, you may find yourself wondering if this movie could have been "more" than it end up being.

To resume, is a very good movie and I would recommen watching it, however, the flaws may make it boring for some and, for others, these "flaws" I mention may be the best part of it.… Expand

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8

YaseenJan 12, 2020

This movie gets your Adrenaline rushed up. Performance by actors for their specific role is well pronounced and overall a really good movie to watch.

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8

HollywoodGleeNov 27, 2019

Ford v Ferrari (titled Le Mans '66 in the UK and other destinations), directed by James Mangold (Walk the Line), tells the story of two obsessive artists, Matt Damon as car designer, Carroll Shelby, and Christian Bale as race car driver, KenFord v Ferrari (titled Le Mans '66 in the UK and other destinations), directed by James Mangold (Walk the Line), tells the story of two obsessive artists, Matt Damon as car designer, Carroll Shelby, and Christian Bale as race car driver, Ken Miles, clashing and teaming up to build the world's fastest racecar after a verbal slight by Enzo Ferrari, owner of the then-dominant Ferrari Formula One race car, towards Henry Ford II, proud Chairman of the Ford Motor Company.

Matt Damon in Twentieth Century Fox’s FORD V. FERRARI. (Photo Credit: Merrick Morton TM and © 2019 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.)

The film is driven almost exclusively by the powerful relationship dynamic of two strongly convicted characters who know how to win and have the will to do whatever it takes to do so - even going as far as paying the ultimate price for the love and exhilaration of the race car. Director Mangold skillfully manages the competing personalities not only of the film's lead characters but also the egos and ambitions of the peripheral players from Ford as the managerial layers come to bear on the project.

Christian Bale in Twentieth Century Fox’s FORD V. FERRARI. (Photo Credit: Merrick Morton TM and © 2019 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation)

Complete with a dizzying array of tightly-framed close-ups of Bales' character, Miles, behind the wheel, the audience is treated to a smiling, charismatic professional race car driver as he handles and brings to fruition a winning racing machinery with grace and expertise with mesmerizing cinematography from Phedon Papamichael (Nebraska, Walk the Line). Meanwhile, Damon crushes his "good 'ole boy" Shelby character, often cutting the Ford Motor Company executives off in mid-stream as his self-determination to make the world's fastest car becomes an obsession.

Christian Bale in Twentieth Century Fox’s FORD V. FERRARI. (Photo Credit: Merrick Morton TM and © 2019 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.)

One aspect of filmmaking often overlooked by moviegoers is the sound and the role it plays in augmenting the film's emotional intent. With Ford v Ferrari, Sound Designer Ted Wilkinson turns the onscreen car racing world into a virtual spin with an exceptional soundtrack putting the viewer into the driver's seat of race car driving including several live pit stops in the heat of the LeMans '66 racing competition.

And while Bale and Damon garner most of the screen time, four-time Golden Globe nominee, Caitriona Balfe (Outlander), keeps both lead characters in check as the boys wind up in fisticuffs as they struggle to make their shared dream a reality. Also, Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place) carries a load as Peter Miles, Bales' character, Ken Miles' adoring son. Steady actor, Josh Lucas, delivers a strong performance as Leo Beebe, the Ford executive who, in trying to maintain a wholesome image for the motor company, almost single-handedly derails the project. Tracy Letts embodies the character of Henry Ford II in more than one memorable scene. Ford v Ferrari has a fast run time of 152 minutes and is a family-friendly film produced by Chernin Entertainment and Twentieth Century Fox (now owned by Disney). The release date is scheduled for November 15, 2019, putting the film right in the heart of the Oscar race. A must-see film, I highly recommend Ford v Ferrari be experienced with an advanced cinema sound system. You'll be glad you did!

An important note: Through a long-term partnership to create extraordinary film experiences, Meyer Sound and the Telluride Film Festival have collaborated to bring a custom-designed Meyer Sound cinema sound system to a few of the festival major venues, including the Werner Herzog Theatre.… Expand

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8

OldfatbastardJan 2, 2020

I'll keep it simple. Good movie, from start to finish. A little bit old school to boot. An easy watch, no identity politics to ruin it. Good job guys.

