Ford v Ferrari (2019) is a thrilling biographical sports drama based on the true story of the intense rivalry between the Ford Motor Company and Ferrari during the 1960s, centered around the creation of the Ford GT40, a car designed to win the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
The film focuses on two main characters: Carroll Shelby (played by Matt Damon), a former race car driver turned designer, and Ken Miles (played by Christian Bale), a talented, yet rebellious British race car driver. Shelby is hired by Henry Ford II (Tracy Letts), the head of Ford, to lead the company’s effort to build a car that can defeat Ferrari at Le Mans, which had been dominating the race for years.
Despite being under immense pressure from Ford executives and facing constant challenges, Shelby and Miles work tirelessly to develop the Ford GT40, a car that is innovative yet plagued with technical issues. Miles, whose driving skills and deep understanding of the car are essential, is often at odds with Ford’s management, who prefer to emphasize public relations and corporate interests over the engineering and craftsmanship of the car.
The film explores themes of passion, perseverance, friendship, and the pursuit of excellence. It showcases the dramatic tension between the determination of Shelby and Miles to build the perfect racing machine and the corporate forces of Ford, which are focused on winning at any cost. The story culminates in the high-stakes showdown at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, where Ford finally manages to achieve a monumental victory, but not without sacrifices and controversy.
Ford v Ferrari is a powerful testament to innovation, teamwork, and the unyielding drive to push boundaries, both in racing and in life. The film received widespread acclaim for its gripping performances, especially those of Damon and Bale, and for its thrilling depiction of the racing world.
