Ford v Ferrari * * * *

            This is a big exciting colourful film that tells the story well.  More importantly it gets you right into the sport and gives you an appreciation of what it takes to compete at that level.   If you have read about the people involved in this famous motor racing event from the 1960's you are going to find it hugely rewarding to see them all come to life on the screen, for they are all well played.

No, they don't come as automatics!

        The Ford v Ferrari battle came about because Ford had made a proposal to buy the financially distressed Ferrari.  Enzo Ferrari would have allowed the transaction as long as he be allowed to continue to make his car his way.  He also wanted to compete as Ferrari. When he learnt that Ford would want to govern the Ferrari Racing Team  he sent the Ford messengers home with a bagful of insults that only an enraged Italian could think up, including some very personal insults for Henry Ford II.
        Henry Ford II (grandson of the original and great Henry Ford) was infuriated.  He made up his mind he was going to publicly humiliate Ferrari at Le Mans for this.  Thus the involvement of Carroll Shelby racing car constructors, and maverick driver Ken Miles.  Men that Henry Ford did not particularly like, but came to realise they were so good he probably couldn't win without them. Collaterally they built the GT40, a car whose sole purpose was to beat Ferrari.
     Ford v Ferrari is visually spectacular and flawless in it's recreation of the 1960s.  The racing scenes are thrilling. Nearly every car that competed would be regarded a near priceless classic today so I don't think they are originals, but somehow they have recreated them and they knock them around and smash them up as though history has brought them no value.  It looks real. You can almost smell the petrol, the oil and the burning rubber.
      Then there is the enticing title of this film.  But I'm sure not going to spoil things for you by revealing the outcome of that!