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8

CPNJan 30, 2020

Very good film of a subject I have very little interest in. But excellent central performances and fantastic cinematograhy had me riveted. Certainly worth a viewing

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8

PhattakitFeb 12, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. อบอุ่นกับมิตรภาพของทั้ง2ตัวหลักและวิธีการสื่อที่ไม่ได้อวยฟอร์ดหรือเฟอรารี่จนเกินไป… Expand

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8

OuchPotatoOct 17, 2020

Very enjoyable. I'm not sure either of the lead characters are nice/fluffy people so it's to Hale's and Damon's credit that you feel engaged and end up rooting for them.
Don't think that this is a petrol head movie with limited appeal, it's aVery enjoyable. I'm not sure either of the lead characters are nice/fluffy people so it's to Hale's and Damon's credit that you feel engaged and end up rooting for them.
Don't think that this is a petrol head movie with limited appeal, it's a quite simple little guy V big guy tale (think Rocky) that is suitable for all tastes I think. If anything, it's rather too simplistic with no nuance or multi-layered elements or stuff that would tip it into awards territory. They've made the film for the average Joe, not the intelligentsia or Oscar committee.… Expand

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8

geewahDec 26, 2020

Damon and Bale team up well in this biopic on two eccentrics who form a bond chasing the same dream.
Entertaining and well directed.

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8

iCampoRamilNov 16, 2021

Un dramón juntado a una película muy frenética, una perlita sencillamente brutal.

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8

Pan_KrytykDec 12, 2021

Kto nie widział, musi zobaczyć. Jest Bale, jest Damon. Jest kawał filmu. Polecam

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8

AgentLviJul 21, 2023

Great movie. The story is decent. The scoring is great, visual is really amazing, the voice & sound is also amazing

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8

ALAMLEDPJan 21, 2023

"Ford v Ferrari" is an action-packed film that showcases the intense rivalry between the iconic American automaker and the renowned Italian brand. Although the focus of the film is on the competition between the two companies, the true heart"Ford v Ferrari" is an action-packed film that showcases the intense rivalry between the iconic American automaker and the renowned Italian brand. Although the focus of the film is on the competition between the two companies, the true heart of the story lies in the power struggle between Carroll Shelby's team and the executives at Ford, particularly between Shelby (Matt Damon) and Leo Beebe (Josh Lucas). Christian Bale's portrayal of Ken Miles is particularly compelling, as he navigates the challenges of being a responsible father and husband while also risking his life on the racetrack. Miles is the driving force behind the story, making it possible.

"Ford v Ferrari" is a triumph of American ingenuity that arrived at a time when the country needed it. It's a thrilling underdog story with engaging characters. The only downside is its lengthy runtime, which could have been shortened by 30 minutes without losing its impact. The film also has a feeling of being made for awards consideration, which can make it feel a bit self-important.

Overall, "Ford v Ferrari" is a testament to what can be achieved with hard work, perseverance, and a leap of faith. It's a film worth celebrating.
_______________________
"Ford v Ferrari" es una película llena de acción que muestra la intensa rivalidad entre el icónico fabricante de automóviles estadounidense y la reconocida marca italiana. Aunque el foco de la película está en la competencia entre las dos compañías, el verdadero corazón de la historia está en la lucha de poder entre el equipo de Carroll Shelby y los ejecutivos de Ford, particularmente entre Shelby (Matt Damon) y Leo Beebe (Josh Lucas). . La interpretación de Christian Bale de Ken Miles es particularmente convincente, ya que se enfrenta a los desafíos de ser un padre y esposo responsable mientras arriesga su vida en la pista de carreras. Miles es la fuerza impulsora detrás de la historia, haciéndola posible.

"Ford v Ferrari" es un triunfo del ingenio estadounidense que llegó en un momento en que el país lo necesitaba. Es una emocionante historia de perdedores con personajes atractivos. El único inconveniente es su larga duración, que podría haberse acortado en 30 minutos sin perder su impacto. La película también tiene la sensación de estar hecha para ser considerada para premios, lo que puede hacer que se sienta un poco engreída.

