Ford v Ferrari

Official Australian release date: 14/11/19. Viewed: 20/11/19.

Director: James Mangold

Actors: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal, Josh Lucas

Genre: Action / Drama

Rating: M

  

‘Ford v Ferrari’ – underwhelming title, but exceptionally put-together sports biopic about the 24-hour endurance Le Mans motor race in 1966. If that puts you off, the good news is that the film’s not all about racing – probably only ~30% – with much of the focus on Shelby (Damon), Miles (Bale) and Miles’ wife, Mollie (Balfe) and son, Peter (Jupe). There’s also the tension with Ferrari, where Ford executives Iacocca (Bernthal), Beebe (Lucas) and Ford (Letts) are trying to take the racing crown from Ferrari (Girone) and Agnelli (Cirfiera)

It’s nice to hear Bale using something close to his actual accent and the rapport he has with Damon carries the film. All the actors are good, but their relationship is what has you caring about what happens, rather than just the cars. The pacing is quick and it feels faster (pardon the pun) than 2.5 hours. This would be as good as, if not better than, ‘Rush’ and ‘Senna’.

Great directing from Mangold (coming off ‘Logan’) throughout, with a nice balance of family time, racing scenes and the car politics. The fact the 24-hour race is condensed to less than 20min and feels both quick and like it’s been a marathon is a true feat. If you don’t know the story, don’t Google it and let the ending be a surprise. There’s good editing, cinematography, authentic 60s cars and soundtrack throughout.

Overall: Well-made and enjoyable racing biopic.

Gav's Rating: 4 stars.