Review of Ford v. Ferrari 2019: An Accurate Portrayal of Rivalry and Drama

Ford v. Ferrari, released in 2019, is a film that captures the intense rivalry between Ford and Ferrari in the 1960s, focusing on the creation and racing of the Ford GT40. Directed by James Mangold, known for his work in action and thriller genres, the film features a stellar cast, including Matt Damon as Carroll Shelby and Christian Bale as Ken Miles. However, while the movie is exciting and engaging, it does have some historical inaccuracies and simplifications that detract from its overall accuracy.

Historical Inaccuracies in Ford v. Ferrari

While Ford v. Ferrari is an impressive film, it is worth noting several inaccuracies in the portrayal of events and characters. These inaccuracies can be grouped into four main categories: historical events, characters, and race details.

1. Historical Events

GT40 Development and Racing: The movie suggests that the Ford GT40 was first developed in the late 1960s when in reality, the GT40 was developed in the early 1960s. The British-built GT40s won the 1967 and 1968 Le Mans races, making them even more successful than the Mk.II version. Le Mans 1966: According to the film, there were only Ken and Shirley AC Cobras at Le Mans in 1966, but the truth is that there were nine Ford GT40s, including three Shelby American models. The movie focuses solely on Ken's part of the race, neglecting the broader picture.

2. Character Portrayals

Ken Miles' Role: The film's focus on Ken's gearbox failure in 1965 does not fully capture the complexity of his character's experience. A more interesting angle would have been to explore his earlier race experience and how it shaped his involvement in the Ford GT40 project. Lee Iacocca's Role: Lee Iacocca, the Ford executive, is portrayed as a key figure in hiring Carroll Shelby, but the film does little to show his background or the internal Ford dynamics that led to this decision.

3. Race Details

End of the Race: The film depicts a straightforward decision by the Ford team to allow Ken and his car to finish the race ahead of the McLaren team. However, a more complex story emerges when considering that the team had to choose between allowing a close race with McLaren to potentially win a 1-2-3 finish, or cutting them off. This decision was possibly influenced by the earlier conflict between Miles and the team.

Overall Impression

Despite these inaccuracies, Ford v. Ferrari remains a compelling and engaging film. It succeeds in capturing the spirit of competition and innovation that marked the era. The film's portrayal of the friendship, rivalry, and personal struggles of Shelby and Miles is depicted vividly, making the protagonists relatable and inspiring.

The high-octane racing scenes and strong performances from the lead actors are notable highlights. The film captures the emotional and physical toll of the racing world, placing the viewer in the driver's seat through the use of Cinerama-like techniques, enhancing the immersive experience.

Conclusion

While Ford v. Ferrari is not a perfect historical reenactment, it is an excellent film that brings to life a pivotal era in automotive history. It is a must-watch for fans of racing films and those interested in the story of the Ford GT40.