En general, "Ford v Ferrari" es un testimonio de lo que se puede lograr con trabajo duro, perseverancia y un acto de fe. Es una película que vale la pena celebrar.… Expand

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7

LamontRaymondNov 16, 2019

It's a good, solid film, but definitely not a must-see in my book. It's missing some "magic" for lack of a better word. Something to make these real-life events shine. I'll say that both Matt Damon and Tracey Letts do amazing jobs, and BaleIt's a good, solid film, but definitely not a must-see in my book. It's missing some "magic" for lack of a better word. Something to make these real-life events shine. I'll say that both Matt Damon and Tracey Letts do amazing jobs, and Bale is excellent as usual. Josh Lawrence plays the heel, as usual - though he was much better in "You Can Count on Me." I want to see much more of Catriona Balfe - she jumped off the screen.… Expand

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7

CMCDec 11, 2019

This is a fun Hollywood movie that I found amusing enough despite its long length. It suffers from typical underbaked dramatic tension with "the wife" and cartoonish villians. Some nice golden light with Kodachrome overlay and good sound. YouThis is a fun Hollywood movie that I found amusing enough despite its long length. It suffers from typical underbaked dramatic tension with "the wife" and cartoonish villians. Some nice golden light with Kodachrome overlay and good sound. You could do worse if you feel the need to go see something this weekend, but you could also skip it and not miss much...… Expand

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7

xispoNov 19, 2019

A fun retelling of a little-known story. Good chemistry between Damon and Bale. Interesting to see a behemoth of a company like Ford to be portrayed as the little guy. Fans of American exceptionalism will no doubt love this and pine for theA fun retelling of a little-known story. Good chemistry between Damon and Bale. Interesting to see a behemoth of a company like Ford to be portrayed as the little guy. Fans of American exceptionalism will no doubt love this and pine for the "good old days," but I think anyone who appreciates a good story, gorgeous cars and good acting can find something enjoyable in this flick. I particularly appreciated that it didn't have a typical storybook ending...… Expand

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7

gracjanskiFeb 1, 2020

I dont understand the title, Ferrari is not the enemy in this movie, but Ford, so it should be more Miles & Selby vs. Ford. The political sabotages in the own corporation are interesting, but sometimes a bit unrealistic ("3 at the sameI dont understand the title, Ferrari is not the enemy in this movie, but Ford, so it should be more Miles & Selby vs. Ford. The political sabotages in the own corporation are interesting, but sometimes a bit unrealistic ("3 at the same time"). Ferrari is not arrogant in my view and never an enemy, in contrary, Shelby was using some unfair methods in the races. But Shelby is american, so a hero....not in my opinion. There are some feminists elements also, that I didnt like: Miles behaved to his wife like a softie what is very unrealistic if you remind his job and the time. On the other side some shots during driving were nice, but if you follow Moto GP or Formula 1 you know better.
So overall a good movie, but there are some weird situations.… Expand

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7

Voodoo123Feb 18, 2020

+Beautiful 4k HDR
+Excellent cinematography
+Fantastic cast -Average screenplay -OST feels carries an oddly modern tone I was unsure what to expect going into this, but F vs F is another great sports movie with the all the classic dramatic+Beautiful 4k HDR
+Excellent cinematography
+Fantastic cast
-Average screenplay -OST feels carries an oddly modern tone

I was unsure what to expect going into this, but F vs F is another great sports movie with the all the classic dramatic beats you come to expect from the genre. All this is elevated by the sexy cars and talented cast. F vs F is a well made yet predictable ride.… Expand

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7

geo333Dec 29, 2021

It is a nice film that is long and at times it feels like that, however, is a nice automobile film based on a true story.

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7

KeithDowNov 15, 2019

James Mangold’s ‘Ford v Ferrari’ is a fun two-and-a-half hour ride down memory lane, circling the lives of legendary race car driver Ken Miles and equally esteemed car designer Carroll Shelby.

The film gets off to an uninspiring start,James Mangold’s ‘Ford v Ferrari’ is a fun two-and-a-half hour ride down memory lane, circling the lives of legendary race car driver Ken Miles and equally esteemed car designer Carroll Shelby.

