David’s reviews

My rating: Shazam!

This movie is my favorite film of all time. If I were stuck with watching one film for the rest of my life, I would choose this one.

Photo by 20th Century Studios

“What’s the deal with the wrench?” Shelby simply replies, “That’s a long story”. – Ford V Ferrari

This film is about two friends who together made the first and only American super car, the Ford GT. Both faced many adversities from competitors like Ferrari, and even within their same team, Ford Motor. Their friendship was tested at many points due to conflicting personalities and corporate greed but at the end of it all, friendship triumphs.

This film had many great qualities. When the first race at Willow Springs takes place, Miles throws a wrench at his friend Shelby, over something minimal. Yet Shelby decides to take the wrench, and frame it as a trophy later seen in his office. And when Lee Iococa enters his office and notices the wrench, he asks, “What’s the deal with the wrench?” Shelby simply replies, “That’s a long story”. A story the audience already knows about. I believe that was excellent writing as it created a sense of connection between the audience and the film. Matt Damon and Christian Bale did excellent in their roles as Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles. You could feel their energy and dynamic. One was a people person while the other was clearly not. They each complemented each other’s characters. 

Miles’s family was also a standout in the film. His wife was supportive of her husband’s passions although his passion for racing wasn’t putting food on the table. She was a big part of his life and together they were able to raise their son while also pursuing his dreams. Mile’s son, Peter, was a great as well, as it created a sense of connection between the audience and the characters, in my opinion. I believe everyone can relate to a father-son relationship and the son constantly looking up to his father, having a positive role model. At least for me, that’s what Peter represented. 

As far as other supporting characters, Lee Iococa, Henry Ford II, Leo Bebee, Enzo Ferrari, the Ford motor team, all we’re great. Iococa was a likeable corporate character, he was empathetic towards Shelby, and recognized the skill and talent of Ken Miles. Henry Ford II was simply another CEO. When it was convenient for him to be on one side, he was, and when it wasn’t, then he wasn’t. He had no loyalty, only to himself and his company. His scenes where he interacted with Iococa and Shelby were great. And in the final race at Le Mans, it was obvious he only cared for his brand, he did not care for the individuals who helped him reach his goal to beat the greatest car maker of all time, Enzo Ferrari. Leo Bebee represented the corporate jerks of the Ford company. He only cared for himself and held personal vendettas against Shelby and Miles, as they weren’t anything like him. He even went as far as costing Miles the victory at Le Mans. He was a great hate-able character. Enzo Ferrari was another rich jerk. He knew well he was using to the Ford Motor Company to find the best price from another company to buy his. The only difference was that he recognized the skill and talent of Miles and paid his respects to him simply by tipping his hat. That tip meant much to a man like Miles, the greatest car manufacturer of all time recognized his skill. The ford motor team was great as well, like Pops and Charles Agapiou. Pops was a “chief engineer”, he knew the cars so well that’s he was the mastermind behind assembling the car together for the best possible performance. While Charles Agapiou, the younger British man, represented the mechanics, the actual hands that repaired and altered the Ford GTs. 

Overall, this film has many great qualities which make into a perfect film, not just for car enthusiasts but for all. Anyone can appreciate a story between two friends against all odds. I definitely recommend this film and hope you have the pleasure of watching this and have the excitement as I do.

By: David Rivera