'Ford v Ferrari' Is a Universally Appealing Racing Drama

Based on real life events, Ford v Ferrari tells the story of two World War II veterans, British race car driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) and American automotive designer and retired race car driver Caroll Shelby (Matt Damon), who team up to take on racing powerhouse Ferrari on behalf of Ford in the 1966 24 Hours of Lemans.  The film depicts their friendship, the various challenges they have to overcome while building their ideal race car, and the prestigious endurance sports race that they are determined to win.

This may be a case of recency bias, but I feel that I enjoyed Ford v Ferrari more than the last biographical racing drama film I saw prior to it, which is 2013’s Rush.  I also liked Rush, but Ford v Ferrari simply has more compelling filmmaking.  In turn, the characters, plot, and racing sequences are superior, too.

Utilizing the reliable narrative components of sports ethos, Ford v Ferrari is quite uplifting in general. However, it also has its sad parts.  Moreover, Josh Lucas’ character – a Ford executive who’s determined to dismiss and discount Miles – can also compromise the feel-good feeling of the movie.  While he’s not necessarily a negative for the movie per se, as his place in the story is understood as a necessity, this character is simply the kind of person you would want to punch in the face, and the jerk moves he pulls throughout the movie elicit exasperation.

In the end, Ford v Ferrari is a stirring and fun racing film.  However, it’s not necessarily a film that will only please those who are interested with racing and cars.  For the drama at its core is universally appealing – relatable, poignant, and thought-provoking.