The film gets off to an uninspiring start, introducing the main characters using quick-hitting scenes that turn each into an eye-rolling archetype. Shelby is the inspired engineer. Miles is the irascible wildcard. Henry Ford II is the cutthroat Man of Industry … and they even give him a sniveling bulldog lackey.

The second half of the film picks up the pace and is considerably more engaging. Mangold does a fine job filming the racing scenes, choosing just the right balance of different viewpoints and cuts. Beyond that, he thankfully spares audiences from the awful “shaky camera effect” that some filmmakers would’ve used anytime they wanted to ramp up the action on screen.

Given that the ‘24 Hours of Le Mans’ race is indeed twenty-four hours long, Mangold also excels at keeping an even pace down the final stretch, not relying too much on either the racing or the off track drama, but rather striking an even balance between the two.… Expand

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7

theredskyNov 17, 2019

This was a lot better than I thought it was going to be although I had some issues that held this film from being really good. The first 30-45 minutes were just uninteresting to me. It was well acted but there was nothing that was keeping meThis was a lot better than I thought it was going to be although I had some issues that held this film from being really good. The first 30-45 minutes were just uninteresting to me. It was well acted but there was nothing that was keeping me interested. Once we get to the point where they are modifying the car, it gets pretty great. Christian Bale and Matt Damon do great jobs but Bale steals the show. Bale is perfectly cast and is fantastic as this angry race car driver. Both Damon and Bale have perfect chemistry and play off well with each other thanks to a pretty good script although not a perfect one. Most of the other actors did a pretty good job also. There is also some good chemistry between Bale and Noah Jupe who plays Bale’s son. They also have some genuinely touching moments together. The only character I didn’t like was Jon Bernthal’s character. I thought he was extremely one dimensional and irritating. I thought the racing sequences in the film were fantastic. They are incredibly well shot and paced. Even though the film is based on true events, I still felt exhilarated and was on the edge of my seat. The Le Mans sequence was one of the best sequences in film that I saw so far this year. The sound mixing is pretty great also. It immerses you within the races which makes those sequences so much better. I felt the last 10 minutes of the film was pointless. I thought the film was gonna end after this desert scene that I won’t spoil but it kept going on. The music was also pretty bland. Even after just seeing the film, I don’t remember any of the music. Some of the other technical aspects that I liked was the cinematography. During the racing scenes, it was great and during the rest of the film, it was pretty good. The film has a couple visual effects scenes that I thought looked pretty good. Overall, Ford v Ferrari is a pretty good film with great racing sequences, great acting, and some good cinematography even if the first 30 minutes and last 10 minutes were generally uninteresting.… Expand

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7

AJGo85Feb 9, 2020

If Ford v Ferrari feels formulaic that’s because it is, but it works. It has all the elements of a traditional major studio sports movie: based on a true story, A-list movie stars, acclaimed journeyman director, fabulous cinematography, aIf Ford v Ferrari feels formulaic that’s because it is, but it works. It has all the elements of a traditional major studio sports movie: based on a true story, A-list movie stars, acclaimed journeyman director, fabulous cinematography, a motley crew of characters challenging conventions, an underdog angle. A more generous analogy would be Ford v Ferrari takes a reliable recipe and uses the best ingredients and best kitchen brigade to deliver an entrée so well done it is almost easy to dismiss. That is almost what happened with this movie. After coming and going at the box office just before Thanksgiving, it seems the Academy couldn’t dismiss this film entirely and gave it four Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. They were right to not let Ford v Ferrari pass without notice because, though it is working with a familiar recipe, this is an excellently done, engaging entertainment.

Like the title directly states, this movie is about rival car companies. Specifically, it is about the nascent Ford racing program in the mid 1960’s taking on the dominant force in international racing, Ferrari. Like a lot of sports movies, you could argue that this movie isn’t so much about the sport but about the characters and their journey. Ford v Ferrari is certainly about car racing but what is most engaging about it is the friendship between its main characters, racer turned car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and racer Ken Miles (Christian Bale). After a slump in sales, ambitious Ford executive Lee Iacocca hatches a plan to revitalize the car company's image by entering the world of international auto racing and winning the prestigious marathon race 24 Hours at Le Mans. Ford turns to Shelby to head their racing program. Shelby, turns to the best driver he knows, Miles, who is the right driver for the job but does not fit the Ford company image.

