Le Mans '66 Is Being Called 'Movie Of The Year'

It's been out less than a week but Le Mans '66 is already being hailed as the 'movie of the year' by fans and critics alike.

And when you've got the likes of Christian Bale and Matt Damon at the wheel, it's not hard to see why.

Going by the name Ford v Ferrari over in the States, the movie tells the story of prickly racing outsider Ken Miles (Bale) who teamed up with American car designer and former F1 racer Carroll Shelby (Damon) to build a revolutionary Ford car to win the French endurance race and dethrone Ferrari as the king of the racing world.

The two friends must overcome their own differences and the pressure from the powers that be at Ford who are intent on dividing them, to create history.

20th Century Fox

But if you're sat their thinking it's just another film about cars, think again, it is much more than that.

But don't just take our word for it. Those who have seen it have been falling over themselves with praise for the emotionally-charged flick which raked in $31 million on its opening weekend and received 92 percent from Rotten Tomatoes.

Writing for Forbes, critic Marc Hughes wrote: "You don't have to love Ford to cheer for Ford v Ferrari. Indeed, you don't even have to like racing or cars to be thrilled by Ford v Ferrari. Films this good grab hold of your heart in their first instant and never let go.

"The character-driven story is full of wonderful conflict, internal and external struggle, and redemption. The cars represent ambition, imagination, courage, and sheer force of will barrelling along a path full of obstacles and opponents trying to crash the hopes and destinies of those who dare to dream big.

"Ford v Ferrari is yet another glaring example disproving the perpetual myth that Hollywood doesn't make adult dramas - and great ones, at that - anymore. It's blockbuster-style filmmaking for an award season real-life drama. It's a great winning combo that should appeal to just about everyone, in the best possible way."

High praise indeed.

And the sentiment seems to be shared by basically anyone who has seen the film, with social media packed full of gushing comments for the movie and its stars.

Taking to Twitter, one person said: "Ford vs Ferrari was honestly the best racing movie I have EVER seen."

A second wrote: "Ford v. Ferrari might just be my favourite movie of the year."

"Ford v. Ferrari Best movie I've seen all year!!!!!" said a third.

While another added: "Ford vs Ferrari is a 'must see' movie of the year! @caitrionambalfe is amazing! Spoiler alert: bring tissues."

They're aren't lying either, bring plenty of tissues.

Le Mans '66 is in cinemas now.

Topics: TV and Film, Funny, Interesting, Christian Bale, US Entertainment, Matt Damon

Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

@SmithersDom