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MESSAGE IN THE MOVIES

Of all the films nominated for Best Picture at this year’s Academy Awards, Ford v Ferrari is perhaps the most exceptional, for many reasons. It is nostalgic, old-fashioned film making, filled with bigger than life characters, competition, car racing, moments of suspense, and much good humor.

The film is set in the early 1960s and gives us a story of two men who have achieved some success but are in need of a fresh start. Carroll Shelby (Damon) was a world-class driver, forced to retire from the track due to health reasons. Ford Motors hires Shelby to be a spokesperson for their brand, while also giving him the opportunity to help them in the modification and design of race cars. Shelby also manages some of the racers, including Ken Miles (Bale), a temperamental Brit who also runs a struggling repair shop in LA.

Back in Detroit, Henry Ford II (Tracey Letts) is hoping to recapture some of the spirit of the company founded by his grandfather. When a failed effort from Ford to buy the Ferrari Company leads to a personal insult from Enzo Ferrari (Remo Girone), Ford II enlists the team of Shelby and Miles to design a car that will beat the Italians on the Le Mans racetrack, one of the most grueling of all races – a 24-hour event that includes night driving and inclement weather.

As the two friends work to achieve their goal, they are constantly muzzled by Leo Beebe (Josh Lucas), Ford’s second-in-command, who isn’t a fan of Miles (who he calls a “beatnik”) or the amount of money this venture is costing the company. Things are rarely this black-and-white but Lucas makes a great villain, and the tension between the establishment and the two hot shot innovators provides some exciting tension.

I particularly liked the depiction of Miles’ family life, including his supportive and independent spirit wife (Caitrona Balfe) and his doting son (Noah Jupe). And there hasn’t been so much rough house friendly fighting in a movie since John Wayne.

The film is 2½ hours but no less than 30 minutes are devoted to the race at Le Mans. It is a tribute of this movie that we are informed and kept engaged the entire time.

This is the rare “family friendly” film that is accompanied by PG-13 swearing. Most children ages 8 and older would enjoy this movie, but parents should watch it ahead of time and make the language decision for themselves.

A personal note: When in doubt about a film’s suitability for your kids, the best option is always to view the film yourselves before allowing your children to see it. The next best option is to watch the film with your children and then discuss it together. There is no third best option.

Halo and Pitchfork Rating:

Four halos: An entertaining and upbeat film about innovation, with a strong backstory about friendship and family.
One pitchfork: Pervasive casual swearing.

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