At first the accents from the leads are a bit jarring. Damon is using a full Texas drawl and Bale uses a British accent not his own. Accents aside, Damon and Bale settle into the their characters quickly and comfortably. They are A-list stars that give A-list performances with great on-screen chemistry. Damon as the determined no-nonsense Shelby and Bale as the skilled but at times abrasive Miles (he’s described as “not a people person”) are not exactly a mismatched pair; they’re more like yin and yang. Their best scene together is also the funniest in the movie: they fight each other with groceries. Shelby has a canned good in his hand, realizes that it would hurt Miles, so he hits him with a loaf of bread instead. Even when they are trying to hurt each other, they are trying not to hurt each other.

The real rivalry isn’t between Ford and Ferrari but with race crew and the Ford executives who don’t understand racing and are only concerned with corporate image, namely Josh Lucas as Leo Beebee. Lucas is great performer but there’s nothing to his character aside from being petty and obstructing Shelby and Miles. I did not care about the Ford motor company winning a race to gain prestige and sell more cars so rich men could be slightly richer. But I did care about Shelby and Miles succeeding. Watching them and their crew work together to solve the problems of building a state-of-the-art race car, with each member using their individual skills and knowledge, is a total delight. Those scenes reminded me of other film about people working together to solve a problem, The Martian, also starring Matt Damon, and also a Best Picture nominee. So, yes, in a film where the title flat out states conflict and rivalry, the best scenes are of people working together.

Director James Mangold is not a household name, even among cinephiles, but he turns out solid work more often than not. He uses the same approach with Ford v Ferrari’s racing scenes. There some shots of the cars zooming by the stands but there are also shots behind and in front of the cars on the track, inside the car with the Miles, POV shots of the racers, or shots where the camera has been attached the door of one of the speeding cars. It is all cut together to thrilling results (editor Andrew Buckland received an Oscar nomination for his work). Ford v Ferrari also picked up Oscar nominations in both Sound Mixing and Sound Editing. The sound of the roaring engines, zooming cars, and, yes, explosions, are a major part of the immersive experience of the racing scenes. I have never had any interest in car racing of any kind, but the grueling climatic race at 24 Hours at Le Mans, where drivers race in four-hour shifts day and night no matter the weather conditions, had me completely enthralled. That’s good filmmaking. I can see Ford v Ferrari being dismissed as a “Dad Movie”—the kind of movie an adult child would watch with their dad over the holidays. If that is how you happen to see this picture, you and your dad are in luck.… Expand

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7

Mauro_LanariNov 22, 2019

(Mauro Lanari)
An auto action film that knows how to re-enter the orbit of average Hollywoodian cinema with more than a hint of the existential drama. A+ on CinemaScore is exaggerated, but counterbalances the current rarity of this kind of works.

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7

FilmreactiviewNov 15, 2019

Much More Than Just A Racing Movie Audience REACTIONS at its International PREMIERE:

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7

Balestra23Mar 12, 2020

Solid movie tends to drag at times but has some great moments, Jon Bernthal kills his role

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7

DjonniStormFeb 13, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I think that there is a lack of proper musical accompaniment. When even one of the main characters died, the same song was played as when he rode in the Le Mans race. And also lack of emotions. When you die you can not remember? When did you lose the race of a lifetime to be silent? But the acting and scenery are good, so 7… Expand

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7

ProfAmateurNov 10, 2022

Good that this story was brought to our generation. Movie was well told....

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7

Rdneck00May 9, 2022

This might be the best movie ive seen on Thanksgiving night. Its good but not my top 25 movies.

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7

CarlElmoreNov 22, 2022

A very fun watch with great scenes and performances but it doesn't do anything extraordinary.

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6

TyranianMar 9, 2020

The racing sequences are cool but much of the drama feels contrived. Bale is entertaining.

