Ford v Ferrari (2019)
★★★★ — Ford v Ferrari (2019)
James Mangold came to Ford v Ferrari off the back of Logan (2017), a film that had demonstrated his knack for character-driven action at scale, and the project marked something of a prestige gear-change for him. The film recounts the true story of Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles, the pair recruited by Ford to build a car capable of beating Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, a race that had become a point of corporate pride after Enzo Ferrari famously rebuffed Henry Ford II's attempted takeover of his company in 1963. Produced by 20th Century Fox and Chernin Entertainment on a substantial budget, the production leaned heavily on practical driving footage rather than CGI, filming sections at Willow Springs and Riverside racetracks in California to ground the racing sequences in something tactile and real.
Ford v Ferrari (2019) is a thrilling, pulse-pounding triumph of storytelling and speed. It won best picture at the academy awards. A film that revs far beyond the racetrack to deliver a deeply human story about passion, integrity, and the fight against bureaucracy. Directed by James Mangold, it chronicles the true behind-the-scenes battle in the 1960s when Ford Motor Company, desperate for racing prestige, enlisted legendary car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and fearless driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) to build a car capable of beating Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. From the very first engine start, the film grabs you with authenticity, the roar of engines, the grit of the pits, the smell of oil and ambition. The racing sequences are nothing short of spectacular: shot with clarity and intensity, letting you feel every gear shift, every near-miss, every heartbeat as Miles pushes the Ford GT40 to its limits. You don’t need to be a petrolhead to appreciate the craftsmanship on screen, but if you are, it’s pure cinema heaven. Damon and Bale are electric together, Damon calm and strategic, Bale restless and raw, and their chemistry grounds the film in real emotion. It’s not just about winning; it’s about respect, vision, and what it means to do something right, even when the suits want shortcuts. Masterfully directed, brilliantly acted, and fuelled by one of the most compelling true stories in automotive history. A celebration of engineering, courage, and sheer willpower. Whether you live for lap times or just great filmmaking, this one sticks with you long after the checkered flag drops.
Rating: ★★★★ | Year: 2019 | Watched: 2025-11-20
Where to watch (UK)
Stream: Disney Plus
Rent: Rakuten TV · Amazon Video · Google Play Movies · Sky Store
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Physical: Amazon UK
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Related on Movies With Macca
More from James Mangold: Logan (2017) · Cop Land (1997) · The Wolverine (2013) · Walk the Line (2005)
More with Matt Damon: Good Will Hunting (1997) · True Grit (2010)
More from the 2010s: Wonder (2017) · Beautiful Boy (2018) · The Witch (2015) · What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
More drama: Viy (1967) · Wonder (2017) · A Better Tomorrow (1986) · Beautiful Boy (2018)
More action: A Better Tomorrow (1986) · The General (1926) · Hand of Death (1976) · Daredevil (2003)
