Ford v Ferrari

Ford v Ferrari

Year: 2019

Runtime: 152 min

Language: English

Director: James Mangold

Echo Score: 86

Budget: $98M

ActionBiographyDramaSport

Driven by ambition, Ford Motor Company enlists Carroll Shelby to construct a race car capable of defeating Ferrari at the 1966 Le Mans. Shelby recruits Ken Miles, a talented but often rebellious driver, to help him achieve the seemingly impossible. Facing corporate interference and personal challenges, the pair pushes the boundaries of automotive engineering and their own abilities in a thrilling battle for racing supremacy.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Ford v Ferrari (2019)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Ford v Ferrari (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1960s

The film is set in the 1960s, a decade marked by significant advancements in automotive technology and fierce competition in motorsports. This era saw Ford's ambitious attempts to challenge Ferrari and cement its legacy in racing. The time was characterized by a blend of innovation, high stakes, and the personal stories of the drivers and engineers behind the machines.

Location

Los Angeles International Airport, Daytona International Speedway, Le Mans, Riverside International Raceway

The movie spans several iconic racing venues, including Los Angeles International Airport, where the Ford GT40 Mk I prototype was developed. Daytona International Speedway served as a battleground for a pivotal race that set the stage for a future showdown at Le Mans. Le Mans, known for its grueling endurance race, tested the limits of engineering and human spirit. Riverside International Raceway, while less famous, was where tragedy struck during a testing session.

🌍 Locations 🏁 Racing Circuits

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:33

Main Characters – Ford v Ferrari (2019)

Meet the key characters of Ford v Ferrari (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon)

Carroll Shelby is a legendary American driver and automotive designer known for his charisma and determination. He embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience as he partners with Ken Miles to create a competitive racing car. His ability to navigate the complexities of the Ford corporate structure reflects his strategic mind, though he often grapples with the consequences of his decisions.

🏎️ Driver 💡 Innovator 🤝 Partner

Ken Miles (Christian Bale)

Ken Miles is a talented British racing driver characterized by his passion, skill, and candid demeanor. His fierce devotion to racing drives him to challenge conventions, but it often puts him at odds with Ford executives. Despite the pressures he faces, Miles' loyalty and tenacity shine through, marking him as a key figure in the Ford racing saga.

🏁 Racer ⚙️ Engineer 💪 Tenacious

Lee Iacocca (Jon Bernthal)

Lee Iacocca is a forward-thinking executive at Ford, whose vision for the company leads to the collaboration with Shelby and Miles. He represents corporate ambition, pushing the boundaries of what the company can achieve in the competitive automotive landscape. Iacocca's strategic insight and willingness to take risks underscore the high stakes of the racing world.

💼 Executive 💡 Visionary 🔄 Strategist

Henry Ford II (Tracy Letts)

Henry Ford II is the ambitious and sometimes domineering leader of the Ford Motor Company. His drive to elevate Ford's status in the automotive world often leads to tension with his team, especially when it comes to making decisions about racing. His character embodies the clash between corporate interests and sporting integrity.

🏢 CEO 🔥 Ambitious ⚔️ Controversial

Enzo Ferrari (Remo Girone)

Enzo Ferrari is portrayed as a fiercely independent and proud leader of Scuderia Ferrari, showcasing his dedication to the legacy of his racing team. His dealings with Ford are marked by both business acumen and emotional stakes. Ferrari's character serves as a counterpoint to the ambitions of Ford, highlighting the stakes of racing beyond mere competition.

🏎️ Legend 💼 Businessman 🏆 Competitor

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:33

Major Themes – Ford v Ferrari (2019)

Explore the central themes of Ford v Ferrari (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏆 Competition

At its core, the film explores the theme of fierce competition, both in motorsports and corporate dynamics. The rivalry between Ford and Ferrari exemplified the lengths to which companies would go to assert dominance. Personal rivalries, particularly between Ken Miles and other drivers, further highlight the drive to win against all odds.

🤝 Camaraderie

The camaraderie among the characters plays a crucial role in the narrative, showing how relationships are forged through mutual challenges. The partnership between Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles illustrates the importance of trust and support in achieving a common goal. Even in moments of tension, their bond highlights the shared passion for racing.

⚙️ Innovation

Innovation is a recurring theme in 'Ford v Ferrari', showcased through the development of the Ford GT40 Mk I. The film emphasizes the creativity and determination required to push mechanical limits. As Shelby and Miles confront various obstacles, their ingenuity drives them to perfect the racing car that would ultimately compete with Ferrari.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:33

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a dedicated individual or team striving for a clear, difficult goal, typically in a competitive arena like sports, business, or art. The story builds towards a climactic victory, but the achievement is undercut by a parallel personal tragedy, loss, or moral compromise for the protagonist, leaving the audience with a mixed feeling of success and sorrow.

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These films are grouped by their unique emotional payoff: they deliver the catharsis of a hard-won victory while simultaneously exploring the heavy price of that success. This combination of high-stakes action and poignant, bittersweet emotion creates a powerful and memorable viewing experience that goes beyond a simple win-or-lose story.

Unlock the Full Story of Ford v Ferrari

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Ford v Ferrari Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Ford v Ferrari, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Ford v Ferrari Summary

Ford v Ferrari Timeline

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Ford v Ferrari Timeline

Ford v Ferrari Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Ford v Ferrari? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Ford v Ferrari Ending Explained

Ford v Ferrari Spoiler-Free Summary

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Ford v Ferrari Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Ford v Ferrari

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