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6

tenowNov 16, 2019

CGI is bad, historical accuracy and technical details are bad, story is very basic and formulaic. 2 main characters and chemistry between them carry it, nothing else special

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6

DeanomiteDec 31, 2019

It was a nice looking movie, the cars were beautiful. Honestly, I found this movie boring. Everyone played type, if you want to see a really exceptional race car movie check out LeMans from 1966 with James Garner, directed by JohnIt was a nice looking movie, the cars were beautiful. Honestly, I found this movie boring. Everyone played type, if you want to see a really exceptional race car movie check out LeMans from 1966 with James Garner, directed by John Frankenheimer. That is probably the only race car movie I would classify as a great movie that I have seen. Maybe I expected too much from this after James Mangold had just made the fantastic Logan in 2017.… Expand

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6

SpiritvoxJan 12, 2020

It was okay. Kinda long. Acting was pretty fantastic as you would expect. Definitely worth a watch.

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6

JeniaMar 17, 2020

Overrated.
it's an kind of an enjoyable movie, in the manner a b-movie action flick would be.
corny as hell, over the top acting by both main actors.

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6

KlebartNov 26, 2019

The movie ends shortly after the big race ends. You'll know when. No need to stick around for the last 20 minutes of the movie.

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6

mahyarsNov 15, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. this movie good but I can't say is great .
this about two car that in the end Ferrari win the game… Expand

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6

yonisadeNov 24, 2019

Racing bits were fine but dialog was often corny, not to say embarrassing at times, and some of the drama felt forced. Bale and Damon's characters lacked some depth and the "villain" characters felt one dimensional and cheesy.

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6

Movie_FreakJul 26, 2020

Ford v Ferrari is a so-so film. I do not get why this film was nominated for best picture. It looked like a Christopher Nolan film with very little sense of where it was going. It's too focused on Ken Miles personal life rather than showingFord v Ferrari is a so-so film. I do not get why this film was nominated for best picture. It looked like a Christopher Nolan film with very little sense of where it was going. It's too focused on Ken Miles personal life rather than showing the challenges and difficulties of racing. Also, I was highly doubtful that it was historically accurate, with numerous things out of place. Sure, it's a brilliant technical achievement. The racing scenes are edited to perfection, while having some phenomenal sound effects. The special effects and cinematography are great and I fully support the fact that it won oscars for Sound and Editing. The score and performances are noteworthy. But when it comes to storytelling and script, it finishes before the finish line.… Expand

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5

VexarNov 19, 2019

They could have cut an hour out of this movie and not missed a thing, overall it had some funny moments but I could have waited to see this on a streaming service. Nothing about it made me feel like going to the theater was required. I wasThey could have cut an hour out of this movie and not missed a thing, overall it had some funny moments but I could have waited to see this on a streaming service. Nothing about it made me feel like going to the theater was required. I was hoping they would spend more time on how Ford went against Ferrari from an engineering perspective. Comparing it to the recent Rush > Directed by Ron Howard it isn't even close, Rush was awesome this movie is a solid C+.… Expand

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5

PizzaSubComboNov 15, 2019

The first 45 minutes of the film descend into Phantom Menace-tier lunacy, with too many characters introduced and too many events rushed through far too quickly. The rest of the movie plays out like a much more grounded, realistic "Days ofThe first 45 minutes of the film descend into Phantom Menace-tier lunacy, with too many characters introduced and too many events rushed through far too quickly. The rest of the movie plays out like a much more grounded, realistic "Days of Thunder" - which sounds good on paper, but in reality makes them film extremely cliche and bland. The cars are the stars of the final half, but after so many low, sweeping shots of the GT, you feel like you're watching a Ford ad.… Expand

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5

JordanLaytonApr 30, 2020

Lightly cheesy, fantastically patriotic, and unsurprisingly by-the-numbers. Great performances from Bale and Damon, but I think the star of the supporting cast was Caitriona Balfe, who played Bale's character's wife. Weak child performances,Lightly cheesy, fantastically patriotic, and unsurprisingly by-the-numbers. Great performances from Bale and Damon, but I think the star of the supporting cast was Caitriona Balfe, who played Bale's character's wife. Weak child performances, though. Real middle of the road on this one.… Expand

