Ford v Ferrari

| 2019

Directed by: James Mangold

Main Plot

"Ford v Ferrari," directed by James Mangold, is a thrilling sports drama that centers on the true story of the American car manufacturer Ford's quest to defeat the dominant Ferrari racing team at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world's oldest active sports car race in endurance racing. The film follows visionary American car designer Carroll Shelby and the fearless British driver Ken Miles. Together, they battle corporate interference, the laws of physics, and their personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford. The movie explores themes of innovation, competition, and perseverance as Shelby and Miles aim to achieve the impossible under the corporate leadership of Ford. Their journey is not just about building a car that can win but also about pushing the boundaries of what they and their team are capable of achieving. The narrative builds to a gripping and emotionally charged climax, highlighting the intense and often perilous world of motorsports.

Characters

  • Matt Damon plays Carroll Shelby, an automotive designer who helps build a revolutionary race car for Ford to challenge Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
  • Christian Bale plays Ken Miles, a British race car driver who helps build a revolutionary car for Ford to challenge Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
  • Jon Bernthal plays Lee Iacocca, a forward-thinking Ford executive who initiates the project to build a race car capable of defeating Ferrari at Le Mans.

Ending Explained

In the climactic ending of "Ford v Ferrari," directed by James Mangold, race car driver Ken Miles, portrayed by Christian Bale, competes in the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. Despite facing numerous challenges, including corporate interference from Ford, Miles excels on the track, showcasing his extraordinary driving skills and the superior engineering of the Ford GT40. He dominates the race, but in a twist, Ford executives order him to slow down to allow the other two Ford cars to catch up, aiming for a three-car photo finish to highlight Ford's dominance over Ferrari. Miles, initially resistant, ultimately complies with the team's decision, sacrificing his clear victory. As a result, due to a technicality in the race rules regarding starting positions, Miles finishes second, not first, even though he was the fastest driver. This decision highlights the corporate influence and politics overshadowing the sport's purity and individual achievement. The film concludes with a poignant note on Miles' legacy. Shortly after Le Mans, Miles dies in a tragic accident while testing a new race car. The film ends by honoring his contributions to motor racing, underscoring the personal sacrifices and risks inherent in the pursuit of automotive excellence. The conclusion serves as a tribute to Miles' spirit and skill, overshadowed

James Mangold Action Biography Drama Matt Damon Christian Bale Jon Bernthal