Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz as well as the famous cars & races featured in Ferrari all have their moments, yet none are enough to redeem what is otherwise an uninspiring, slow moving movie.
Enzo Ferrari (Adam Driver), after suffering several personal tragedies, is determined to restore himself as the leader of one of the world's most recognized car brands. Michael Mann's movie follows this turbulent period in Ferrari's life.
Enzo Ferrari (Adam Driver)
Ferrari is an eye-opening movie about Italian fast car racing from both a personal and professional perspective, showing both its glamour and drivers' risky behavior from both an amateur and professional perspective. Enzo Ferrari (Adam Driver) and Laura (Penelope Cruz) provide strong performances as they attempt to balance each other's powerful personalities while staying close as spouses in this gripping tale of fast cars racing in Italy.
Enzo Ferrari (Adam Driver) finds himself facing multiple trials in both his personal and business lives during 1957. Laura (Penelope Cruz) is angry with him over their dead son Dino; his mistress wants him to acknowledge their biological child so she can claim her financial cut; and his accountant informs him that the company is on its last legs and he must win the Mille Miglia race to attract outside investors.
While all this was happening, Ferrari pushed their drivers hard in order to win the Mille Miglia race across Italy - but when one of their vehicles veered off course during a pit stop and struck an obstacle instead of staying on course it caused death for both its navigator and nine spectators including children.
Ferrari refuses to admit defeat despite the death toll, ordering his team to resume the race despite protests from other competitors who feel it's unfair for victims' families. When Alfonso de Portago (Adrien Brody) experiences a blowout during the race and loses control of his vehicle which then veers off-road and crashes, Ferrari's new driver becomes temporarily incapacitated and they attempt to restart it but when Alfonso suffers an unfortunate blowout and has difficulty maintaining control, they veer off road before finally colliding into another fatal collision.
While the film does a decent job of portraying what it takes to become an elite race car driver, too much attention is given to Enzo's personal and business struggles and not enough is given over to his racing life. Even with stellar acting from Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz, this movie fails to deliver its promise of thrills and excitement; instead it becomes slow, boring, and tedious.
Lina Lardi (Shailene Woodley)
Michael Mann makes a triumphant return as director with Ferrari, an auto-empire drama about its founder. Although it has been some time since Blackhat, Michael Mann shows no sign of slowing down or losing any skill behind the camera. Adam Driver (who also produced) gives an outstanding performance as Enzo Ferrari balancing his business and personal lives; his naturally large frame adds depth and gravitas.
The movie begins during the summer of 1957 and follows Ferrari, who is in difficulty due to near bankruptcy at his car company and grieving after Dino's death. Ferrari splits his life between an apartment in town owned by Laura (half-owner of company) and Lina - his mistress and mother of Piero (Giuseppe Festinese).
Ferrari is an intriguing yet divisive character. He is known for his successful business dealings in cars and racing, yet at times can appear to put business ahead of family commitments. Many will love to dislike him due to the fantastic performances from cast.
Penelope Cruz shines as Laura. Although her performance may seem familiar to Hollywood audiences, Penelope gives the character more depth than could otherwise have been achieved through just playing out its cliches.
Shailene Woodley may seem an unlikely candidate for Lina, but she nevertheless manages to give a credible performance with what's given her. Lina is more than just a mistress; she's more like an equal business partner with ambitions that may even surpass those of her husband's business ventures.
Ferrari is an engaging, well-made film worth seeing at any cost. Though not perfect, it stands as one of the year's best sports dramas. Though many major contenders for awards remain hidden until later in the calendar year, Ferrari stands as an exception and deserves its place among them.
Ken Miles (Christian Bale)
Brock Yates' best-selling book Go Like Hell: Ford, Ferrari and Their Battle for Speed and Glory at Le Mans is the basis of this film, in which Enzo Ferrari is determined to beat his competition at one of the most important races ever: Le Mans 24 Hours. To achieve his goal he hires Ken Miles a WWII veteran who excels both on track and behind the garage; Miles may have engineering prowess but may not be very well liked among family or friends due to his work schedule. Ken Miles seems adept in engineering but perhaps not so adept when dealing with family relationships; therefore creating tension within families over time and between family and work life strained through their relationships being affected.
Miles and Ferrari make for an entertaining story, yet this film takes some liberties with facts. Miles didn't die in an accident that could be blamed on any manufacturer; rather, he died due to an undiagnosed problem while testing a Ford test car. Still powerfully depicted is their depiction as it shows how speed can desensitize one to their own demise.
Michael Mann's movies often depict a glamorous world and reveal its underside, and this film is no different. Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz provide stellar performances as lead protagonists; its cinematography features incredible racing sequences with a great soundtrack; but unfortunately its plot can feel somewhat uneven; character development may also feel less than satisfying at times.
Overall, Ferrari is an entertaining film that captures the thrill and drama of auto racing. The cast is great, while it was shot and directed beautifully. While not one of Mann's greatest works, this remains a worthwhile watch nonetheless.
Car enthusiasts will not want to miss this film. While there may be some pacing issues, I was surprised it did not win more awards this year. My hope is that it raises awareness of Enzo Ferrari - someone whose legacy should be celebrated more widely; surely he would be glad his story is finally being told?
Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon)
Ford Vs Ferrari tells the tale of Ford and Ferrari's battle to become automobile giants, featuring American car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and British racecar driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale). Directed by James Mangold, this film tells an incredible real-life heist saga.
This film is packed with heart-pounding racing action that is sure to keep viewers on their toes! A must-see for motorsport fans and an ideal movie night pick, this fantastic cast features Jon Bernthal, Josh Lucas, Caitriona Balfe Tracy Letts and Remo Girone among others!
Noteworthy is also that this film is an extremely political work. Not only does it explore car rivalries, but also discusses differences between countries as well as democratic vs capitalistic views.
Matt Damon shines as Carroll Shelby and serves as the center of this film. He brings emotion to his role and makes it truly his own. Christian Bale shines as Ken Miles with great character.
Peter Morgan's script for this fast-paced movie is superb and is full of thrilling action and drama, including its very political subject matter (competition between automobile companies). Definitely worth seeing, this fascinating flick should not be missed!
This film is sure to please fans of cars and racing alike and should definitely make its way onto your viewing list. Not only is it enjoyable for its own sake but its fun family-oriented plot will keep audiences coming back time after time at the box office!
This racing movie delivers plenty of action and drama. With an exceptional cast and script, this tale tells about Shelby's creation to challenge Ferrari is both thrilling and engaging to watch. Actors perform superbly and viewers will surely have plenty of enjoyment from watching.
