Rating:
3.5/5
Star
Cast:
Matt
Damon,
Christian
Bale,
Noah
Jupe
Director:
James
Mangold
Ford
v
Ferrari,
one
of
the
biggest
Hollywood
movies
of
the
year,
arrived
in
theatres
in
India
today
(November
15),
giving
cinephiles
a
reason
to
rejoice.
The
film,
featuring
top
stars
Christian
Bale
and
Matt
Damon
in
the
lead,
has
created
a
good
deal
of
buzz
among
fans
due
to
its
stellar
cast
and
intriguing
plot
and
this
means
that
the
stakes
are
pretty
high.
So,
did
the
sports
drama
live
up
to
expectations?
Read
the
Ford
v
Ferrari
movie
review
to
find
out.
Plot
The
James
Mangold-directed
flick
revolves
around
the
surprising
events
that
unfold
when
a
war
veteran/
professional
race
car
driver
and
an
automotive
designer
get
involved
in
the
intense
rivalry
between
the
iconic
car
manufacturers
'Ford'
and
'Ferrari'.
Screenplay
And
Execution
At
a
superficial
level,
Ford
v
Ferrari
features
a
routine
plot
that
focuses
on
corporate
rivalry
while
highlighting
how
people
often
end
up
becoming
a
mere
pawn
in
a
'big
bad
game'.
However,
the
film
manages
to
strike
a
chord
because
of
its
subtext
and
sincere
execution.
The
first
half
is
a
bit
slow
but
this
is
justified
as
it
adds
depth
to
the
onscreen
action.
The
scenes
featuring
Christian
Bale
have
come
out
well
and
work
mainly
because
of
their
intensity.
Matt
Damon's
sequences
too
are
good
but
might
not
click
with
the
masses.
Ford
v
Ferrari
picks
up
big
time
post
the
'interval',
leaving
viewers
asking
for
more.
The
'24
Hours
of
Le
Mans'
race,
the
big
highlight
of
the
second
half,
has
been
executed
quite
well,
beginning
in
the
most
unexpected
way
possible.
There
is
also
a
twist
towards
the
end
and
this
adds
a
new
dimension
to
the
movie.
While
the
race
sequences
have
been
executed
quite
well,
the
scenes
involving
Christian
Bale's
family
fail
to
make
an
impact
The
closing
sequences,
however,
are
simply
mindblowing
and
might
leave
some
movie
buffs
teary-eyed.
Performances
Christian
Bale
is
the
heart
and
soul
of
Ford
v
Ferrari
and
delivers
a
riveting
performance,
highlighting
his
character's
struggles
quite
well.
He
also
manages
to
underplay
things
a
bit
in
the
softer
sequences,
proving
that
he
is
quite
a
versatile
actor.
Matt
Damon
too
is
quite
good.
However,
he
pales
in
comparison
to
the
'Vice'
star.
Caitríona
Balfe
has
virtually
nothing
to
do
in
Ford
v
Ferrari
and
hence
fails
to
prove
her
mettle.
The
supporting
cast,
including
names
such
as
Tracy
Letts,
Noah
Jupe
and
Remo
Girone,
is
decent.
Technical
Aspects
The
cinematography
is
effective
and
ups
the
recall
value
of
the
race
sequences.
The
background
score
gels
with
the
reel
action,
keeping
fans
hooked.
The
editing
is
decent
as
the
film
does
not
drag
at
any
point.
The
other
technical
departments
have
been
handled
well.
Positives
-
Christian
Bale's
Energetic
Performance
-
Matt
Damon
And
Christian
Bale's
Chemistry
-
Thrilling
Car
Races
-
Emotional
Climax
-
Stellar
Production
Values
Negatives
-
A
Few
Emotional
Sequences
Feel
Forced
-
Caitríona
Balfe
Is
Under-utilised
-
The
First
Half
Might
Not
Be
Everyone's
Cup
Of
Tea
The
Verdict
Ford
v
Ferrari
is
a
compelling
attempt
at
storytelling
that
exceeds
expectations.