Grit, passion, determination and a hell lotta cars - Ford Vs Ferrari movie review

Biopic and sports film are having a dream run in every part of the world. And when you do your research right into this genre that only requires to hew to the basics, rave response is inevitable. Such is the result of Christian Bale-Matt Damon starrer Ford Vs Ferrari.

The plot is no secret, the infamous fallout between Henry Ford II and Enzo Ferrari resulting in their clash in the 24 hour Le Mans race where Ford makes its mark on the racing world in style.

Matt Damon as Caroll Shelby and Christian Bale as Ken Miles have pulled off a commendable performance and their on-screen chemistry is what makes this movie a rock-solid enterprise.

Shelby comes across as a crestfallen man who cannot race anymore due to his ailments but still goes nowhere from the race track. Ken's wife Mollie (Caitriona Balfe) always prods Ken to do what he does best despite their economic plight. Balfe's performance is registered amidst the testosteronal surge of race track and dogged men.

Ford Vs Ferrari's 2 and half hour run-time is engaging with its tight screenplay, un-confusing narration backed by stellar performances. Both Shelby's past and Miles' past has a few but fleeting references. Director James Mangold does good by sparing the audience from flashbacks. This kind of a narration is fresh for a biopic genre which usually glosses over the past, it is the present that matters for both Shelby and Miles.

The race scenes that are pivotal for this movie are extremely well shot. Cinematography and editing lessons could be taught from these race scenes, the camera work and editing are so speckless that it neatly meets the cinematic needs of a sports film and hinges to realism of a Grand Prix sort of video coverage as well.

The negatives, though very few, is still palpable. This movie was touted to be a mascot of the American pride, but falls flat in convincing us the same. It is a war between 2 automobile bigwigs who want a showdown on the race track, there is less 'Americanness' through out. Despite minimal screentime Enzo Ferrari (Remo Girone) and Henry Ford II (Tracy Letts) display a forgetful essay of the legendary personas. Expectations for their roles were high as they play the duo who set-in motion something that will be etched in the annals of car racing forever.

An already unconvincing patriotic angle takes a beating with a scheming race in charge for Ford Leo Beebe (Josh Lucas), he looks to take down Ken Miles. At one point the narrative becomes Ford Vs Ken and Caroll. If you could condone the bland patriotic angle, then you can enjoy the psychological games between Damon and Lucas.

While Ford Vs Ferrari is the main plot, the sub-plot of the infighting in Ford saves the movie from being a documentary and provides copious cinematic experience.

In short, Ford Vs Ferrari is a wholesome experience that works out for all variety of audience at the same time does its best to stay true to the history behind it.