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4

TaplingerApr 17, 2020

Matt Damon is great as Carroll Shelby and the cars are great as cars but Mangold's direction and the cinematography give the racing scenes and most of the scenes with Christian Bale an unfortunate cartoonish quality instead of the intense andMatt Damon is great as Carroll Shelby and the cars are great as cars but Mangold's direction and the cinematography give the racing scenes and most of the scenes with Christian Bale an unfortunate cartoonish quality instead of the intense and gritty quality that a racing movie needs.… Expand

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4

netflicNov 25, 2019

It's a movie with a capital "F".
Ford vs. Ferrari, with Fiat thrown in the mix.
The movie features Fantastic and Fabulous performances. The leading actor, Ford-the-car deserves nothing but a praise, while Ferrari-the-car truly shines as aIt's a movie with a capital "F".
Ford vs. Ferrari, with Fiat thrown in the mix.

The movie features Fantastic and Fabulous performances. The leading actor, Ford-the-car deserves nothing but a praise, while Ferrari-the-car truly shines as a supporting actor.

As to the real people, well, that's a different story. The movie director managed to do what no other director could - have a great Christopher Bale act poorly, with the rest of the actors not Fairing any better. It's is a Feel good, inspirational, one-dimensional Flick, with performances Forced and Fake (again, except the race cars).

My score: Four out of ten (trying to be Forgiving).… Expand

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4

shermyNov 26, 2019

Seemed to me that every time there were Ford three-piece-suits on the screen the movie went to sleep. Somehow the movie lost track of the real fascination of building a Le Mans winner. But anything with Bale in it is mandatory viewing for me.

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4

PanchogulAug 8, 2020

Bien actuada, pero muy aburrida y lenta, era de esperarse ya que no me interesan este tipo de historias que tengan que ver con autos y cosas por el estilo.

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3

YorkManJan 28, 2020

Once again we're treated to a rose-tinted view of events of the recent past, dramatised and watered-down a point where the film is trying to tell a story, but that story exists in a fantasy environment.

I'm all for family-orientated movies,Once again we're treated to a rose-tinted view of events of the recent past, dramatised and watered-down a point where the film is trying to tell a story, but that story exists in a fantasy environment.

I'm all for family-orientated movies, but it's hard to watch a film about what is in effect corporate America in the early-mid '60s, and not have an aura of casual racism, sexism, ubiquitous alcohol consumption and pretty much everyone chainsmoking.

It just takes the viewer out of any 'moment' in the movie because it's just so sterile and fake.

So, it's another potentially great film ruined by the curse of the 'PG-13'/'12A' rating that prevents realism from being shown.… Expand

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2

GreatMartinNov 22, 2019

I can count on 1 finger how many racing car movies I have seen and though I may recall who was in them I don't remember any of them and, sadly, because I had heard good things about "Ford v Ferrari" it will probably be in the same category.I can count on 1 finger how many racing car movies I have seen and though I may recall who was in them I don't remember any of them and, sadly, because I had heard good things about "Ford v Ferrari" it will probably be in the same category. Based on a true story, the screen writers Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth and Jason Keller, juggle 4-5 different stories to add human drama to the film while eliminating any one of them would have brought the movie in at a reasonable showing time, way less than the 2 hours and 30 minutes it runs.

At the same time the director James Mangold has one too many race scenes, one too many shots of a foot hitting the brakes, more shots than necessary to prove Ken Myles is eccentric or business owners and their employees can be underhanded and ruthless. Caitriona Balfe, though a bit difficult to understand, impressed me playing the wife of Christian Bale, who as driver Ken Myles, has been getting raves for his role, left me cold and also hard to understand. Matt Damon is, as always, impressive in a strong, somewhat silent way, as former champion driver and now designer of race cars. Tracy Letts in the role of Henry Ford II has a 2 minute moving and at the same time funny scene while being solid in the rest of the film. Josh Lucas as the boss's right hand man is an effective villain even if the role is a bit overwritten and obvious.

The banter between Damon and Bale tells a lot about both men but one segment, meant to be funny is only funny due to the reaction of Balfe while Bale's scenes with Noah Jupe, just right as his son, shows the man to be a good father.

The behind the scenes of business life certainly isn't new but the behind the scenes of the racing sport and business aspect of it and car companies is interesting.

Though you may know who the winner is, or will be, in "Ford v Ferrari" it will entertain you if you can get through the 30 to 40 minutes unnecessary segments.… Expand

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1

Teryua12Nov 15, 2019

It's not easy to make car racing look interesting on film, as shots of cars going around corners and faceless drivers shifting gears start to feel pretty repetitive. Though the many scenes of fast driving do add some adrenaline, the film hasIt's not easy to make car racing look interesting on film, as shots of cars going around corners and faceless drivers shifting gears start to feel pretty repetitive. Though the many scenes of fast driving do add some adrenaline, the film has to rely on a dramatic arc that hinges on the possibility of building a fast car and getting the right driver. Unfortunately this dilemma advances all too predictably, and features static characters in cookie-cutter relationships that feature no real tension and no development whatsoever. The characters are drawn well enough to elicit a few laughs at unexpected juxtapositions, but mostly they just go through the motions, and we literally hear the same overblown lines at the end of the film as we do at the beginning, as though the film wanted to remind viewers that nothing actually happens in between. Some nice period touches and decent turns by some supporting actors working with limited material demonstrate that the filmmakers were at least trying, but the flat relationships and tepid dialog keep things moving at a snooze. Maybe watch it on an airplane if there's nothing better?… Expand

4 of 29 users found this helpful425

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0

BroyaxMar 19, 2020

Quel dommage d'avoir gâché une belle histoire et une belle aventure pour Ford et Shelby...! car ce foutoir de film ne leur rend pas hommage, il les ridiculise et les caricature à l'insu de leur plein gré ! ce film trop long ne délivre enQuel dommage d'avoir gâché une belle histoire et une belle aventure pour Ford et Shelby...! car ce foutoir de film ne leur rend pas hommage, il les ridiculise et les caricature à l'insu de leur plein gré ! ce film trop long ne délivre en effet que deux heures et demi de propagande pro-américaine, de dialogues stupides, de bombage de torse et de petite guimauve à deux balles.

Ce merdier de film fait passer Enzo pour quasiment un mafioso (très) mal élevé et Henry Ford (second du nom) pour un réactionnaire qui pleure comme un bébé (jamais rien vu d'aussi affligeant). De toute façon, on n'apprend rien mais rien du tout sur le développement de la voiture, un comble...!

Côté réalisme, c'est une catastrophe plus ou moins ambulante, déambulant comme un mammouth alcoolique dans une course de voitures en porcelaine... ou plutôt entièrement en images de synthèse ! c'est évidemment la solution de la facilité mais aussi le piège du grand n'importe quoi dans lequel ils sont tombés à pieds joints... ne cherchez pas le moindre réalisme là-dedans, on est à Hollywood... Cela dit, le film de James Mangold a au moins une qualité : c'est sa réalisation de très bon aloi, en dehors ou sur la piste, même si ça explose comme dans un Star Wars, c'est toujours très clair et plutôt agréable à suivre lorsqu'on ne s'y ennuie pas ou qu'on ne peste pas devant tous ses défauts à chaque virage.

Evidemment, prendre Matt Damon pour incarner Shelby (?!) il fallait oser... et là pas de miracle, Damon reste universellement, irrémédiablement mauvais, pathétiquement mauvais ; on aimerait alors se rabattre sur Christian Bale mais ce dernier, étrangement contaminé par Damon, ne fait que cabotiner et sur-jouer : il s'avère aussi insupportable que l'autre tanche ! c'est inédit chez Bale, je n'avais franchement jamais vu ça...

Finalement, on se retrouve donc avec un film bidon qui sonne tristement creux... Pour un vrai de vrai sur les 24h, il faut voir Le Mans avec Steve McQueen, pas cette navrante gloriole grotesque ! ce film est une merguez !… Expand

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Ford v Ferrari

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